Family Service Toronto

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/

03/12/2026

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 April 16 at the Community Food Market for an afternoon of good food, creativity, and community.

Enjoy fresh produce, tasty snacks, hot drinks, local art, and a bit of raffle fun!
Thursday, April 16; 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.

03/12/2026

Are you a man who experienced childhood trauma?
The Resourced and Resilient Group offers a free 8-week trauma therapy program to explore skills, strategies, and support for long-term recovery. Part of a research study, this group provides a safe space to heal and grow stronger together.

Learn more at: https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/workshops-groups-and-events/

03/10/2026

Are you a caregiver and/or an individual with a developmental disability, 18+, interested in learning about services available in the Toronto region? Need help navigating programs and resources?
On April 16, stop by for a free one hour consultation with a case manager, have your questions answered and get help with forms and other resources. No registration required.
https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/workshops-groups-and-events/

03/08/2026

Family Service Toronto joins a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women's advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8.

IWD is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality Collectively, we can for gender equality, this year’s campaign theme. It emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support and reminds us that when women thrive, we all rise.

Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day impactful. Significant barriers to gender equality remain, yet with the right action and support, positive progress can be made for women everywhere.

FREE International Women's Day 2026 theme resources -

02/25/2026

Campaign 2000 released its 2025 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada, Investing in Tomorrow: A Future Without Poverty.
Today, 802,000 children (10.7%) live in poverty using Canada’s official measure, and nearly 1.4 million when a broader income measure is applied. At the current pace, it would take almost 400 years to end child poverty in Canada.

Read the full report:
https://campaign2000.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2025-Report-Card-on-Child-and-Family-Poverty.pdf

02/24/2026

Do you have a pet that supports you and wonder what counts as a service animal?
In Ontario, service animals are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), but they do not require certification.
You must show that you have a disability and that the animal supports you. If the animal isn’t wearing a vest or harness, businesses may request documentation—such as a note from a regulated health professional or an ID card from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General for people who are blind.
Understanding these rights helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces for everyone.
Learn more: https://acmo.org/publications/cm-magazine/article/285

02/20/2026

Caring for a child recently diagnosed with Autism and/or an Intellectual Developmental Disability can feel overwhelming—you don’t have to navigate it alone. Join our Caregivers Peer Support group starting May 7. This virtual group offers a safe, welcoming space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn about navigating systems, accessing resources, and finding support for their child. Read flyer:https://familyservicetoronto.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Caregivergroupflyer_2026.pdf

02/17/2026

It’s Nonprofit Appreciation Week!
Across Ontario, 58,000+ nonprofits make communities stronger, healthier, and more vibrant—while driving economic growth. Behind every thriving community there is a nonprofit quietly making magic happen. From arts to elder care, child programs to environmental advocacy, they enrich millions of lives every day.
This week, we celebrate their dedication—and we want to hear from you!
Share your nonprofit story, how did we help you, tag us, and use .
Let’s recognize the impact together!

02/03/2026

On February 10, Toronto City Council votes on the 2026 City Budget—and this is no time for cuts.

At 12 pm, join Social Planning Toronto, community members and organizations outside City Hall to stand up for the services and supports our city depends on. FST is proud to be one of event sponsors.

Bring your signs, your voice, and your winter layers. The city is listening—let’s make sure they hear us and commit to fully funding critical programs and services that we rely on.
Learn more: https://www.socialplanningtoronto.org/save_the_date

02/03/2026

Are you a woman who experienced childhood trauma?
The Resourced and Resilient Group offers a free 8-week trauma therapy program to explore skills, strategies, and support for long-term recovery. Part of a research study, this group provides a safe space to heal and grow stronger together.

Learn more at: https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/workshops-groups-and-events/