Bethesda

During Autism Awareness Month, Bethesda was honoured to partner with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to provide training focused on supporting neurodivergent travellers.

At CBSA’s request, members of our Children and Youth Services team delivered two presentations to border agents across the Fort Erie to Sarnia region. The training shared insights, strategies, and practical approaches to help create more positive and accessible travel experiences for individuals with diverse needs.

The response was incredibly positive, and we’re excited to continue the conversation. We’re proud to share our expertise, strengthen community partnerships, and work alongside others to help build a world where everyone is supported, respected, and included.

In June, we were pleased to come together in person with Michael Prosia, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, to commemorate this new partnership.

Growing community connections, learning, and opportunity

Bethesda is grateful for the incredible support we continue to receive from our community partners who help our greenhouse program thrive.

A special thank you to the students in the Educational Assistant- Adult Support program in Community Studies at Niagara College for choosing Bethesda as the beneficiary of their mock fundraiser project. Through their creativity and generosity, they helped obtain in-kind Donations from the College’s greenhouse to support Bethesda’s Gardening Club, a space that provides meaningful hands-on learning, life skills development, and opportunities for connection for the people we support.

We are also thankful to be part of the Niagara Community Garden Network, a group that brings together community gardens, growers, and organizations across Niagara to share knowledge, resources, and support. Through local meetups, seed sharing, and donations from community members, the network helps gardens like ours continue to grow.

Earlier this year, we were able to access free seeds through the network, and in June, the Niagara Community Garden Network generously donated several 6-inch pots of plants and herbs to our program. These donations provide new opportunities for individuals supported by Bethesda to participate in gardening activities, learn new skills, and enjoy the many benefits of growing something together.

Thank you to Niagara College students and the Niagara Community Garden Network funded by United Way for helping us cultivate inclusion, independence, and community.

Ever wondered how group placement works at Bethesda? At Children and Youth Services, our priority is to offer a registration process designed to be thoughtful, flexible and fair while helping as many children and youth as possible access the supports that best meet their needs.

From waitlists and summer camps to group matching and participant selection, many factors go into creating safe, successful and inclusive group experiences.

Swipe through to learn more about how we support equitable access to our programs and why we encourage families to register, even when a group appears full.

To explore upcoming camps, groups, virtual workshops and family events, visit the Children and Youth Service Guide through here: https://bit.ly/4egIBQ4.

Today, we celebrate fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, caregivers, mentors and all those who provide guidance and support in the lives of others. Thank you for the many ways you help build strong families, caring communities and meaningful connections each and every day.

From all of us at Bethesda, we wish everyone celebrating a very Happy Father’s Day.

Looking for summer support for your child or youth?

We still have spaces available in Bethesda’s fee-for-service skill-building groups for ages 8–10 and 12–15.

These groups focus on social communication, emotional regulation, executive functioning, confidence, and peer connection.

Contact: [email protected] or call 905.684.6918 ext. 170 to learn more.

In recognition of National Indigenous History Month, we’re sharing this opportunity to connect, listen, and learn with Niagara Regional Native Centre.

Monday Night Drum is open to all — whether you drum, sing, or would like to attend and listen.

🥁 Monday Night Drum

Community-led drumming and traditional teachings continue every Monday evening. All are welcome to join, whether you drum, sing, or just want to listen and learn.

📍 382 Airport Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake
🗓️ Mondays | 5PM – 8PM
Light dinner provided
Please bring your Feast bundle if you have one
All welcome | All drums welcome

The School Supplies Backpack Challenge is our commitment to helping students start the school year prepared, confident and ready to learn.

Last year, Bethesda staff came together to donate 61 backpacks filled with school supplies, along with several bags of additional school items. These donations supported local families, students in our Education Community Partnership Program with the DSBN, and youth served by the Niagara Regional Native Centre.
Every backpack represents an opportunity for a child to begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

Need a backpack for the upcoming school year? Bethesda families can complete the backpack request form here: https://bit.ly/4uFDVZ3

This Pride Month, we're celebrating Gender Rocks, a program offered by Bethesda Children and Youth Services in collaboration with Quest Community Health Centre. Gender Rocks created a safe, welcoming and affirming space where 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families could connect, share experiences and build supportive relationships.

Families appreciated the opportunity to connect with others and hear hopeful lived-experience perspectives, while youth shared the importance of affirmation, peer connection, creative expression, supportive relationships and visible representation.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants highlighted the value of spaces like Gender Rocks and reinforced the need for continued opportunities that foster belonging, support, and community for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their families.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this program such a meaningful experience.