Empowering your child’s journey!
Bethesda is pleased to offer Foundational Family Services for children/youth and their families who are registered with Children’s Behaviour Services (CBS) at Bethesda and ANY family across the province who is registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) up until their 18th birthday.
At Bethesda, we believe in the power of collaboration, compassionate care, and innovation to unlock your child’s full potential to live their best life.
Together, we create a supportive environment that celebrates your child’s unique strengths while addressing their individual needs. Our compassionate professionals work hand-in-hand with families to develop individualized plans that integrate seamlessly into your daily lives.
Here’s what sets Bethesda apart:
• Collaborative Culture: We value your expertise as a parent/caregiver. You are the constant in your child’s life, and your insights are invaluable. We partner with you to create a unified care plan.
• Quality Care: Our team is comprised of highly trained specialists who stay current on the latest research and best practices. We offer a wide range of evidence-based services, including Foundational Family Services and Core Clinical Services, to address your child’s specific needs.
• Innovation in Action: We believe in pushing boundaries and developing innovative approaches that support your child’s success at home, in school, and in the community.
Together we can:
• Set goals: We partner with you to define your child’s aspirations and establish a roadmap for achieving them.
• Develop Strategies: We collaborate to identify practical techniques you can incorporate into your daily routines to empower your child’s growth.
• Celebrate Progress: We celebrate your child’s achievements and work together to measure and track their development.
• Plan for the Future: We continuously assess your child’s needs and collaboratively determine the next steps in their journey.
How do I get started with Bethesda’s Free Foundational Family Services?
If you have any questions about the below steps please reach out to a service coordinator: serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com 905.684.6918 ext. 170
Step 1
Step 2
Are you registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) or Bethesda Children’s Behaviour Services?
Create your account through Bethesda’s membership portal. See page 24
*Your account will be approved within three (3) business days.
If you already have an account, log in.
Step 3
Step 4
Review the events in this guide to find the best programs for you and your family.
Please note there is a limit of one recreational and one clinical group service per child.
Register for your selections. If your preferred group is full, register for that group’s waitlist. Our team reviews and confirms registrants before each group begins and room may become available for you.
Nous sommes heureux d’offrir des services en français sur demande.
We are pleased to offer services in French upon request.
Keep an eye out for these icons:
Pending
Approved
Cancelled
These icons will give you direction on the status of your registration!
PENDING
Your registration request is being reviewed. Stay tuned for more information.
APPROVED
Your registration is approved and you are confirmed for the event!
CANCELLED
Your registration has been cancelled for one of the following reasons:
• at your request
• the event was cancelled
• we are following up with you to plan service that meets the needs of your family
WAITLIST
You have been successfully added to the waitlist for this event. We will contact you directly if a spot becomes available.
SERVICE COORDINATOR
Your Service Coordinators are here to help! Contact a Service Coordinator if you have any questions!
What is a Brief Consultation
Brief Consultations are single or time-limited (1-3) individualized sessions that are focused on a specific need or goal.
Examples of topics that can be discussed during a brief consultation appointment include, but are not limited to:
Behaviour concerns
Increasing independence
Learning about community resources
Completing OAP registration and funding applications
Teaching new skills
Consult appointments are available from a variety of clinicians, including:
• Behaviour Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Registered Early Childhood Educator
• Service Coordinator
Workshops and Caregiver Learning Series
Understanding the Ontario Autism Program
Clarifying Autism Services and funding options
Meet one-on-one with a Service Coordinator to help parents and caregivers navigate Autism services in the Niagara Region and the province.
Get clear and concise information about:
• The Ontario Autism Program (OAP): Understand eligibility and explore funding options
• One-time Funding: Learn about additional financial support available
• Evidence-based Interventions: Discover the benefits of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and other proven strategies
DATE/TIME Available by individual appointment upon request.
Phone 905.684.6918 ext.170
LOCATION Virtual, phone, or in-person appointments available.
Caregiver Development Workshops
Contact us to register
Bethesda Children and Youth Services is committed to empowering parents and caregivers with knowledge and strategies to support your child’s overall well-being.
Identifying and Coping with Autistic Burnout
Is your child/youth experiencing depression, or could it be “autistic burnout”? Come learn about the signs and symptoms of a concept that is gaining attention in recent years, “autistic burnout”. Let’s discuss how you can support your child through certain lifestyle changes to improve their psychological wellbeing.
DATE/TIME Monday April 28 12:00pm - 1:00pm
LOCATION Virtual register
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Application Support
Our Service Coordinators will help to provide support with completing applications online for families who have not applied. Families are encouraged to bring their laptops and iPad’s to complete applications, laptops will also be available on a first come, first served basis. This workshop is appropriate for families applying for the first time only.
