Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services

🍓 Brantford Autism Services is cooking up some fun this summer! 🍽️🌞 Is your autistic child aged 10-14 interested in cooking? 🍳 The Pan-tastic Chefs skills group is a 7-week program to teach youth cooking and baking skills, from grocery shopping to preparing meals together.

🍍 Mondays from July 8 to August 26 (no group Aug 5)
🍍 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
🍍 643 Park Road North, Brantford
🍍 Ratio: 3 learners to 1 staff (max 6 learners)
🍍 Cost: $1,615 (incl. the cost of food)
🍍 Led by BCBA: Kaitlyn Kocken

Register by July 3rd to secure your spot! Call Jessica at 289-208-2336 or email [email protected].

Learn more: https://ow.ly/t4TC50Se8rp

Congratulations to Cathy Stefanelli, Program Manager of Brantford's Elementary Day Treatment who is celebrating 40 YEARS OF SERVICE at Woodview!!

The heartfelt video messages and speeches from co-workers, leadership, and the many young people she has mentored was incredibly moving. THANK YOU CATHY for your incredible dedication, compassion, and genuine love of helping young people! ✨ You have made your mark at Woodview! 🙌

Cheers to another amazing Staff Appreciation Day! 🎉 We celebrated milestone anniversaries of staff with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years of service 🏆capping it off with one very special tribute to Cathy Stefanelli, Program Manager of Brantford's Elementary Day Treatment who is celebrating 40 YEARS OF SERVICE at Woodview!!

The heartfelt video messages and speeches from co-workers, leadership, and the many young people she has mentored was incredibly moving. THANK YOU CATHY for your incredible dedication, compassion, and genuine love of helping young people! ✨ You have made your mark at Woodview! 🙌

We got together for our annual team photo and then our awesome staff volunteers led fun and interactive activities from planting herbs, tote bag painting, and a euchre tournie to sweating it out with a full-body workout, soccer, and laughter yoga! Diane Murphy, Holistic Nutritionist, held two sold-out nutritional powerhouse sessions! 🥕

We topped off this wonderful day of recognition with a muy delicioso Taco / Build a Bowl Bar catered by Familia Fine FoodsFoods 🌮 and prizes!! 🎁

THANK YOU to all the organizers who worked so hard to plan this special day for us, and to leadership for continuing this wonderful Woodview tradition! 🫶

Here are some highlights of the day, enjoy!

Happy Staff Appreciation Day 2024 to all our amazing staff!! You are the SOUL of Woodview! 💙💚💛

🎉 Staff Appreciation Day is here! 🎉 Today - in case you're wondering why we're closed 😉 - our team of over 200 staff from across three regions are gathering at our head office in Burlington to celebrate milestone anniversaries 🏆 and our amazing team with fun and interactive activities!! 💙💚💛

Aww, check out what Amanda McEachern shared! 👇🏼

"Happy Pride Month!! From all of us in Hamilton Adult Autism Services! 🏳️‍🌈"

Today, we join in commemorating Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in history marking the end of slavery in the US. As Canadians, we reflect on this significant day and stand in solidarity with the Black community, recognizing the ongoing journey towards racial equality and justice.

Let’s honour this historic milestone by continuing to work together to build an inclusive society.

Happy ! Today is a day dedicated to spreading positivity and pride to everyone in the autistic community.

At Woodview, we believe everyone should be proud of who they are. Our mission is to provide services to those with autism and their families that empower, strengthen, and inspire. We strive to create a world where every person with autism can thrive and live the best life possible! 💪🌎

Remember – no matter what your journey looks like, we’re here for you and your family. 💙💚💛

If you want to see how we can support your child or family, we offer a wide spectrum of services across Brantford, Halton, and Hamilton. Find the right fit for your family here. 👉 https://woodview.ca/our-programs/

Happy to all who celebrate! Also known as “the Feast of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha is one of the most sacred celebrations in the Islamic faith. It honours Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to honour Allah.

Eid al-Adha takes place from June 15 to 19 this year. Muslims around the world gather to share a traditional dinner of meat with family and friends. Any leftovers from an Eid al-Adha dinner are typically donated to those in need.

Eid al-Adha celebrates religious devotion, gratitude, and the importance of serving others in the Muslim community.

