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Have immediate concerns about a child? Call 416-969-8510

July 2020

2019-2020 Annual Report

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto is pleased to release our 2019-2020 Annual Report. We would like to express our deep gratitude to our partners, funders, and community members for supporting us through another year of transition, growth, and development. Thanks to their valuable participation, we have continued to increase our resources available for Holistic Services. This increased funding in Holistic Services has enabled us to launch Ontario’s first urban healing lodge for Aboriginal women and their children, to open a new Healing and Prevention Centre, and to complete the design and begin construction of two new multi-service Aboriginal Child and Family Centres.

In addition to our Annual Report, we have also released our Audited Financial Statements for 2019-2020.

This year’s Annual Report and Financial Statements, as well as previous Annual Reports and Financial Statements, are also available on our Policies and Publications page.

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June 2020

National Indigenous Peoples Day

June is National Indigenous History Month. This is a time to reflect upon and learn the history, sacrifices, cultures, contributions, and strength of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. In addition, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is a time for gatherings and celebration. As we all know, this year things will be different across Canada which will involve celebrating in our own unique way. Large gatherings may not be possible, but celebration of our culture can and must continue in ways that are close to our heart and loved ones. It is important that we celebrate this day because Canadian history has not always celebrated and respected Indigenous peoples, our culture and our ceremonial practices, as well as who we are as Indigenous people. The efforts of reconciliation look promising, but we are still in the early days.

Reconciliation was top of mind when Dr. Jeffrey Schiffer, our Executive Director, had the privilege of interviewing Mayor John Tory via Zoom, where they discussed reconciliation and Indigenous innovation in the context of COVID-19 response and recovery in the City of Toronto. We were privileged to learn more about Mayor Tory’s personal journey of reconciliation, commitment to Indigenous self-determination and sustainability of Indigenous innovation. Native Child and Family Services of Toronto is deeply grateful to Mayor Tory for taking the time to speak with us.

Watch the full interview below:

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City of Toronto COVID-19 Mental Health Support Strategy

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto has partnered with the City of Toronto and other community organizations to develop a Mental Health Support Strategy (MHSS) that responds to the needs of diverse Toronto residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can learn more about the MHSS in the City’s full statement.

For more information on partner organizations and City of Toronto initiatives, visit the social media links listed below:

Social Media Links

Partners Facebooks
https://www.facebook.com/211Central/
https://www.facebook.com/progressplaceclubhouse/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009165484071
https://www.facebook.com/KidsHelpPhone/
https://www.facebook.com/acrossboundariesmentalhealth/
https://www.facebook.com/nativechildandfamily/
https://www.facebook.com/CAFCAN-1945845209056475
https://www.facebook.com/WoodGreenDotOrg
https://www.facebook.com/ONPsych/
https://www.facebook.com/HongFookMentalHealthAssociation/
https://www.facebook.com/FamilyServiceToronto/

City Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/torontopublichealth/
https://www.facebook.com/cityofto/
https://www.facebook.com/TorontoTYES/

Partners Twitter
@211Central
@Progress_Place
@gersteincrisis
@KidsHelpPhone
@AB_MentalHealth
@NCFST
@CanadianAfrican
@WoodGreenDotOrg
@ONPsych
@HFMentalHealth
@FamilyServiceTO

City Twitter
https://twitter.com/toyouthcabinet?lang=en
https://twitter.com/TOPublicHealth
https://twitter.com/torontotyes?lang=en
https://twitter.com/CABR_Toronto
https://twitter.com/SafeCity_TO
https://twitter.com/cityoftoronto

Partners Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kidshelpphone/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/abmentalhealth/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/progressplaceclubhouse/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/nativechildoftoronto/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/hongfookmha/
https://www.instagram.com/familyservicetoronto/?hl=en

City Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/youth.toronto/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/torontotyes/?hl=en

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NCFST Expresses Solidarity with the Black Community

