Safe Haven SSM

12/14/2025

New class schedule released due to popular demand!

Please note the location change to 550 Queen St West, Suite 201. Secured parking located at the rear of the building.

Registration is now OPEN

12/13/2025

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual — and it’s not meant to be done alone 🤍

Every stage of parenting brings new challenges: sleepless nights, big emotions, behavior concerns, burnout, self-doubt. Having the right support can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered.

Support looks like:
• A safe space to talk without judgment
• Practical strategies that actually work in real life
• Someone who understands child development and family dynamics
• Reassurance that you’re not failing — you’re learning

Seeking support isn’t a weakness. It’s a strength. Strong parents ask for help, build community, and model healthy coping for their children.

You deserve support just as much as your child does.

12/10/2025

Our Emergency Department is experiencing a high volume of patients and limited inpatient beds.

We are asking for the public’s help. Please limit visitors in the Emergency Department to only those who are essential to supporting the patient. Reducing congestion enables our teams to focus on providing timely, appropriate care.

Wait times may be longer than usual. Non-urgent patients may also consider using SAH’s Virtual Home Waiting Room, which provides estimated wait times and allows patients to wait from home until closer to their expected turn – https://bit.ly/48EJcqE

Please be kind to our staff as they manage multiple demands. We appreciate the community’s support during this extremely busy time.

Remember…

Patients are prioritized based on the severity of their medical needs and are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis. This means patients with non-urgent conditions will wait longer to be seen. Calling an ambulance will not necessarily result in faster care once you arrive at the hospital.

Patients with non-urgent health care needs may wish to consider alternatives such as contacting their family doctor, nurse practitioner, or SAH’s Virtual Home Waiting Room. If these options are not available, please visit a walk-in clinic – https://bit.ly/3AeWPNF

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or proceed directly to the Emergency Department. Do not delay care. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, you can speak with a Registered Nurse for health-related advice 24/7 by calling Health811. Call 811 or visit https://bit.ly/3NvM2Dg

12/10/2025

🚨 Growth Spurt = “I Want to Quit Breastfeeding”

If you’ve been this close to giving up during a growth spurt… trust us, every mom has been there. 👇💛

Here’s why growth spurts make breastfeeding feel impossible:

🔥 Your baby suddenly eats NONSTOP
Cluster feeding can feel like you’re feeding on repeat with no commercial breaks.

😵‍💫 You start doubting your milk supply
Spoiler: Your body is keeping up. Babies just turn into tiny personal trainers for your milk supply!

🥱 Sleep? What sleep?
Long nights + short naps + a baby glued to your chest = next-level exhaustion.

📣 Everyone’s advice gets louder
“Maybe you don’t have enough milk…”
Nope. It’s a growth spurt, not a supply issue.

🎧 Sensory overload is REAL
Sore ni***es, feeling touched-out, emotionally drained—it’s a lot.

✨ But here’s the good news:

Growth spurts are SHORT.
Your body is doing EXACTLY what your baby needs.

And you’re doing better than you think. 🤍

If you’re in the thick of it, Safe Haven is here to support your feeding journey—every spurt, every doubt, every triumph💛 we got you!

12/06/2025

📍 NEW LOCATION📍

Although we loved our time and the shared space with we’ve moved — and we’re excited to GROW!

Yes, we will still be offering many partnership programs with our friends over at Strong Minds!

Safe Haven SSM is now located at 550 Queen St W, Suite 201.

Our new location gives us the space to expand the programs and services our community relies on, including:

✨ Prenatal & postpartum education
✨ Lactation consulting (IBCLC)
✨ Clinical Services
✨ Behavioural services & Parenting Supports
✨ Family wellness programs & Classes
✨ Mental Health supports & Smoking Cessation

Thank you for trusting us as we continue to grow and support families across Sault Ste. Marie. We can’t wait to welcome you into our new space🤍

Private parking is located in the rear of the building and is under 24/7 video surveillance for your safety.

✨ STAY TUNED FOR OUR GRAND OPENING IN 2026!✨

12/05/2025

🎁 1. Set a Holiday Budget (and stick to it)

Decide what you can comfortably spend before buying anything.
Include gifts, food, travel, and events so nothing surprises you.

