Family Service Toronto

08/07/2025

Today's Spotlight on Accessibility highlights the impactful work of Common Ground Co-operative, a remarkable non-profit organization that champions social inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Through supportive job coaching and inclusive employment opportunities, Common Ground empowers their client-partners to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and thrive — no matter their abilities. From Lemon and Spice and The Coffee Sheds to CleanABLE cleaning services, their work creates not just jobs, but community too.

Learn more: https://commongroundco-op.ca/about-cgc/

07/22/2025

FST has FST signed an open letter joining more than 600 individuals and organizations from across Ontario calling on the province to allow the distribution of syringes at Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, noting that prohibiting them will put more people at risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission.
https://www.halco.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Open-letter_Prohibition-of-NSPs-in-HART-Hubs_July-2025.pdf

07/16/2025

Come to our Community Food Market and enjoy fresh produce, hot coffee, local art, tasty snacks and more
this Thursday, July 17, between 1 - 6 PM. Raffle fun is included.
Hosted together with Corbrook, and The Social Brew — every third Thursday of the month
Come to have some fun, connect and support our community.

07/09/2025

At FST, we acknowledge the importance of accessible service for all. We believe it to be a right, not a privilege. This month’s Spot on Accessibility shares a touching video of a community coming together to learn sign language—helping one person feel truly seen, heard, and included. It’s a beautiful reminder that accessibility isn’t just about tools—it’s about honoring dignity, building connection, and creating a space where everyone belongs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyk0CxjNYyw

Strangers Used Sign Language To Make His Day Easier, His Final Reaction Was Priceless,Titled “Hearing Hands”.- FaceBook Page : https://www.facebook.com/Video...

07/08/2025

We want to hear from you!
If you are an FST client, we invite you to participate in our Annual Satisfaction Survey to share your thoughts, experiences, and expectations regarding our programs and services.
Our client survey is open year-round, giving you the chance to provide feedback on our services at any time. As an FST client, your responses help us improve and tailor our programs so we can best support you.
Tell us how we are doing: https://familyservicetoronto.org/we-want-to-hear-from-you/

06/26/2025

During a recent group discussion for Seniors Month, participants of our Still With It 2SLGBTQIA+ Seniors group shared thoughtful reflections on aging.

They spoke about the importance of learning to advocate for themselves, the challenges of navigating public spaces as older adults, and the need for more accessible and welcoming community events. Many expressed frustration at feeling unseen by younger generations and pointed to stereotypes—like the “cranky old person”—that make it harder to speak up for themselves. They also reminded us of a powerful truth: we all share the responsibility of caring for one another, across generations.

Let’s listen, learn, and build a more connected and inclusive community for everyone.

06/19/2025

To highlight the importance of speaking up against elder abuse, please take a moment to read this heartfelt story shared by a member of our Need a Boost group.

A Moment I’ll Never Forget…
I’m 85 years old. The other day, I was on the subway, making my way through a group of teenage boys to find a seat. As I held onto my bundle buggy, the bruise on my wrist—left from a recent medical procedure—was visible.
One of the boys gently got my attention and said,
“Ma’am, you have a bruise on your wrist… no one’s hurting you at home, are they?”
I was honestly shocked—and deeply touched.
I assured him it was from a medical procedure, and nothing to worry about.
But he looked me in the eye and said firmly,
“You’re not lying to me, are you? I want you to know you can get support.”
That moment stayed with me. His concern was real. Genuine.
In a world where older people often feel invisible, this young man saw me—and cared.
Kindness has no age limit.
Let’s build more moments like this—across generations. Together, we can raise awareness, foster understanding, and advocate for the dignity and safety of our seniors.

06/17/2025

Every older adult deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. Too often, elder abuse goes unrecognized and unreported. It can take many forms — physical, emotional, financial, or neglect — and it can happen to anyone.

Know the signs.Start the conversation. Report concerns.

Let’s break the silence and stand up for the dignity and rights of older adults.

For more information on prevention, reporting, and resources, visit: https://eapon.ca

Together, we can help prevent elder abuse and build a safer, more caring community for everyone.

06/17/2025

This Seniors Month, we honour the caregivers who make aging with dignity possible.

Behind every supported senior is often a caregiver — a family member, friend, or community worker — offering time, love, and strength, often without recognition.

Your care matters.
Your well-being matters, too.

To all the caregivers: thank you for the meals prepared, the appointments attended, the quiet comfort, and the tireless advocacy. This month, and every month, we see you.

If you’re a caregiver, know that you are not alone. Support is available — for your mental health, your energy, and your journey.

Visit our website for caregiver resources and support services. https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/programs-and-services/seniors-and-caregivers/

06/17/2025

TC Travel Training & Wheel-Trans Information Session
On June 24, We invite individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and service providers to join us for a drop-in information session in partnership with TTC Travel Training and Wheel-Trans.

Participants will have the opportunity to:
Meet with TTC staff and ask questions
Learn about Wheel-Trans services, eligibility, and booking options
See demonstrations of accessible TTC features
Access valuable resources for families and caregivers

The TTC’s Travel Training Program is free and is empowering riders to travel with greater confidence and independence.

06/12/2025

To highlight the importance of caregiver support this Seniors Month, please read this client testimony from a participant from the Spanish Speaking Seniors group at FST:

"It is hard to care for my wife alone. I miss my family back home. They understand us. I miss being able to receive care for me and her in Spanish. It is not the same connection with health care practitioner if they do not understand your culture. That is why when I find a good group that offers care and socialization in our language, we go. I want to remain connected and encourage my wife to do the same, so she does not become isolated. It is hard and overwhelming to be the main caregiver of the love of your life. It becomes better when you find a supportive group that cares about you."

More information about this group and our other seniors groups can be found on our website: https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/workshops-groups-and-events/

06/05/2025

FST acknowledges and prioritizes the need for safe community spaces for seniors as an essential part of healthy aging. This statement from members of our Gaining Strength Sharing Stories group highlights just that:

"Social isolation and loneliness are some of the most difficult parts of aging. We are grateful to have a space where we can tell our stories in a safe and respectful environment. An important theme of this group is exploring what it means to have a successful life at every stage. We agreed that the foundation of this lies in our ability to be open, honest and most importantly, genuine. The group support allows us to safely explore this journey to ongoing wellness."

For more information about this group and other seniors groups at FST, check out: https://familyservicetoronto.org/our-services/workshops-groups-and-events/