Resources For Single Parents
We have compiled links to community, province-wide, national and international resources. If you are in need of additional resources, guidance or referrals, call us or drop by our office. We would be happy to help!
Abuse, Assault & Violence
Addiction Services
Adult Education
Basic Needs
Childcare & Children's Programs
Crisis & Emergency
Employment & Financial
Game, Craft, & Recipe Ideas
Health & Mental Health
Housing & Emergency Shelter
Inexpensive Activities
Parenting
Abuse, Assault & Violence
- At lohsa Native Family Healing Services (London, ON) provides crisis counselling and information to First Nations women and children experiencing domestic violence.
- Carrefour des Femmes (London, ON) provides support for francophone women who have been victims of abuse.
- Changing Ways (London, ON) helps men to end their abusive behaviour towards women and children.
- Children’s Aid Society (London and Middlesex) runs supportive and preventative programs for family/child abuse.
- Fem’aide (South Western, ON) is the provincial francophone women’s crisis helpline. This helpline provides immediate and confidential support (crisis intervention and management) and counseling as well as referral and informational services to those who identify as female (+16 yrs of age) who have been victims of violence of any kind in all of Ontario. The Oasis Centre des femmes in Toronto is a resource center for Francophone women who have been victims of any kind of violence.
- Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (London, ON) helps to address medical, emotional and safety concerns of abuse victims in a caring and supportive environment.
- Rotholme Women’s & Family Shelter (London, ON) accommodates families and single women for up to 30 days. 24-hour emergency admission is provided to individuals who are homeless or in a crisis situation. Crisis counselling and referral is provided.
- Sexual Assault Center London (London, ON) has a 24-hour crisis and support line for victims of sexual assault.
- Women’s Community House (London, ON) provides temporary emergency housing and confidential counselling to women and children in distress.
- Women’s Rural Resource Centre (Strathroy and Area) assists women and children who have experienced abuse and violence. They provide crisis counselling, individual and group counselling for children and mothers, housing, and advocacy/coaching for women looking for legal, financial and housing resources.
- Zhaawanong Shelter (London, ON) provides shelter for First Nations women and children at risk of domestic abuse.
Addiction Services
- Addiction Services Thames Valley (London, ON) offers addictions counselling, case management, supportive housing, and more.
- Addiction Resources (U.S.) a collection of addiction servies across the United States.
- CAMH Addictions Services (Ontario) offers specialized treatment for drug, alcohol, gambling or other addiction issues.
- Drug and Alcohol Helpline (Ontario) offers information about drug and alcohol addiction services over telephone, chat messaging, and e-mail.
- Narcotics Anonymous (Ontario) is a free addictions recovery program.
- Quintin Warner House (London, ON) is a 14-bed addiction treatment centre that provides a four-month residential program for adult males, addressing issues such as addictions, anger, and trauma.
- Smokers’ help line(Ontario) offers resources will guide you through steps by steps to quit smoking.
Adult Education
- G.A. Wheable Centre for Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education (London, ON)Â offers Gateway to Learning to upgrade your literacy and numeracy skills, English as a Second Language, high school day and self-study credit courses, Hairstyling Pre-Apprenticeship Program and Personal Support Worker Program.
- Luso CommunityServices (London, ON) has literacy programs for adults and families who are newcomers or immigrants.
- Thames Valley District School Board (Ontario) provides various adult, alternative or continuing education programs for adults and adolescents, including English as a Second Language.
- Youth Opportunities Unlimited (London, ON) provides GED preparation for individuals aged 30 years old and under
Basic Needs
- Across Languages (London, ON) provides professional translation and interpretation services that reduce language barriers.
- Daily Bread Food Bank (London, ON) provides emergency food access.
- Family Centre Westmount (London, ON) provides connections to basic needs assistance.
- Families First (London, ON) has a baby food bank, emergency food cupboard, and a “Collective Kitchen” program.
- London Community Chaplaincy (London, ON) has a bi-weekly “Collective Kitchen” for preparing healthy food on a budget. Childcare can be provided. They also provide emergency food assistance, diapers, toiletries bus tickets, and vouchers for non-prescription medications.