There is a deep history of collaboration and support between Black and Indigenous communities and movements.  Some of this is due to a complex and interrelated shared history.  The Nations of Canada, the United States and Mexico were born out of processes of colonization and slavery that seeded systemic racism that remains deeply rooted today.  We have all been living in a pandemic of racism for centuries, and the cost has been millions of Black lives.  Events over recent weeks have resulted in massive protests in every American state, and in dozens of other countries across the world.  Black communities and their allies have had enough of state sponsored racism, structural violence and police brutality. Black Lives Matter.  While much of the focus has been on the United States, we must also recognize the historical depth and contemporary impacts of anti-Black racism in Canada.  Toronto, in particular, has a long and complex history that has seen members of the Black community disproportionately impacted by police violence.  There are no words to describe the sadness we feel as this trend continues today.

At Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) we acknowledge that this is an unimaginably challenging time for Black members of the community.  Many of our staff, partners, and the community members we serve are Black.  We are unequivocal in our assertion that Black Lives Matter.  We also recognize that statements of this sort are meaningless without corresponding action.  We are committed to providing an inclusive environment at NCFST, where there is zero tolerance to racism and discrimination.  We are also committed to engaging further with Black communities and organizations in the City of Toronto to better understand our role as an ally in opposition to structural violence, police brutality and anti-Black racism in our City.

NCFST stands in solidarity with Black members of our staff, partners and community.

#BlackLivesMatter

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May 2020

Indigenous Youth Tech Career Pathways Program

In collaboration with Indigenous Friends and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, NPower Canada is offering a 15-week tech training program for Indigenous young adults.

NPower Canada launches under-served young adults into meaningful and sustainable careers in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field. The Indigenous Youth Tech Career Pathways (IYTCP) program provides Indigenous young adults (18-29 years old) with enhanced wraparound services and Elder-led counselling to support their successful completion of the NPower Canada program and their transition into meaningful employment in the tech sector.

To apply, contact Emily Hill, Education and Employment Case Manager, at [email protected], (416) 969-8510 ext. 4146, or (437) 237-4826. 

For more details, read the PDF linked below:
NPowerCanada-IYCP_Info Sheet_v3

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Lyme Disease Awareness and Safety

As the weather begins to warm up and more people begin to venture outside, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto wants to help ensure that our community stays safe from Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a growing public health issue in Canada. Spread by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks, Lyme disease can cause serious health issues if left untreated. While the risk varies across the country, everyone should be aware of steps they can take to protect themselves, their children and their families from tick bites.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has created a collection of Lyme disease resources for communities, including information on how to check for ticks and how to protect yourself and your family from Lyme disease.

For more information about Lyme disease, visit the Government of Canada’s Lyme disease webpage.

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Thank You to Our Partners

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) has been collaborating with community partners to provide essential services to Aboriginal families across Toronto. Working together with staff from Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes, NCFST assembled and delivered several hampers to date for community members.

We want to extend our sincere thanks to all the community partners who are helping us provide services during these difficult times. Their support has been essential as we adapt our services to meet the rising need in our community.

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April 2020

A message to COVID-19 essential service professionals in Toronto

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) is a multi-service urban Aboriginal agency providing child safety and well-being, holistic, and culture-based programs and services for over 7,000 Aboriginal children and families across the Greater Toronto Area. We remain committed wherever possible to keep families together.

Our Concern

We are concerned about an increased risk of child abuse and neglect with families being increasingly isolated amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has created a challenging environment for families. With the closures of schools, daycares, and other services, children are increasingly vulnerable to family stress. Aboriginal families already have increased risk factors, when compared to non-Aboriginal households, as it relates to poverty, addictions, mental health, and family violence. Without the appropriate supports during this pandemic Aboriginal children are at greater risk.

The number of calls being reported by community concerning child safety & well-being has plummeted

Kids are simply not being seen during this pandemic unless families were already engaged in service. The majority of our calls historically come from schools, daycare centers, and other professionals. While we have seen a dramatic decrease in new cases being reported we have experienced an increase in demands from existing families. For many of these families, there is an increase in challenges to access food and basic necessities; there is also increased anxiety and stress. We know more than ever there is domestic violence and child abuse/neglect occurring in the community. In this time of crisis, we all need to look out for vulnerable children and families to work together to keep kids safe.

