John Howard Society of Durham Region

Community Services

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Community Services

Group Counselling and Drop-In Services

Our group counselling services support individuals through challenging life moments by offering structured, cognitive skills-based programming. Our group sessions are designed to help improve emotional well-being, teach new coping strategies, and enhance communication skills. Whether it’s anger, parenting challenges, or relationship issues, our group counseling programs provide the tools needed to navigate life’s ups and downs.

Our trained counsellors lead weekly sessions that incorporate information, education, discussion, and practice. We teach techniques for better emotional management, improved relationships, and build healthier coping mechanisms. The groups are safe, supportive spaces where participants can share experiences and learn from each other.

Adult Anger Management

(7 weeks – 2 hours each week)

We help participants:

  • understand anger as an emotion
  • determine negative and non-productive behaviours
  •  learn productive and positive Anger Management techniques
  •  to express feelings and emotions in a safe and comfortable environment

Active Parenting (Ages 5-12)

(6 weeks – 1.5 hours each week)

We help participants:

  • build courage and character in your children
  • develop effective non-violent discipline skills
  • understand misbehaviour and developmental goals
  • understand how to use natural and logical consequences
  • develop and practice communication techniques
  • teach responsibility and problem-solving skills to children

Active Parenting (Teens)

(6 weeks – 1.5 hours each week)

We help participants:

  • understand developmental changes in teens’ bodies and minds
  • communicate effectively with your teens
  • prevent and handle drug and alcohol use
  • discipline while teaching responsibility
  • explore and develop skills to resolve conflict using a non-violent approach
  • learn about your teen’s goals so you can redirect their behaviour

D.A.D.S. (Dads Aiming for Direction & Support)

(8 weeks – 2 hours each week)

Our group is for fathers who believe that children have the right to have a loving, nurturing relationship with both parents and their extended family. Group members offer one another support and encouragement. Our team members lead the weekly workshops on a variety of different topics, including:

  • dealing with limited or no access to your children
  • managing increased stress levels
  • frustration in dealing with the family court system
  • loss of family and friends
  • parenting issues
  • building a personal support system
  • healthy relationships
  • self-care and stress management
  • conflict resolution and more

Cooperative Coparenting

(7 weeks – 1.5 hours each week)

Our Cooperative Parenting group addresses the relationship between separate households that are created as a result of family separation or divorce. It is designed to improve the quality of the parental relationship. Our team works to support separating or divorced parents by:

  • encouraging a shift in roles from former spouses to co-parents
  • educating about the impact of parental conflict on a child’s development
  • identifying contributions to conflict and controlling impulses
  • recognizing triggers that can lead to anger
  • teaching communication and conflict resolution skills
  • providing information about children’s issues in divorce

Drop In Services

Women’s Drop-In

The Women’s Drop-In program runs every Friday from 1:00–4:00 PM and is designed to support street-involved women and those involved in sex trade work within the Durham Region. We offer a welcoming, non-judgmental, and inclusive space where women can find respite, community, and connection.

Our program is grounded in respect, dignity, and compassion. We provide nutritious meals, access to laundry and shower facilities, supportive counselling and access to harm reduction information and supplies. In addition, women can access basic hygiene products, clothing, and referrals to housing, health, legal, and other social services as needed.

Workshops and educational opportunities are occasionally offered on topics such as personal safety, healthy relationships, life skills, and self-care. The program can provide a warm meal, someone to talk to, or a place to rest and recharge. Our doors are open.