DATE/TIME Thursday May 8
Day Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Evening: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON
Special Services at Home (SSAH) Application Support
Our Service Coordinators will help to provide support with completing applications online for families who have not applied. Families are encouraged to bring their laptops and iPad’s to complete applications, laptops will also be available on a first come, first served basis. This workshop is appropriate for families applying for the first time only.
DATE/TIME Thursday May 29
Day Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
Evening: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON
Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)
CALLING ALL CAREGIVERS with children between 8 and 17 years old: Caregivers, this workshop is for YOU! Come enjoy a safe, nurturing environment of fellowship and connection! You will learn strategies for managing life’s struggles and reflect on who and what is genuinely important to you so you can live more mindfully, and in accordance with YOUR values. This unique, interactive workshop highlights an approach to life that teaches us to be more psychologically flexible so we are not derailed by life’s challenges.
*Caregivers must be available to attend all three sessions
DATE/TIME Friday, June 6
5:00pm - 8:00pm Saturday, June 7
9:00am - 5:00pm Friday, June 13
5:00pm - 8:00pm
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold ON
Recreational Group Services 4-6 years
Please note that there is a limit of one recreational group per child.
Please review the age requirements and skill levels in the descriptions for each group before making your selections.
PD Day Event at Niagara College
In collaboration with Niagara College Inclusive Community Engagement (NCICE), we are thrilled to present PD Day activities tailored for the children under our care. These engaging games and activities will be facilitated by both Niagara College Students and Bethesda staff. We extend a warm welcome to children with diverse support needs!
Parents have the option to remain onsite in a designated area with a view of the activities. Additionally, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note that there is a $5 parking fee for the event.
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-13 years
Friday April 4
10:00am - 12:00pm
LOCATION Niagara College Welland Campus Athletic Entrance
Super Heroes and Fairy Tales
This group is designed for children who are learning to play pretend, dress up and have fun. Children should be comfortable in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-6 years
Saturdays April 12 - May 17
*no session April 19 for Easter 9:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
Play Zone
This recreational group is designed for kids who find it challenging to participate in group activities. The focus is on providing a fun, engaging, and safe environment where children can enjoy tailored activities at their own pace in a 1:1 ratio. Whether through play, creativity, or relaxation, this group helps kids have a positive and enjoyable experience. SPACE IS LIMITED.
AGES
DATE/TIME up to 11 years Thursdays May 22 - June 19 5:30pm - 7:30pm
All Things Dr. Seuss
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This Dr. Seuss-inspired group is designed for children to explore, colour, make crafts and play. Through fun children will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss characters and stories while practicing social skills in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-6 years Saturdays May 31 - June 21 9:30am - 12:00pm
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
register
Recreational Group Services 7-9 years
PD Day Event at Niagara College
In collaboration with Niagara College Inclusive Community Engagement (NCICE), we are thrilled to present PD Day activities tailored for the children under our care. These engaging games and activities will be facilitated by both Niagara College Students and Bethesda staff. We extend a warm welcome to children with diverse support needs!
Parents have the option to remain onsite in a designated area with a view of the activities. Additionally, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note that there is a $5 parking fee for the event.
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-13 years Friday April 4 10:00am - 12:00pm
Sports Club
LOCATION Niagara College
Welland Campus
Athletic Entrance
Calling all young athletes! This group is designed for children and youth to practice their social skills through play and to meet like-minded peers. The group will practice a variety of sports both in our gym and outside. Children should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Wednesdays
April 9 - May 14
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Pokémon Club
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Welcome to Pokémon Club, a place where creativity and fun come to life! In this exciting group, kids will embark on thrilling adventures, using their imagination to create new Pokémon and reimagine their favorites. Whether crafting unique creatures or playing high-energy games, Pokémon Club is all about sharing your common interest, practicing your social skills and having a blast. Children should be comfortable in a small group setting (2 children to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years Saturdays April 12 - May 17 *no session April 19 for Easter 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
Recreational Group Services 7-9 years
Coding
Children will learn the basics on how to code using block-based coding in the Tynker app. They can create and modify fun games, including creating mods and resources for Minecraft, then test and play them! This camp is created for youth who can follow multi-step instructions and are comfortable in a small group setting (5 youth to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Play Zone
Tuesdays
May 20 - June 17
5:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This recreational group is designed for kids who find it challenging to participate in group activities. The focus is on providing a fun, engaging, and safe environment where children can enjoy tailored activities at their own pace in a 1:1 ratio. Whether through play, creativity, or relaxation, this group helps kids have a positive and enjoyable experience. SPACE IS LIMITED.