- London Cross Cultural Learning Centre (London, ON) offers interpretation and translation services.
- Luso Community Services (London, ON) has a baby food and diaper bank and a food depot for immigrants, as well as settlement services for newcomers.
- Information London posts monthly lists of community food banks, food depots, and meal calendars.
- Mission Services Community Health Programs (London, ON) has laundry facilities and a resource centre offering coffee, haircuts, telephone/computer access.
- My Sister’s Place (London, ON) supports women who are homeless by providing nutritious meals, hygiene products, laundry and shower facilities, and basic health care.
- Salvation Army Centre of Hope (London, ON) provides a food hamper to individuals/families up to eight times a year.
Childcare & Children's Programs
- Boys & Girls Club (London, ON) has day/evening/weekend programs, swimming lessons, jumpstart, afterschool programs, summer programs and more.
- Children’s Aid Society (London and Middlesex) offers activity groups, as well as groups to help children grow self-esteem.
- Community Living London (London, ON) is dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing respite services and more.
- Families First (London, ON) has drop-in playgrounds and a “School’s Cool” program.
- London Community Chaplaincy (London, ON) runs “Mom’s Morning Off”, a women’s group where moms can chat and participate in various fun activities while childcare is provided. They also run various children’s programs including homework club, art and music programs, after school programs, and summer programs.
- London and Middlesex Child Care Waitlist (London & Middlesex) eliminates the need to contact multiple childcare providers. With one application, you can apply for licensed, quality childcare programs and the Child Care Fee subsidy. Once you are signed up, you will be informed if a spot opens up in the program.
- Luso CommunityServices (London, ON) has literacy programs for children and families who are newcomers or immigrants.
- Madame Vanier Children’s Services (London, ON) have a day treatment program and early years programming. They also provide day/overnight respite care for sick children.
- Merrymount (London, ON) has a residential/respite program for children of families in a period of crisis, transition or family instability. They also have a group to teach children coping strategies for issues they might encounter (e.g., family divorce, addiction, etc.)
- Salvation Army Centre of Hope (London, ON) offers a back to school program, Christmas programs, summer camp, and recreational activities.
Developmental Services
- Centre of Knowledge on Healthy Child Development (International) is a website for the latest scientific information on parenting practices, healthy and abnormal development, behavior problems, and more.
- Community Living London (London, ON) is dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing respite services, family support, employment services, personal health management, financial management, and more.
- Learning Disabilities Association (of London, Ontario and Canada) provide child and youth skill development programs, parent/family support, advocacy, and summer camps.
- Ontario Early Years (province-wide) promotes the growth and development of children aged 0-6. Services include screening, vaccines, hearing tests, developmental tests, and more.
- tykeTALK (London, ON) identifies and treats issues related to speech and language delays.
Crisis & Emergency
Crisis, Distress and Suicide
- At lohsa Native Family Healing Services (London, ON) provides crisis counselling and information to First Nations women and children experiencing domestic violence.
- Carrefour des Femmes (Southwestern Ontario) is a free, confidential service for Francophone women, providing active listening and support, referrals, accompaniment, practical assistance, advocacy, public education, awareness, outreach, and social activism.
- Distress Center (London, ON) provide suicide/crisis intervention 24/7.
- Fem’aide (South Western, ON) is the provincial francophone women’s crisis helpline. This helpline provides immediate and confidential support (crisis intervention and management) and counseling as well as referral and informational services to those who identify as female (+16 yrs of age) who have been victims of violence of any kind in all of Ontario. The Oasis Centre des femmes in Toronto is a resource center for Francophone women who have been victims of any kind of violence.
- IMAlive (International) is an online crisis intervention network where you can talk to someone anonymously over instant messaging.
- Kids Help Phone (International) provides kids and teens confidential support over the phone or live chat.
- List of International Crisis/Suicide Hotlines
- Madame Vanier Children’s Services (London, ON) provides suicide/crisis intervention.
- Mind Your Mind “Be Safe” (Some Regions in Ontario) is a phone/computer app that helps young people make decisions during a crisis. It takes you through creating a safety plan and helps you reach out to local resources.
