Community Navigator

2SLGBTQI+ organizations and community groups provide support, advocacy, education, and social opportunities for people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Services can include peer support, counselling, health resources, youth programs, community events, and assistance navigating other community services.

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or life experience. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other addictions, confidential support is available. Services available in Canada may include counselling, harm reduction programs, withdrawal management, peer support, treatment programs, family supports, and recovery services.

Community recreation centers are an excellent resource for connecting with different groups, clubs, activities and workshops offered locally. The primary purpose of a community recreation center is to provide opportunities for healthy living and recreation in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Community recreational centers offer a space to reduce stress, celebrate cultural diversity, and promote personal development.

Domestic violence or abuse is defined as a pattern of behaviour in relationships that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. In Canada domestic violence/abuse is unacceptable and punishable by law. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological and can happen to anyone. In Lanark & Renfrew Counties, there are organizations who can help and provide support and safety to those experiencing domestic violence.

Employment services are free services that help job seekers prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment in Canada. Whether you are looking for your first job, changing careers, or returning to the workforce, employment service providers offer support to help you with your professional goals. Services may include career guidance, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, job search assistance, employment workshops, skills training, job matching, and connections to local employers. 

Food banks provide free emergency food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Many communities also offer community meal programs, food cupboards, school nutrition programs, and other services that can help during difficult times. Food banks are intended to provide temporary support while people work towards greater stability. 

Grocery Stores: Lanark and Renfrew Counties offer a variety of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, specialty food shops, and local producers. While larger grocery stores carry a wider range of products, some communities also have international or specialty food retailers offering ingredients from different cultures. You may also be able to contact your local supermarket and request specific items.  

Pharmacies: In Canada, pharmacies or chemists are referred to as Drug Stores. This is where you can go to purchase general medicine, talk to a pharmacist, collect prescription medications, as well as purchase any health-related items. Common Pharmacies or Drug Stores include Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Pharmasave, and more.  

Housing support organizations can be a helpful resource in Canada. Housing support can refer to support with finding rental accommodations, understanding tenant rights and responsibilities, accessing emergency housing or shelters, preventing homelessness, and connecting with financial or housing assistance programs.

Lanark and Renfrew Counties are located on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Peoples. Services for Indigenous peoples provide a wide range of services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals and families, including health care, education, employment, housing, family supports, cultural programming, and community events. Many organizations also welcome opportunities for non-Indigenous residents to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, and Reconciliation through educational programs and community initiatives.

In Lanark & Renfrew, as well as across Canada, good mental health and mental health care are an integral part of society as well as social services available to you. There are many mental health supports available which include a wide range of services designed to treat, manage, and improve emotional and psychological well-being. These are longer term services such as therapy, community services, and self-care practices. There are both free and paid options which include one-on-one counseling, group therapy, peer support, and medical care from family doctors or specialists

Library memberships are free and provide access to computers, internet, printing, language learning resources, educational programs, children’s activities, meeting spaces, and community events. Many libraries also offer newcomer-specific resources, technology assistance, and opportunities to connect with others in your community. Public libraries in Lanark & Renfrew are community hubs. 

Refers to any unwanted sexual contact, including sexual assault and harassment. It is a form of gender-based violence which can happen between intimate partners, within families, at work, between friends or acquaintances, and strangers.  Sexual violence is punishable by law in Canada. There are free, confidential and safe supports available in Lanark & Renfrew to help those who have or who are currently experiencing sexual violence.

In Lanark & Renfrew, as well as across Canada, good mental health and mental health care are an integral part of society as well as social services available to you. If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health difficulties and require immediate assistance, there are same day or crisis services you can access for free. Immigration status or provincial health cards (OHIP) are NOT required to access many of these services. Crisis/Same day supports are not meant to replace long-term therapy, but are available for immediate support or assistance during high-stress or difficult situations such as mental health crisis, trauma, isolation or culture shock.

Transportation in Lanark & Renfrew Counties is limited and most people travel via personal vehicle. Some communities have local transit or community transportation services. Community transportation programs, volunteer driver services, taxis, and ride-sharing options may also be available. 

Family and Children Supports: Supports for families and children may include parenting programs, early childhood education, child development services, childcare information, family resource centres, family counselling, youth programs, and financial assistance programs. Whether you are expecting a child, raising young children, or supporting teenagers, organizations are available to help families experiencing challenges. 

Youth Supports: Moving to a new country can present unique opportunities and challenges for young people. Youth support services provide safe spaces where children and youth can access recreational activities, mentorship, mental health supports, leadership opportunities, employment programs, educational assistance, and social connections.