Youth Programs

Youth Supports

Al-Anon/Alateen

A free, confidential, and anonymous support program for families and friends of people whose lives have been affected by alcohol. Al-Anon is a nondenominational and nonpolitical community resource to provide support through regular meetings.

Alternatives for Youth

Alternatives for Youth (AY) provides substance use and mental health care for children and youth ages 12-15 years, and those about care about them. The AY program focuses on: the prevention of substance abuse, the reduction or elimination of problem substance abuse, and the provision of strategies to reduce the number and severity of relapses. Support for family and friends is also available so that they can understand and encourage the client’s efforts at learning to make positive lifestyle changes, and choices. 

Barrett Centre 

Mental health crisis program that responds to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis but do not need hospitalization; supports individuals 16 and up. Crisis Line (905) 529-7878

Canadian Tire JumpStart Program

Canadian Tire JumpStart is a community-based charitable program that helps kids in financial need aged 4 – 18 participate in organized sports and recreation such as hockey, dance, soccer and swimming so they can develop important life skills, self esteem and confidence. 

Catholic Children’s Aid Society

The CCAS mandate is to protect children (age 18 and under) from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. Call (905) 525-2012 (intake number)

Catholic Family Services 

Various counselling, including walk-in and support programs available to the Hamilton community. (905) 527-3823

Children’s Aid Society 

The CAS mandate is to protect children (age 18 and under) from physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect. Call (905) 522-1121 (intake number) 

COAST Hamilton
Mental health crisis outreach and support for all ages.
Crisis Line (905) 972-8338

Contact Hamilton: For Children’s and Developmental Services

Providing support to children and youth from birth to their 18th birthday and their families who are presenting with social, emotional, behavioural, psychiatric and/or developmental concerns. Programs include:

• Children and Youth Services
• Developmental Services Ontario Hamilton Niagara Region (DSO HNR)
• Passport Funding Program, Hamilton-Niagara

De dwa da dehs nye>s (Aboriginal Health Centre) 

Provide mental wellness services that are culturally safe for all members of the urban community who self-identify as having Aboriginal ancestry. (905) 544-4320

Eagles Nest of Waterdown

Counsellors work with youth to guide them through difficult emotions and experiences. Services are free or at minimal cost. Contact programs@eaglesnestwaterdown.ca

Healthy Youth Network

A community led initiative to support positive youth experiences through building developmental assets. Assets are 40 values, positive experiences and qualities that help young people make positive choices. HYN’s vision is that youth are asset-rich, make healthy decisions, are involved, and are supported, loved and cared for by the whole community.

John Howard Society Youth Programs

John Hoard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area offer many support programs for youth including programs to support youth living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, youth with interpersonal problems as a result of aggressive behavior, youth who need help with cognitive skills and many more.

Kids Help Phone
24/7 counselling and information service for young people.
Crisis Line 1-800-668-6868

LGBT Youth Line 

Free service provided for youth by youth. 647-694-4275

Notre Dame House 

An emergency shelter for homeless or street- involved youth age 16-21. Call 905-308-8090 

Sexual Assault Centre of Hamilton (SACHA)

Crisis Line (905) 525-4162 

Waterdown Sexual Health Clinic

Run by the City of Hamilton Public Health Services, the Waterdown Sexual Health Clinic, provides a range of confidential services to all ages such as:

• sexual health, safer sex practices, abstinence, and birth control information
• low-cost birth control based on medical eligibility
• free STI testing and treatment
• free emergency contraceptive pill (ECP)

For more information call : 905 528 5894

Youth Wellness Centre 

Mental health and addiction programs and support available to individuals aged 17-25. Clients can self-refer. (905) 522-1155 x 31725 or email YWCintake@stjoes.ca 

Youth Reconnect 

For youth age 13-19 at risk of homelessness or with a history of housing instability. Call 905-308-8090

Recreation & Activities

Early ON Child and Family Centre Waterdown

Ontario Early Years Centres are places where parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children six years of age and younger play and learn together. At the Ontario Early Years Centres, parents and caregivers can: 1. Take part with their children in a range of programs and activities, 2. Get answers to questions, 3.Get information about programs and services that are available for young children, 4. Talk to early years professionals as well as with other parents and caregivers in the community.

Flamborough Dundas Soccer Club

Flamborough Dundas Soccer Club is a non-profit soccer club that offers leagues, programs, clinics and camps for all ages and abilities. The focus of programs is to promote personal development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and encourage the love of soccer.

Flamborough Hockey

For boys, the Flamborough Hockey Association offers both competitive and non-competitive team options. For girls, the Flamborough Girls Hockey Association runs both competitive and non-competitive team options.

Flamborough YMCA

Offers various youth programs, opportunities and camps throughout the year to help individuals and families grow and thrive in Waterdown.

Girl Guides

Girl Guides of Canada is the leadership organization of choice for girls and women in Canada, offering members the experience of a lifetime. Guiding is an accepting environment with diverse and exciting programs and activities that offer the chance to discover new interests, learn valuable leadership skills and make lasting friendships. Guiding gives girls the tools and resources they need to achieve greatness. New Adult Volunteers are always welcome!

• Ages:
  Sparks (5-6 years)
  Brownies (7-8 years)
  Guides (9-11)
  Pathfinders (12-14)

Scouts

The mission of Scouts Canada is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. Youth are divided into five sections based on age group. These programs are open to both male and female.

• Ages:
  Beavers: ages 5 – 7 years
  Cubs: ages 8 – 10 years
  Scouts: ages 11 – 14 years
  Ventures: ages 14 – 17 years
  Rovers: ages 18 – 26 years
• For more information contact the Carlisle group at: carlislescouts@bell.net or the Waterdown group at: info.3rdwaterdown@gmail.com

Youth Empowerment Program

Flamborough Connects’ Youth Empowerment Program engages local and rural youth and gives them the structure and tools they need to connect with each other and build networks. We bring resources and opportunities to them. The Flamborough Youth Empowerment Program is youth led and agency supported. A team of young people chooses activities and helps facilitate events: job fairs, volunteer fairs, health and wellness events, arts activities. The program covers a wide variety of topics and themes that spark passion and interest: art, music, health and wellness, outdoor activities, volunteering, career mentorship, and academic opportunities.

Youth Unlimited – YFC Waterdown

YFC is committed to helping youth develop by offering programs and developing relationships that nurture youth mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. They offer programs including summer camps, archery programs, recording studio opportunities and more in Waterdown.