With mental health resources often being difficult to access and costly for many, New Path Youth and Family Services works to offer compassionate and accessible programs for youth and families across Simcoe County, including Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Cookstown, Collingwood, and Orillia.
New Path provides a range of mental health services from same-day sessions, in-school services and group counselling for children and their families.
“Fostering healthy, strong communities is at the core of our work,” said Dominika Zapolnik, communications manager at New Path Youth and Family Services.
“A multi-service approach allows us to see the big picture for clients, understanding their unique needs and how best to integrate our support into their mental health journey,” said Zapolnik.
In addition to offering essential mental health support and services, the organization also strives to diminish the stigma associated with mental health in the Simcoe County region.
Following the pandemic, many individuals in Simcoe County turned to mental health support.
“Last year alone, we saw over 3,000 families and youth that accessed vital mental health services in our community,” Zapolnik said.
New Path is committed to offering affordable mental health resources for children, youth and families in need so that everyone has the opportunity to access the help they deserve.
“New Path has provided us with support and helped us during times of crisis. I am forever grateful for the help. It has helped me be the parent I want to be for my child. It has provided an outlet of support for my kids. I would recommend it to anyone struggling,“ said one New Path client.
New Path is supported by both provincial funding and the generous donations of community supporters, allowing services to be available and accessible to all.
The organization relies on donations as some programs and services are not covered by provincial funding, such as mental health support manuals for children and families attending coping and parenting groups, craft kits, sports equipment, art supplies and one-on-one tutoring support for youth.
“Because mental health can’t wait, we are so thankful to our community for their continued support as we work to fulfil our mission to ensure that children and youth have integrated, accessible and inclusive mental health services when and where they need them,” Zapolnik said.
If you are interested in supporting New Path’s programs through a donation, click here.
Looking to volunteer? Join New Path’s Board of Directors. Its volunteer board is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals wanting to build better futures for children, youth and families struggling with mental health in Simcoe County.
To learn more about the range of free child and youth mental health services, visit the Quick Access Child and Youth Mental Health Clinic website or by calling New Path directly at 705-725-7656.
If you are over the age of 18 and seeking support, you can view available appointments for counselling here.
Learn more by visiting New Path’s website or by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