AGES
DATE/TIME up to 11 years
Thursdays
May 22 - June 19
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Dance and Movement
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This group is designed for children and youth to show off their dance moves, play and to meet like-minded peers. Children should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 children to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Saturdays May 31 - June 21
1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Recreational Group Services 10-13 years
PD Day Event at Niagara College
In collaboration with Niagara College Inclusive Community Engagement (NCICE), we are thrilled to present PD Day activities tailored for the children under our care. These engaging games and activities will be facilitated by both Niagara College Students and Bethesda staff. We extend a warm welcome to children with diverse support needs!
Parents have the option to remain onsite in a designated area with a view of the activities. Additionally, food and beverages will be available for purchase. Please note that there is a $5 parking fee for the event.
AGES
DATE/TIME 4-13 years
Friday
April 4
10:00am - 12:00pm
Coding
Pre-teens will learn the basics on how to code using block-based coding in the Tynker app. They can create and modify fun games, including creating mods and resources for Minecraft, then test and play them! This camp is created for youth who can follow multi-step instructions and are comfortable in a small group setting (5 youth to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Tuesdays
April 8 - May 13
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Play Zone
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
LOCATION Niagara College Welland Campus Athletic Entrance register
This recreational group is designed for youth who find it challenging to participate in group activities. The focus is on providing a fun, engaging, and safe environment where children can enjoy tailored activities at their own pace in a 1:1 ratio. Whether through play, creativity, or relaxation, this group helps kids have a positive and enjoyable experience. SPACE IS LIMITED.
AGES
DATE/TIME 12-17 years Thursdays April 10 - May 15
5:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Recreational Group Services 10-13 years
Sports Club
Calling all young athletes! This group is designed for youth to practice their social skills through play and to meet like-minded peers. The group will practice a variety of sports both in our gym and outside. Youth should be comfortable working with staff in a small group setting (3 youth to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Wednesdays
May 21 - June 18 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Play Zone
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This recreational group is designed for children and youth who find it challenging to participate in group activities. The focus is on providing a fun, engaging, and safe environment where children can enjoy tailored activities at their own pace in a 1:1 ratio. Whether through play, creativity, or relaxation, this group helps kids have a positive and enjoyable experience. SPACE IS LIMITED.
AGES
DATE/TIME up to 11 years
Thursdays
May 22 - June 19 5:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
register
Recreational Group Services 14-17 years
Comic Book Club
This Comic Book Club is designed for teens who love to explore new worlds through comic books. Participants will dive into exciting adventures, discuss their favorite characters, and share their creative ideas in a fun group setting. Teens should feel comfortable in a small group (3 teens to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Mondays
April 7- May 5
*no session April 21 for Easter
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Play Zone
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This recreational group is designed for youth who find it challenging to participate in group activities. The focus is on providing a fun, engaging, and safe environment where children can enjoy tailored activities at their own pace in a 1:1 ratio. Whether through play, creativity, or relaxation, this group helps kids have a positive and enjoyable experience. SPACE IS LIMITED.
AGES
DATE/TIME 12-17 years
Thursdays
April 10 - May 15
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday Matinee
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
This group is designed for teens to come and practice their social skills while watching a movie. Teens should be comfortable in in a small group setting (2 teens to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Saturdays
April 12 - May 17
*no session April 19 for Easter
1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
register
Recreational Group Services 14-17 years
Knowledge Nights
Knowledge Nights is a fun, interactive group for teens who love to test their trivia skills, play board games, and share facts with friends. In this social setting participants will challenge each other in friendly competitions and learn new things while having a blast. Teens should feel comfortable in a small group (3 teens to 1 staff).
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Mondays May 12 - June 16
*no session May 19 for Victoria Day 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Teen Lounge
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Teen Lounge is your teen’s winter hangout spot! Teens can make new friends and play games. We have video games, movie nights, comfy vibes for listening to music, and tons more! Teens should be comfortable in a group of 3 teens to 1 staff ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Saturdays May 31 - June 21 1:00pm - 3:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Clinical Group Services 7-9 years
Please note that there is a limit of one clinical group per child.
To ensure a good fit for your child, please review the age requirements and skill levels in the descriptions for each group before making your selections.
Social Navigators
Children will learn a variety of social skills (initiating/exiting conversations, joining into conversations, exiting conversations) and have an opportunity to practice these skills with peers. Children will learn these skills by being a social detective! Skills will be taught in a group format using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) evidence based strategies. This program is appropriate for children who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate using verbal requests, comments, and questions and can participate in a group setting without 1:1 support.
