Hi there,

Welcome back, we've missed you! The new school year is a time for many programs at Woodview to kick into high gear, and so we have loads of news to share with you, right after our COVID-19 update (we promise to be brief!).
Our (brief!) COVID Update
On September 7th, we entered into Phase 3 of our re-entry plan, in alignment with the provincial government's reopening framework and in recognition of the enhanced safety measures that have been implemented. What does that mean for our services?

  • Offered as a hybrid of in-person and virtual services, based on the client's needs and preference, appropriate to the program and type of service.
  • Virtual-only services will continue in programs where that is clinically appropriate and where it is the choice of the client.
  • In-home support continues and is growing based on clients and families' need and preference.
  • Groups have resumed in-person with appropriate screening, physical distancing & maximum capacities in place dependent on the space being used.
  • Cleaning & safety protocols follow public health & local school board measures.
That wasn't too bad now was it? Now let's get into the exciting stuff...
Michael McCreary Invites you to Woodview's
60th Anniversary Virtual Celebration
Wednesday, October 13th, 2021 @ NOON
The 10-day countdown is on for our interactive, virtual celebration! Thank you to all who sent in video messages for our anniversary video! Headlining this special event is comedy troupe Comics Not Otherwise Specified, a group made up of four autistic comedians coming together from all over Canada; Adam Schwartz, Michael McCreary, Pat Tiffin and Curran Dobbs. This portion of the broadcast will not be recorded, so don't miss it!
*remember to download the Whova app to make the most of your online event experience!
Lead Agency News: Youth Hub
Announcement of New My Wellness Passport Sites in ONT
On September 22nd, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) announced the expansion of My Wellness Passport, YWHO’s measurement-based care platform. 10 sites across Ontario will be implementing this platform within mental health and wellness services for youth aged 12-25 years. Woodview has been selected as one of the sites following a call for proposals from across the province. Read the press release here.
What's New in our Autism Programs
Program Profile:
Virtual L.I.F.E. (Hamilton)
Cara Fullerton, Autism Counsellor, tells the story behind the virtual version of the L.I.F.E. program and how it has grown from it's humble beginnings. Find out how the program is tailored to each participant and all the creative ways that counsellors are delivering services. Cara speaks to the important role that families have played in making this program a success, and parents share how this creative solution has helped their child and family. READ MORE
Caregiver Coaching Program: Immediate Openings Available

Did you receive your invitation from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to participate in the OAP Caregiver Mediated Early Years Program? Great! Call us at 289-527-5306 or email us to join the next session of Project ImPACT, an early intervention caregiver coaching program that will empower you as a parent!

Project ImPACT is delivered by our Halton Autism Services in partnership with Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK).
Coffee Chat: 4th Tuesday of the Month!

Get together and socialize with other parents - we'll supply the coffee, courtesy of Altitude Coffee Roasters! ☕ Ashley Silva, Halton Autism Services Program Manager, will welcome you into our bright and airy kitchen at the Pathways House (69 Flatt Rd, Burlington) & be available for questions about services. This monthly morning event is offered at no cost (OAP number required to attend). Email Jessica to RSVP for our next coffee chat on October 26th!
What's New in our Mental HealthPrograms
YODA Program: Now Taking Referrals

Is your child struggling with worry and sadness? We offer a program called Youth Overcoming Depression and Anxiety (YODA) for youth in grades 6, 7, or 8 who live in Halton. To learn more about the YODA program, please call us at 905-689-4727 and reach either Steven Kovar ext. 127 or Vanessa Marko ext. 121. A parent, school staff or a community agency can make a referral. Please visit our website for details.
Call for Donors: Bus Tickets for Youth

Youth are returning to in-person drop-in activities and counselling at Woodview in the Square in large numbers! But we're hearing about many who are facing transportation as a barrier to accessing this mental health service in Brantford. Our bus tickets supply is running low and we're asking for sponsorship to help young people make it to drop-in when they need it. If you would like to support the Woodview in the Square drop-in program or to learn more, please contact Michelle Bake-Murphy.
Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty of Social Work: Spotlight on Woodview
Isabella Piatek, from our Child and Family Program in Brantford was the subject of Wilfrid Laurier University's ⭐ Field Instructor Spotlight on Instagram! Isabella was recognized for her passion to support youth from a strengths-based approach and working alongside students to develop strategies to address mental health needs! Woodview was featured in the ⭐ Agency Spotlight for our contribution to social work education and professional development. Thanks WLU!
What We Did Last Summer
Summer Postcards!
Enjoy these summer postcards while sipping your pumpkin-spice latte! Programs shared the fun stuff they were up to over the summer! We're talking everything from Zumba dancing to getting creative with tie-dye to going fishin' and more! ☀️🍉 
In Case You Missed It
On September 21st, Lindsey Court, Program Manager & Lindsay Schwientek, Instructor from Woodview Learning Centre spent the day volunteering at the Unity for Autism Golf Tournament. It's always a pleasure to meet the generous sponsors & donors who make Unity for Autism grants happen for agencies like ours. Thank you!
On September 28th, Woodview was pleased to participate in the Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce Trade Show, once again an in-person event! Staff appreciated hearing your stories & sharing resources. Thanks to Charlotte, Robyn, Jill, Nicki, Michelle, Allison & Jenna for looking after the Woodview booth! 
On September 10th, Woodview joined CMHA and Suicide Prevention Brant for World Suicide Prevention Day flag raising ceremonies in Brantford and Paris, Ontario. Speakers included Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis, County of Brant Mayor David Bailey, Lill Petrella from Canadian Mental Health Association, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Branch and Flora Ennis from Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services. Thank you to everyone who joined us virtually in support of suicide prevention! Watch the livestream video here.
Marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Learning about #OrangeShirt day at L.I.F.E., our day program in Hamilton for young adults with autism.
On September 30th, Canada marked the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as well as Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize, acknowledge and raise awareness about the residential school system in Canada and the resulting impact on children, youth, families, and communities.  Woodview staff wore orange*, shared messages of support and ally-ship with the Indigenous community. Woodview’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee shared Indigenous resources with staff, inviting everyone to take time to learn about and reflect on this tragic history as a vital component of the reconciliation process. #EveryChildMatters
Caregiver Support
Our walk-in mental health clinics for children & youth up to 18 years (and their families) welcome all Brantford-Brant residents. We offer counselling support virtually and by phone and text. If you need to talk, please call 519-752-5308 and press ‘0’ or text 226-920-4427 and we’ll book you an appointment with a Woodview counsellor. It’s free, confidential, there’s no wait list & no referral /health card are needed!
Please note the date change for October! The group will meet on Wednesday, October 13th at 6pm. If you're parenting a child or youth who is experiencing a mental health concern and would like to receive support, join our Parents for Children's Mental Health caregiver support group! Get emotional support from someone with lived experience & learn new coping strategies. Contact Craig at [email protected] for the link.
Legacy Giving: Will Power
On September 1st, we announced our partnership with Will Power, a national movement to inspire Canadians to create positive change in the world while still supporting loved ones. Many donors believe that they can't support both their loved ones AND their favourite cause with their Will. The truth is you can have a BIG impact, while still leaving the majority for loves ones. You may be surprised to see that even 1% left to charity in your Will can have an enormous impact, while still leaving 99% of your estate for your family. We encourage you to visit the Will Power website to learn about gifts in Wills and get tips on estate planning, calculate your potential gift, or contact a financial or legal advisor to take that next step.
#MondayMotivation
Words of motivation brought to you by Woodview Learning Centre's hall board!
Have a great autumn, thanks for reading!
Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services
Charitable Registration Number: 119303923RR0001