CARES is an eight-week group counselling program designed to address the social, emotional, and psychological challenges that caregivers of children with complex needs often face. We support caregivers in caring for themselves, because when they prioritize their own well-being, they’re better equipped to support their loved ones.
Program Schedule (Oct 7 – Nov 28, 2025)
Caregivers will work on different coping strategies to manage day-to-day stress, practice taking a more self-compassionate perspective towards their challenges, and learn tips for problem-solving and assertive communication.
Meet Vannesa, a caregiver who found valuable support through the CARES program. After completing the program and seeing positive changes for herself and her family, she decided to become a CARES facilitator to help other caregivers in their journeys.
Emina Aniff is a parent who participated in the CARES program and found it helpful in managing the demands of caring for her neurodiverse child. She’s now training to become a facilitator and shares her experience with the program.
CARES has been honoured with the College of Family Physicians of Canada™ (CFPC) and the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) Collaborative Mental Health Care Award for its excellence in enhancing mental health outcomes through collaborative healthcare efforts.
Operating across Ontario with partners like SAAAC Autism Centre and Autism Ontario, CARES serves over 200 families annually, offers multilingual access, and has made notable research contributions, including a publication in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, demonstrating its significant impact on community mental health.
Registration for Fall 2025 now open!