Happy Father’s Day! 👔 To all the amazing dads who love and do so much, especially in our and communities, thank you! Your love, strength, and support make a world of difference. Wishing you a FUN-tastic day! 🌞🥓⛳🐠

🏅 Woodview Learning Centre students celebrated Olympic Day with fun and games! 🎉 From running races to team activities, everyone had a blast. Check out these awesome moments!

☀ Only 2 spots left in our STEM Club social skills group in Burlington! STARTS JULY 5th!

🔬 STEM Club (Ages 8-12)
Monday & Friday from July 5 to August 30
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: 69 Flatt Rd, Burlington
Cost: $3,000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson
Ratio: 3 learners to 1 staff (max 6 learners)

Kids will work together to build structures, perform science experiments, and play group games, focusing on cooperation, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Register by June 28th!

Call us at 950-689-4727 ext. 115

To learn more, please visit:
https://woodview.ca/halton-autism-social-skills-groups

Halton Autism Skills Groups | Woodview Autistic children can learn and develop communication skills and daily living skills through fun and exciting social skills groups at Woodview in Burlington!

☀ Does your autistic teen want to learn, make friends & have fun this summer? Only 2 spots left in our TEEN HANGOUT group!

Teen Hangout (Ages 13-17) 🗨️
Monday & Friday from July 5 to August 30
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Cost: $3,000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson
Ratio: 3 learners to 1 staff (max 6 learners)

This social skills group will engage youth in planning social activities, cooking, art, and community outings, while learning to make and keep friends!

Register by June 28th!

Call us at 950-689-4727 ext. 115

To learn more, please visit:
https://woodview.ca/halton-autism-social-skills-groups

Halton Autism Skills Groups | Woodview Autistic children can learn and develop communication skills and daily living skills through fun and exciting social skills groups at Woodview in Burlington!

A huge thank you to all the youth, families, and staff who came out to support last week’s Coffee House event hosted by Woodview’s Youth Force! The evening was filled with wonderful connections and engagement as guests enjoyed crafts, puzzles, games, snacks, and a lively silent auction!

Special shout-out to Nicki Straza (Engagement Lead) and Steve Kovar (YODA Program) for supporting the youth through this journey!

Check out this fun initiative led by Natalie over at our Park Road North location! The Brantford team celebrate Pride with t-shirts in vibrant colours, and together, made a $130.65 donation to LGBT YouthLine, a service offering peer support to q***r and trans children and youth.

Thanks for an outstanding presentation on emotional intelligence to our leadership team on Friday! 💡🚀 Thanks Irene Richmond and organizing crew for a fun day of team building (Amazing Race!) and inspiration for Woodview’s managers and directors. Your efforts make our team stronger and more connected! 😃

UPDATE (June 14): ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT in our Halton summer skills groups! Groups begin July 5th, book today!

😎 SUMMER GROUPS START JULY 5th! Halton Autism Services has two exciting summer skills groups for kids and youth ages 8 to 17 years designed to foster social skills & friendship-building!

🔬 STEM Club (Ages 8-12)
Mondays and Fridays: July 5 to August 30
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: 69 Flatt Rd, Burlington
Cost: $3,000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson
Ratio: 3 learners to 1 staff (max 6 learners)
⚠️ Only 2 spots left!

Kids will work together to build structures, perform science experiments, and play group games, focusing on cooperation, problem-solving, and communication skills.

🗨️ Teen Hangout (Ages 13-17)
Mondays and Fridays: July 5 to August 30
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Cost: $3,000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson
Ratio: 3 learners to 1 staff (max 6 learners)
⚠️ Only 2 spots left!

Teens will engage in planning social activities, cooking, art, and community outings, while learning to make friends!

Register by June 28th! Call us at 950-689-4727 ext. 115

To learn more, please visit:
https://woodview.ca/halton-autism-social-skills-groups

⛳️ Only 3 more sleeps before the The Greens At Renton Community Day GOLF FUNDRAISER on June 11th! There are still tee times available for those who would like to play 9 holes of fun games with 9 chances to win great prizes. If you sign up before Monday you will be entered to WIN one of the Early Bird prizes!

Book your tee time today by calling 519-426-3308 ext 1 and let them know you're golfing for Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services!

Happy National Health and Fitness Day! 🚴‍♂️🏋️‍♀️ Today, we're inspired by LIFE day program participants who hit the gym and learned about the health benefits of exercising. We love how they've embraced fitness! 🏃‍♂️💪

Did you know that one of the best things you can do for your mental health is to get moving?

