The goal of the Community Outreach Resource Program is to provide support and resources to women to enhance their family's strength and self-esteem, in order to provide a positive and nurturing environment for their children. The program provides support, education, information and community awareness to residents and ex-residents.

A large part of this service is to work with in-house women in the application of and follow through with housing as well as accompanying and advocating for women regarding Ontario Works. This service is also involved in the facilitation of the Child Witness Group and the 16 week Journey Beyond Abuse Group.  The Community Resource Counsellor is the designate for CAS/VAW consults. This program has recently started to facilitate abuse groups in the community.

The program offers

Pre/Post Natal services:

Areas of Education: Maternal care, nutrition, baby care skills, infant attachment and effective parenting skills.

Formal and Informal Groups:

The goal of these groups is to assist with crisis intervention, safety planning, strengthening problem solving skills and to encourage strong networking skills among women who have left their abusive partners.

Formal Groups:

Community Kitchen:  This group is held once a month for women to learn and assist in making nutritious food according to the Canada Food Guide. It also gives women an opportunity to work together in a friendly, social atmosphere.

Tuesday Program:  This program offers women information and support. Topics included are: healthy relationships, family health issues, crafts, sewing and drop-ins (fun activities during drop-in).

Journey Beyond Abuse Group:  The Journey Beyond Abuse Group is a 16 week program designed to create a supportive and safe atmosphere where women can talk about their experiences. The group focuses on education, support and encouragement in a non-judgmental setting. Although there is a facilitator, it is meant to be a support group where women can find common bonds and support each other.  The group is "closed" after the second group to promote safety within the group.  Groups are ongoing from September through June. Group is free of charge.

Child Witness Program: This 10 week group helps children identify and express emotions surrounding the violence, separation, shame, guilt and/or loss they are experiencing.  Mothers receive support to help their children heal from the impact of being exposed to violence. Children attend their group in the evening with Mom following up the next day. Group is provided one to two times a year depending on ages of the children and is free of charge.

Informal Groups:

Circle time to residents/ex-residents and their children

Social reintegration: daily living skills, crafts and health and wellness.