🎄 2. Simplify Gift-Giving
• Do a Secret Santa instead of buying for everyone
• Set spending limits (and stick to them)
• Try family gift exchanges instead of individual gifts
• Skip adult gifts and focus on kids only

🛠️ 3. Give Low-Cost or “Non-Material” Gifts

Some ideas:
• A night of childcare
• A home-cooked meal
• Handmade items
• Printed photos
• A day together doing something meaningful

These are often more appreciated than store-bought gifts.

🍽️ 4. Potluck Your Holiday Meals

Hosting shouldn’t mean paying for everything.
Ask each family member to bring something — it saves money and stress.

💬 5. Be Honest About Your Limits

You’re allowed to say:
“We’re keeping it simple this year.”
Setting expectations early helps avoid pressure later.

📅 6. Spread Out Holiday Activities

Not everything has to happen in December.
Plan some celebrations in January when costs and schedules ease.

💡 7. Use Reward Programs & Points

Redeem grocery points, cashback rewards, or gift cards you’ve saved.
Small savings add up quickly during the holiday rush.

🧸 8. Explore Community Supports

Many communities offer:
• Toy drives
• Holiday hampers
• Food bank extras
• Community dinners
These can make a huge difference.

💛 9. Focus on Presence, Not Presents

Kids remember time, moments, and traditions far more than THINGS.
Movie nights, baking cookies, crafting, sledding — all low-cost and memorable.

12/04/2025

❄️ Weather Update – December 4, 2025 ❄️

Due to inclement weather, all morning appointments on December 4, 2025 are cancelled for the safety of our clients and staff.
We will reach out to reschedule as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and please stay safe.

12/03/2025

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) During the Holidays: What We Need to Remember

The holiday season can bring joy and connection — but it can also increase stress, isolation, and the risk of intimate partner violence. For many, this time of year is not festive. It’s frightening.

💛 IPV doesn’t take a holiday.
Financial strain, increased substance use, family pressures, and reduced access to supports can intensify unsafe situations.

💛 You are not alone.
Help is available 24/7 — even when services feel limited over the holidays.

💛 Your safety matters.
If you or someone you know feels unsafe, there is confidential, immediate support available.

📞 Victim Services Algoma provides crisis support, safety planning, and emergency assistance for individuals experiencing violence, including IPV.
They are available day and night to help you navigate the safest next steps.

💛 Check in on your people.
Sometimes a simple, genuine conversation opens the door for someone who’s been suffering in silence.

At Safe Haven SSM, we stand with survivors — during the holidays and every day.
You deserve safety. You deserve support. You deserve peace 🤍

12/02/2025

12/02/2025

In light of the recent layoffs within our local steel community, we are opening additional counselling availability for affected workers and families.

Many individuals still have access to workplace benefits — and we strongly encourage you to use them now while they are still in effect. Early support can reduce long-term stress, help protect mental health, and provide stability during transition.
We know that sudden job loss can bring fear, pressure, self-doubt, disrupted routines, and strain at home — especially heading into the holidays. It can also increase the risk of coping through substances such as alcohol or drugs. You are not alone in this, and there is no shame in needing extra support.

Our team provides individual counselling, support groups, and family/relationship sessions, offering practical tools to manage uncertainty, communication, sleep, stress, and substance-use patterns.

We are here to help you prepare, adapt, and stay well — emotionally and mentally.
Please reach out.

Support today builds resilience for tomorrow.

12/02/2025

Safe Haven has some EXCITING news that we cannot wait to share with you!
Exciting news coming December 5, 2025!

11/30/2025

🎄 Holiday Reminders for the parents

-Your presence matters more than presents.
-It’s okay to slow down—your kids need a calm you, not a perfect holiday.
-Routines help regulate everyone (including you!).
-Say no when you need to—rest is part of the season too.
-Small moments make the biggest memories.
-You don’t have to attend every event to be a good parent.
-Meltdowns are communication, not misbehaviour-holidays are overwhelming.
-Traditions can be created, paused, or changed. Do what fits your family now.
-Ask for help. You’re not meant to do it all alone.
-Take a moment for yourself—your nervous system sets the tone at home.