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, regular exercise not only keeps you fit but also boosts your brain's production of happy chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. Staying active can help alleviate depression and improve your overall mood. How amazing is that? 😊

So get out and celebrate today by getting active. Whether it’s a walk, bike ride, some stretches, or dancing to your favourite tunes! Let’s get moving and boost our mental health! 🌟👟

Thank you for inviting Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services to the inaugural Burlington Community Cares Forum! 🗣️It was a wonderful opportunity to share resources and volunteering opportunities with residents! 💪🏼 Shout out to Ashley, Jessica, and Tasha who represented our Halton programs so well!

Guess who just had a birthday? On Friday, we had another milestone birthday at the Manor! Paul turned the BIG 5-0! 🥳

Sandy Cino, an autism counsellor of the program says, "Paul has been 'one of the guys' here at the Manor for over half of his life. It was so great to celebrate this day with him!!" Staff and clients danced the afternoon away and enjoyed yummy cake too. 💃🎶🎂

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Paul from all of us at Woodview!

Please share your b'day wishes for Paul in the comments! 🎉

Woodview Manor is a residential program in Hamilton that provides support for five individuals with autism.

Our teen social skills groups from Halton Autism Services had a fantastic community outing recently! The Master Chef Group visited the Waterdown Farmer's Market and had a great time shopping for fresh fruit 🍓🍏 and mint to make a fruit salad! A brave group member even tried some hot sauce from one of the vendors! 🌶

Back at the Pathways House, our Friendship and Beyond Group created their own market! While the teen group went to the farmer's market, our younger group had fun pretending to run their own food shops! There was a pizza shop 🍕, sandwich shop 🥪, ice cream shop 🍦, and even a hot dog stand! 🌭

Check out the smiles and creativity in action!

June commemorates Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2024!

Woodview’s Brantford location is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral Attawandaron Nations, governed by the Haldimand Treaty of 1784. Woodview continues to work collaboratively with local Six Nations agencies in the pursuit of child, youth and community mental wellness.

This month, we’d like to highlight the remarkable educational work the Woodland Cultural Centre (WCC) does for the community.

Located in Brantford, the Woodland Cultural Centre was established in 1972 upon closure of the Mohawk Institute Residential School. The WCC remembers the dark history that occurred on the property while honoring the stories of residential school victims and survivors. Their mission is to protect, promote, interpret, and present the Haudenosaunee worldview. They do this through educational initiatives such as in-person and virtual tours, historical and educational workshops, art exhibitions and much more.

This year, the WCC invites the community to join them for their National indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Sunday, June 23. In this year’s theme, “We Celebrate Our Stories,” there will be live performances and demonstrations, hands on workshops and shopping for local Indigenous vendors and foods.

Learn more: https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca

✍ Post Credit: Natalie Fougere, Admin in Brantford. Natalie has an Indigenous Studies minor and has a keen interest in matters pertaining to Indigenous sovereignty and land back initiatives.

👋 Drop by and say hello as we join the inaugural Community Cares Forum on June 5th from 7pm to 9pm ! Thank you Councilor Lisa Kearns for hosting a nite of community wellness & engagement at Burlington City Hall.

Please see the flyer for details!

We’re painting Woodview red today in support of individuals living with disabilities❣️😍

♦️ Today is Red Shirt Day! We wear RED in support of individuals living with disabilities, both visible and invisible❣️

At Woodview, we're committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. Here are some of the steps we've taken to advance accessibility and disability inclusion:

♿ Conducted accessibility audits at main locations in Halton, Hamilton, and Brantford.

♿ Upgraded our head office main entrance, installed automatic door openers, ramps, and created Type A accessible parking spots with wayfinding path (supported through grant funding).

♿ Enhanced our website to exceed WCAG 2.1, Level AA compliance.

♿ "Strengthening Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" is set as a priority in our 2022-25 Strategic Plan.

♿ Provide staff accommodations like standing desks.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values at Woodview, you can learn more about our EDI initiatives here:
woodview.ca/equity-diversity-inclusion

We are committed to continuous improvement & learning!💡



Empowered Kids Ontario Easter Seals Canada

Look who's here! Youth Force, our awesome Halton youth engagement group, is working hard on final preparations for hosting their Coffee House on June 4th!

Tuesday, June 4th
5:30 to 7 PM
3385 Harvester Road, Unit 108, Burlington

Parents and teens, make plans to drop by to connect, engage and enjoy crafts, puzzles, games, snacks & silent auction! 🎨🎁