Dufferin Mall Youth Services

posted December 11, 2009

Dufferin Mall Youth Services (DMYS) is a collaborative storefront service for youth aged 12-24. DMYS is a program of Abrigo Centre and is provided in collaboration with Public Health, Aarabon House, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Catholic Children's Aid Society, Metro Children's Aid Society, and Dufferin Mall Management.

Contact Information: (416) 535-1140 (Shani Kipang, Program Coordinator)

PROGRAMMING AND SERVICES

Drop in space: DMYS offers a youth friendly, safe space in which local youth can access the internet, participate in programming and build positive, productive relationships

Youth Council: Meeting every second Tuesday, the DMYS youth council is a youth led body responsible for guiding the direction of many of the program’s initiatives and operations. The council is also supported in extending its activities outside DMYS, to include social action and community development activities.

Confidential individual, family and group counseling, providing both general and specialized services in such areas as anger management, addictions, and family conflict.

Housing assistance to find suitable and affordable accommodation for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.

Educational and employment counseling, providing assistance with job searches, resume writing, job and apprenticeship placements, and ongoing support to maintain employment. We also help youth return to school and find appropriate educational programs.

Advocacy services: DMYS helps youth and their families work their way through systems to ensure they get the information or services they need. Leadership training: Youth are trained and coached in facilitating awareness and education workshops.

Information and referrals: If we don’t have the services to meet your needs, DMYS counsellors will ensure that you receive the appropriate information and referrals to access other services and programs in your area.

Workshops and recreational activities: DMYS hosts such weekly activities as dance classes, movie nights, art workshops and debates, in addition to many larger events such as summer festivals, fashion shows and youth rallies.

Groups: DMYS offers a variety of counselling and support groups. Currently, we provide: Anger Management: This is a structured, 8 week group. Within this group, participants explore such issues as stress management, positive self expression, communication and conflict resolution.

Girls Group: This is an ongoing open group, every Thursday from 5:30-7:00pm.This group takes part in a variety of informal activities (movies, cooking, outings) while exploring a wide range of issues and topics- including relationships, sexual health, addictions, mental health issues and peer group interactions.

Newcomers Group: This is an ongoing, informal group every Monday at 4:00pm. The goal of this group is to explore issues and challenges relating to settlement, with a strong focus on the arts and culture.

See thier calander for October - DMYS is now in Dufferin Grove Park different days every week!!(pdf)