Centre aims to make families stronger

Fathers struggling with abuse issues. Children seeking mental health treatment. Women escaping violence.

These are just some of the more than 1,800 individuals accessing Yorktown Family Services each year, according to executive director Suzette Arruda-Santos.

“It’s really about providing immediate access to whatever supports are necessary to respond to what an individual, a child or a family is experiencing at that time,” says ArrudaSantos.

The charity delivers services via two “independent but integrated” organizations. Yorktown Child and Family Centre is a mental health centre for children and youth, while Yorktown Shelter for Women provides emergency assistance to women and children fleeing violence.

“Being there and being able to respond is essential — we work in a very, very poor community,” says Arruda-Santos, noting that the average household income in their west end Toronto catchment area is $30,000. “We need to provide not just counselling and opportunities for change, but also hope.”

Tired of “astronomical” waiting lists for families seeking mental health treatment, Yorktown decided to create the “what’s up” walk-in clinic, offering single-session services and a gateway to longer-term treatment plans. Where your money goes

83 per cent goes directly to programs and services

17 per cent goes to fundraising and administrative costs What your money can do

$20 can connect an isolated youth with an outreach worker

$50 buys an hour of immediate counselling for a child, a youth, a parent or a family in distress

$100 provides a family with three nutritious meals a day for one week at their shelter

$250 enables an at-risk youth to participate in a program to build marketable skills. Upcoming events The 2015 Yorktown Family Services Tribute Dinner will be held on May 6 at Arcadian Court. The fundraiser recognizes individuals in the community for philanthropic efforts, and includes a cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and a silent auction.