- My Sister’s Place (London, ON) offers crisis and transitional support to women who are homeless.
- Sexual Assault Center London (London, ON) has a 24-hour crisis and support line for any individual who has experienced sexual assault.
- Women’s Rural Resource Centre (Strathroy and Area) provides 24-hour crisis counselling to women and children who have experienced abuse and violence.
- First Aid For Attempted Suicide (International) Pacific Medical Training provides support for attempted suicide.
Emergency Needs
- Daily Bread Food Bank (London, ON) provides emergency food access.
- Families First (London, ON) has a “Baby Food Bank” and emergency food cupboard.
- Information London posts monthly lists of community food banks, food depots, and meal calendars.
- London Community Chaplaincy (London, ON) provides emergency food assistance, diapers, toiletries bus tickets, and vouchers for non-prescription medications.
- Madame Vanier Children’s Services (London, ON) day/overnight respite care for sick children.
- Men’s Mission & Rehabilitation Centre (London, ON) provides temporary accommodation, meals, rehabilitation and clothing to men in distress.
- Merrymount (London, ON) has a residential/respite program for children of families in a period of crisis, transition or family instability.
- Mission Services Crashbed Program (London, ON) provides segregated sleep accommodations for men and women who can not or will not access regular shelter beds. Meals and shower facilities available. It operates from 9:00pm to 7:00 am.
- Rotholme Women’s & Family Shelter (London, ON) accommodates families and single women for up to 30 days. 24-hour emergency admission is provided individuals who are homeless or are in a crisis situation. Crisis counselling and referral is provided.
- Salvation Army Centre of Hope (London, ON) provides emergency shelter, a separate emergency youth shelter, and transitional housing.
- Women’s Community House (London, ON) provides temporary emergency housing and confidential counselling to women and children in distress.
- Zhaawanong Shelter (London, ON) provides shelter for First Nation women and children at risk of domestic abuse.
Employment & Financial
Employment
- Community Living London (London, ON) is dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing employment services and more.
- Global Experience Ontario has resources for internationally trained professionals.
- Employment Ontario has resources to help you get training, skills and experience.
- London Cross Cultural Learning Centre (London, ON) offers job search workshops and computer access.
- London Small Business Centre offers information and services to help you build and develop your own business.
- Luso Community Services (London, ON) has employment services for immigrants or foreign-trained professionals.
- Youth Opportunities Unlimited (London, ON) offers resources for youth job seekers including employment counselling, training opportunities, job search and interview tips, and job listings.
Job Postings for London, ON and Area
- Job Bank: Job Bank is an electronic listing of jobs provided by employers from everywhere across Canada.
- Knighthunter:Â A job search engine for London and surrounding area.
- London Employment Help Centre: Lists some job postings that may not be included on other sites.
- Neuvoo.ca: is a Canadian-based job search engine that indexes jobs directly for free from companies’ career websites, placement agencies and job boards. We centralize all jobs available on the web to help people find new career opportunities, so we are much like the Google for jobs.
Financial
- Community Living London (London, ON) is dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing financial management services and more.
- Guide to Single Mother’s Rights to Ontario Works (Ontario): Prepared for SWIM by Pro Bono Students Canada at Western University
- London Community Chaplaincy (London, ON) runs “Simplified Saving”, an 8-week long program where you can learn about budgeting and freebies.
- London Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (London, ON) provides one-time financial assistance to individuals who are HIV+ for emergency costs related to their health.
- Mission Services Streetscape Program (London, ON) offers assistance with income services.
- Ontario Works (of London or Ontario) provides financial assistance for basic needs or housing costs.
- Thames Valley Family Service Credit Counselling and Financial Literacy (London, ON) offers free financial literacy workshops, as well as accredited personal debt and money management counselling.
- Women’s Rural Resource Centre (Strathroy and Area) provides financial advocacy to women and children who have experienced abuse and violence.
- Universal Childcare Benefit (Canada-wide) is a taxable payment for Canadian families with children 17 and under.