AGES
DATE/TIME 7-9 years
Wednesdays April 9 - May 21
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 register
Clinical Group Services 10-13 years
Literacy Group
This club is for those youth who like to read! We will read 2-3 books across the span of group, discussing characters and themes. This group focuses on developing comprehension skills, vocabulary and social interactions. The group is run by a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) and a Therapeutic Respite Worker. Children must be comfortable in a 2 children to 1 staff ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Mondays
April 7- May 12
*no session April 21 for Easter
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Puberty
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Youth will learn social and life skills related to the physical and emotional changes that occur with puberty. Topics include daily hygiene habits (such as shaving, showering and hair care), biological processes, and social media and online safety. Youth must be safe in a group setting in a 1:3 ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 10-13 years
Thursdays
April 10 - May 22
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION
Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
“With her guidance, we have seen extraordinary progress in our child and our own communication and confidence. We were all given the rare opportunity to not only grow, but also thrive together.” -Bethesda Parent
Clinical Group Services 14-17 years
Pathways to Employment
Let Bethesda’s Pathways to Employment pre-employment training program be your teen’s first step towards looking for and keeping a job. We offer practical job skill training, job coaching and the tools your teen will need to find and keep a paid job in the community. Teens will learn about volunteer opportunities in their community, learn basic computer skills, and find out what employers look for when they hire.
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Tuesdays
April 8- May 20
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Peer Mentorship Program
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway
Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Calling all teens looking to become a peer mentor this year! Bethesda is offering a peer mentor training program. This training will outline expectations as a peer mentor including roles and responsibilities, conflict resolution and leadership skills. The goal is to empower future leaders to come along side and support other children and youth throughout the 2025 year!
AGES
DATE/TIME 14-17 years
Mondays
June 9- June 23
6:00pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Clinical Group Services 15-17 years
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Emotion Regulation
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy used with children, teens and adults who have significant difficulty with emotion regulation. DBT seeks to help people understand and accept difficult feelings, as well as learn skills to manage feelings and create positive change in their life.
The four pillars of DBT are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. The current group will be run by a psychotherapist and will focus on Emotion regulation. Emotion regulation skills help teens to feel less emotionally vulnerable and feel more in command of their emotions. This group seeks to help teens understand the emotions they experience, reduce emotional vulnerability, decrease the frequency of unwanted emotions, and decrease emotional suffering. Teens must be comfortable in a group setting of 1:5 ratio.
AGES
DATE/TIME 15-17 years
Mondays April 7- June 9
*no session April 21 for Easter or May 19 for Victoria Day 4:00pm- 5:00pm
LOCATION
Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 register
Easter Egg Hunt!
Hop into Spring with the S.C.V.F.A. Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Get ready for an egg-citing day filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of hidden surprises! Bring your family and friends to join in the hunt for eggs scattered throughout the park. Bethesda will be onsite with a special sensory-friendly egg hunt supported by Bethesda staff!
AGES
DATE/TIME All ages Friday April 18
LOCATION Fireman’s Park Niagara Falls
Stay tuned for registration information!
Family Day at Bethesda
Join us for a fun-filled spring celebration for the whole family at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre! Enjoy games, activities, and making memories together!
AGES
DATE/TIME All ages Wednesday May 14 5:30pm-7:30pm
LOCATION Bethesda Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Family Support Groups
Coffee Chats Parent Support Group
Coffee Chats are a parent support group in which parents/grandparents/guardians come together to learn, grow and find connections. This group is led by our service coordinator Tonya White and our Mental Health and Wellness team and runs throughout the year to offer emotional support to families.
It is an opportunity for families to meet and make meaningful connections with other families, including those who are just starting their journey in receiving a diagnosis. Families share and gain practical advice and insights from one another in a safe, non-judgmental space. . *Please note, there is no childcare available.
AGES
DATE/TIME
Parents/Caregivers of children and teens all ages
Morning Group: Mondays
April 7, May 5, June 9
10:30am - 11:30am
Evening Group: Mondays
April 28, May 26, June 16
6:30pm - 7:30pm
LOCATION
Bethesda
Niagara Family Centre 3310 Schmon Parkway Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6
Create a Membership
Membership needs to be confirmed before you can begin registering for events.
Create your membership here
Follow these steps to create a membership account through Bethesda’s portal:
1. Navigate to bethesdaservices.com > Select Children & Youth Services in the menu bar > Select Client Login from the secondary menu bar.
2. Select Membership Level > Family/Child/Youth Services - Free > Click Next.
3. Enter your Email Address > Click I’m not a robot > Click Next
If you will be creating accounts for more than one child, please register each child with a unique email address.
4. Enter the requested client information for your child > Click Next
5. Review and confirm the membership information > Click Confirm.
6. Once your membership application has been reviewed and accepted by a Service Coordinator, you will receive an email from admin@portal.bethesdaservices.com with a temporary password.
7. Please log in using the provided temporary password and immediately change your password to one you will more easily remember by clicking the Change password button.
8. Enter your current and new password (new password must include at least 12 characters, upper and lower case letters, at least one number and at least one special character.) > Click Save.
Your website membership application is now complete!
If you require assistance with creating your membership account, please connect with a Service Coordinator at 905.684.6918 ext. 170 or serviceinfo@bethesdaservices.com
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