We are an Essential Service and Still Open to Serve 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week

We want the community to know we are open – we are first-responders. If anyone is worried about a child, please call. We are still here and you can remain anonymous. The duty to report obligation for professionals remains and is even more vital during times like this. The goal is to work with families early before problems become acute.

Contact Us

During a time of increased anxiety, vulnerable children, youth and families need support and care more than ever. Should you have concerns for the safety or well-being of a child, or if you are a caregiver who requires support to keep your child safe, please call us at (416) 969-8510. We are also updating our website regularly with more holistic and cultural-based service offerings.
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A Message to Aboriginal Families of Toronto

It feels like Mother Earth just sent us all to our rooms……the Ontario government has ordered all non-essential businesses to shut down and the City of Toronto declared a state of emergency and instituted an emergency order regulating physical distancing. We find ourselves in unique and challenging times. More than ever we require the wisdom of our teachings and the strength of community. We have all been humbled by the circumstances in which we find ourselves – we are now a community at a distance. During this period of social distancing, we must be vigilant to stay connected with one another and support those who are most vulnerable just as we have always done in community since time immemorial.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives and when it is done we will have collectively experienced loss and hardship. We can navigate this crisis together as a community by keeping the circle strong. Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) remains unwavering in our commitment to serving the community during this crisis and as such we have been classified as an essential service by the Province of Ontario.

We know that this is an extremely difficult time for community members. This crisis has created a challenging environment for many families. With the closures of schools, daycares, and other services, children are increasingly vulnerable to family stress. We want to reassure you that we remain open and can provide you with the support you and your family need. We offer a single point of access to an integrated network of programs and services designed to address the multiple and complex issues facing many Aboriginal families in Toronto. As a provider of essential services, NCFST is here to help.

If you and your family are struggling, please don’t wait to reach out for support. During a time of increased anxiety, children, youth and families need support and care more than ever. Additionally, should you have concerns for the safety or well-being of a child, or if you are a caregiver who requires support to keep your child safe, please call us at (416) 969-8510. We are also updating our website (www.nativechild.org) regularly with all our holistic and cultural-based service offerings. In this time of crisis we all need to look out for vulnerable children and families to work together to keep kids safe and community healthy. Please continue to self-isolate, check in on each other and have a good weekend.

Chi Miigwech
The NCFST staff, board and executive team
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Latest Message from NCFST on COVID-19: April 7

In addition to our Child and Family Well-being services, we continue to operate Holistic and support/prevention services: 

  • Holistic Healing Services is continuing to provide support to community members through video or telephone counselling. Intake services are available at 416-969-8510 ext. 3290.

  • Food support, crafts, medicine bundles and educational packages are available to community members, who can contact their workers to receive resources.

  • Scarborough Child and Family Life Centre is available to community members by appointment only. These workers are available between 9-5. If youth need support:

    • Youth Outreach Worker Jennifer Archer 416-845-8207.

    • Youth Justice Worker Felicia Langdon at 437-216-9873.

    • Emergency after-hours response number at 416-969-8510.

  • Virtual programming is being offered on social media for Aboriginal EarlyON and Aboriginal Head Start programs:

  • Native Youth Resource Center is available by appointment only.  If youth need assistance, please call our drop-in response phone number: 416-969-8510 ext. 4119. For further updates, please follow our youth program accounts:

  • Mdewgaan Healing Lodge is continuing to provide support and residential services to women and children.

  • Women and Men’s Transitional Housing programs are still open and serving the community. There is currently a waitlist.

  • For more information on Holistic Services, contact 416-969-8510 ext. 3290 or [email protected]

Contact us 24 hours 7 days a week

In this time of crisis, it is important to be vigilant about the safety of children and families in our communities. If any member of the public or a professional has a concern about the safety and/or well-being of a child or youth under 18, they should immediately contact us at 416-969-8510.

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