Game, Craft, & Recipe Ideas
There are countless activities that you and your child(ren) can do together in your own home. The following links will connect you to various website’s that list activity ideas including games, child friendly recipes, arts and crafts projects, etc. that everyone will enjoy.
Cost
The cost of engaging in these activities is variable depending on what supplies are needed to do so. However, many of the supplies needed for these activities can be found around the house or can be purchased at your local discount or dollar store.
Resources for game, craft, and recipe ideas
- FamilyFun
- Idea Box
- Kaboose
- Activity Village
- Parent Child Activities
- 90 Low Cost or No Cost Activities
- Kids Games
Resources for craft ideas
Resources for child-friendly recipe ideas
Health & Mental Health
- Addiction Services Thames Valley – Nurse Practitioner Service (London, ON) provides health care services to individuals with mental health/addictions issues and who are unable to access a primary care provider.
- Addiction Resource (International) provides helpful information about drug addiction and treatment options.
- Families First (London, ON) has a “Well Baby and Child Clinic”.
- Family Centre Westmount (London, ON) provides family and youth counselling, and access to social workers and settlement services.
- Health Finder (U.S.) has resources on a wide range of health topics selected from approximately 1,400 government and non-profit organizations to bring you the best, most reliable health information on the Internet.
- London Community Chaplaincy (London, ON) runs “Chat it Up”, a group where you can learn about health topics or bring up health concerns to a physician.
- London InterCommunity Health Center (London, ON) provides health and social services to individuals experiencing barriers to care (e.g., homelessness, poverty, language or culture, or complex/chronic health problems).
- London Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (London, ON) provides crisis intervention, counselling, financial assistance, practical support. transportation, information and education, support groups for individuals living with AIDS/HIV.
- Middlesex-London Health Unit has clinic and class listings.
- My Sister’s Place (London, ON) has nurses to support women who are homeless by offering primary health care and foot care clinics.
- Ontario Early Years (Province-wide) promotes the growth and development of children aged 0-6. Services include screening, vaccines, hearing tests, developmental tests, and more.
- SouthWest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Center (Ontario) provides primary health and mental health services to First Nations families.
- Telehealth Ontario (Ontario) offers free, confidential and qualified medical advice over the phone.
- Autism Ontario (London Chapter) Community education about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) * special speaker and/or training workshops * cover topics such as advocacy, support and news in ASD research * works with community partners to promote and enhance awareness about autism * holds fundraiser events throughout the year for children and adults with ASD
Mental Health Services
- Alli Therapy (Online) is a place for parents of all stages and walks of life to find support — whether that be through therapy, community or self-guided resources.
- At lohsa Native Family Healing Services (London, ON) focuses on the intervention and prevention of family violence in First Nations family. The program offers individual or family counselling, traditional teaching circles, and advocacy.
- CAMH Complex Mental Illness/Schizophrenia Services (Ontario) provides treatment for persistent and serious mental illness, including inpatient, acute/crisis, outpatient, partial hospital and forensic services.
- CAMH Child, Youth and Family Services (Ontario) works with families/caregivers to help young people with mental health and/or addiction problems to function better at home, in school and with peers. They offer several outpatient programs including behaviour clinics, gender identity services, psychiatric treatment, and addiction services.
- CAMH Mood and Anxiety Services (Ontario) provides outpatient and inpatient treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. Physician referral required.
- CAMH Women’s Mental Health Program (Ontario) assists women who have a history of trauma in combination with a mental illness. Services include a consultation/liaison service and a day treatment program. Physician referrals required.
- Children’s Aid Society (London and Middlesex) offers family and individual counselling for victims of abuse.
- Daya Counselling Centre (London, ON) offers short-term counselling (12 sessions) that is subsidized. Clients pay what they can afford. Free for Ontario Works clients. Counselling available in English, French, Spanish, Dutch, and ASL.
- Drug Rehab (Online) is an online resource for the prevention and intervention of addiction and substance abuse issues. The website has guides for moms and parents to educate themselves and their children about issues of substance abuse.
- Family Service Thames Valley Community Counselling (London, ON) offers affordable individual, couple and family counselling, available in English, Arabic, Dutch, French, Polish, and Spanish.
