Family Service Toronto

05/28/2026

Are you a caregiver and/or an individual with a developmental disability 18 years and older interested in learning about programs and services in Toronto region? Visit us for a free, 55 min consultation on Thursday, June 18, 2026 between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 128A Sterling Rd, Ste 202 Toronto
Learn more:
https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/workshops-groups-and-events/

05/26/2026

re you 55+ and part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community? Looking to connect, share, and build community?

Join the Golden Age Rainbow Chat—a warm, welcoming drop-in group for conversation, connection, and support.

This is a safe and affirming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors and older adults to come together, share experiences, enjoy conversations and activities, and build meaningful relationships in community.

Date: Biweekly, starting July 10, 2026
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Family Service Toronto Lawrence room, 355 Church St. Cost: The group is free
Registration: Pre-screening, 30 min, required.
Contact Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit 416.595.9618,
[email protected]

05/25/2026

Are you a 2SLGBTQ+ newcomer (18+) to Canada seeking support and community? Join Arriving Together, a peer and settlement support group created in partnership with Family Service Toronto and Rainbow Railroad. This welcoming space offers connection, support, and the chance to build meaningful relationships.

Weekly sessions run May 27–July 22, 2026, rotating between Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 355 Church Street and other locations.

Together, we explore community-building conversations and activities, workshops on settlement, employment, healthcare, and 2SLGBTQ+ resources, and group outings to experience the city.

You are welcome to join at any time—the group is open.

To register, contact the Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit at 416-595-9618 or [email protected].

05/19/2026

On June 16, come celebrate pride with us!
Join us for an afternoon of creativity, including button-making, friendship bracelets, card writing, and collaging.
We will have snacks, art supplies and celebratory music.

This is a collaboration between Hard Feelings, David Kelley Services and Family Service Toronto.
Details:
Tuesday, June 16, 3 - 6 p.m.
353 Church St., Hard Feelings.
This is a drop-in event, no registration required.
https://familyservicetoronto.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CommunityPride_Flyer2026.pdf

🏳️‍🌈

05/14/2026

Fresh Produce & Community Spirit at the Community Food Market

Looking for fresh produce, warm coffee, local art, and a welcoming place to connect? Join us May 21 at the Community Food Market for an afternoon of good food, creativity, and community.

Enjoy:
Fresh produce
Customer raffle
Flower-making workshop
Coffee and conversation at The Social Brew

Thursday, May 21; 1 – 6 p.m.
at 1236 Birchmount Ave (inside The Social Brew)

Hosted in partnership with Corbrook, Family Service Toronto, and The Social Brew — every third Thursday of the month.

Stop by, say hello, and support your local community.

05/05/2026

The theme of Canadian Mental Health Week (May 4-10) is Come Together, Canada and stands as a reminder of just how much connection matters in strengthening our mental health.

At a time when many people are feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or disconnected, coming together matters more than ever. Connection protects our mental health by helping us cope with stress, build resilience, and feel like we belong.

Connection happens in small, everyday moments:

Checking in with a friend
Starting an honest conversation
Sharing a helpful resource
Reaching out to someone who might be struggling
These moments may seem small, but they matter. Sometimes the smallest gestures are the ones people remember most.

For more information, visit Mental Health Week t https://cmha.ca/mental-health-week/ and learn about your connection style using a fun, non-diagnostic quiz, access fact sheets and other materials.

Mental Health Week is taking place May 4 - 10! Learn how connecting with others can enhance mental health and build resilient communities.

04/28/2026

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals: What’s the Difference?

In Canada, service animals and emotional support animals are not the same—and they do not have the same public access rights.

Under federal legislation, service animals are generally recognized as dogs trained to assist a person with a disability.

Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), a service animal is recognized when it meets *one* of the following conditions:

* The animal is clearly identifiable as supporting a disability (for example, wearing a vest or harness), **or**
* You can provide documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the animal is required due to a disability.

Service animals must be permitted in public spaces, even where animals are usually not allowed. This includes places like restaurants, shops, and housing accommodations.

Emotional support animals, while important for comfort and wellbeing, do not have the same legal public access rights. As a result, they are generally not permitted in public spaces where pets are restricted (such as restaurants or hospitals), unless otherwise allowed by the specific organization or housing provider.

Because their roles are different, the rights associated with service animals and emotional support animals are also different.

Learn more: https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en/about-us/policies/accessibility-standards

04/22/2026

National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) is a time to celebrate the incredible volunteers who help build stronger, more inclusive communities. 2026 is also the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, highlighting the vital role volunteers play around the world.

At FST, our volunteers continue a legacy that began over 100 years ago—people coming together to respond to poverty and support their neighbours. Since January alone, they’ve given over 200 hours across programs like our Walk-In Clinic, Healthy Families Healthy Communities, and more. Thank you for your time, care, and commitment—you make a real difference every day.

To our volunteers: thank you for your time, care, and commitment—you make a real difference every day.

04/16/2026

Join Family Service Toronto on April 29 at The 519 for a groundbreaking conference on supporting child development through integrated, holistic care. Register now to secure your spot: bit.ly/ChildrenConference2026

03/13/2026

Access, Support, Independence: Know your Service Animal Rights in Ontario

Service animals are trusted partners that help people with disabilities live more independently and participate fully in daily life. From guiding individuals who are blind to supporting mobility, medical, or mental health needs, service animals help remove barriers and make communities more inclusive.
Because of the important role they play, the right to access public spaces with a service animal is protected by law.

Bill 80 – Ontario Service Dog Act. In some municipalities, by-laws govern the right of peo e dogs or service animals to access public spaces and services. Businesses that refuse access may face penalties.
For example, the City of Toronto requires all licensed businesses to provide service to individuals with guide dogs and service animals. If someone is refused service, they can call 311, and the City will investigate. Possible outcomes include educating the business owner about their responsibilities, issuing a $500 ticket, or, in repeated cases, a Part III ticket resulting in a summons to Provincial Court.

Learn more: https://accessiblecampus.ca/reference-library/interacting-persons-disabilities/service-animal-guide/