- London Abused Women’s Centre (London, ON) offers free and confidential counselling, advice, support and information for women have been abused.
- Madame Vanier Children’s Services (London, ON) has a day treatment program, as well as a number of counselling programs including attachment therapy, family counseling, and in-home counseling.
- Mission Services Community Mental Health Programs (London, ON) provides transitional assistance to individuals who are being discharged from the hospital and are coping with mental illness.
- My Sister’s Place (London, ON) supports women who are homeless through various counselling and support groups.
- Parents for Children’s Mental Health (Ontario) provides online resources that offer accurate and relevant information about child and youth mental health and the resources available. Membership is free.
- SouthWest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Center (Ontario) provides primary health and mental health services to First Nations families.
- Women’s Rural Resource Centre (Strathroy and Area) provides individual and group counselling to women and children who have experienced abuse and violence.
Housing & Emergency Shelter
Housing
- Addictions Services Thames Valley – Supportive Housing (London, ON) assists people who have trouble maintaining housing due to substance abuse.
- London Housing Registry (London, ON) finds housing for low-income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Housing Access Center (London, ON) has resources for finding social and affordable housing.
- Madame Vanier Children’s Services (London, ON) provides residential services.
- Mission Services Streetscape Program (London, ON) offers housing advocacy to individuals in need of social assistance.
- Youth Opportunities Unlimited (London, ON) provides affordable housing for youth aged 30 years old and under (application required).
Eviction Prevention
- Eviction Prevention and Navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board The toolkit was produced as part of CERA’s Bridging the Gap Together – Enhancing LTB Legal Competency project, generously funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario.
Emergency Shelter
- Men’s Mission & Rehabilitation Centre (London, ON) provides temporary accommodation and meals to men who are homeless or in distress.
- Mission Services Crashbed Program (London, ON) provides segregated sleep accommodations for men and women who can not or will not access regular shelter beds. Meals and shower facilities available. It operates from 9:00pm to 7:00 am.
- Women’s Community House (London, ON) provides temporary emergency housing and confidential counselling to women and children in distress.
- Rotholme Women’s & Family Shelter (London, ON) accommodates families and single women for up to 30 days. 24-hour emergency admission is provided individuals who are homeless or are in a crisis situation. Crisis counselling and referral is provided.
- Salvation Army Centre of Hope (London, ON) provides emergency shelter, a separate emergency youth shelter, and transitional housing.
- Women’s Community House (London, ON) provides temporary emergency housing and confidential counselling to women and children in distress.
- Women’s Rural Resource Centre (Strathroy and Area) provides temporary shelter and housing information to women and children who have experienced abuse and violence.
- Zhaawanong Shelter (London, ON) provides shelter for First Nation women and children at risk of domestic abuse.
Inexpensive Activities
Not sure what to do with your children on a rainy day? Try one of these inexpensive activities!Â
London Community Chaplaincy (London, ON) holds a 6-week long yoga program for women, a quilting/stitching program, men’s only basketball games, and various social gatherings.
Indoor
- Argyle Community
- Resource Centre
- Bowling at Fleetway
- Bowling at Palasad
- Children’s Museum
- Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre
- Families First Drop-in Playgrounds
- Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre
- Movie Theatres
- Northwest London Resource Centre
- Pools – Indoor
- The Toy Shoppe of London
Outdoor
Parenting
- Baby Proofing and Kid’s Home Safety (Online) is a guide for keeping your baby safe.
- Children’s Aid Society (London and Middlesex) provides parenting education and support, as well as life skills training.
- Dad Club London (London, ON) is an organization that provides resources and information to fathers and fathers-to-be.
- Dad Central (Ontario) provides resources, information, and manuals to fathers.
- Merrymount (London, ON) have various programs (including Ontario Early Years) to enhance parenting skills and understanding of children’s developmental needs.
- Preventing Teen Prescription Misuse (Online)Teen prescription drug misuse can often fly under the radar of adults. We created this guide to educate people on ways to help identify, and more importantly, prevent, teens from misusing prescription medications.