Services and Support

At Optimism Place, we offer a range of supports to women in Perth County — whether you are staying with us in shelter or living in the community. You don’t need to be living in shelter to receive support, and all services are tailored to your individual needs. We can come to you if needed.

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We are here to walk alongside you, connect you with resources, and help you build safety, stability, and independence.

If we don’t provide a specific service, we will do our best to connect you with the right support through a warm referral.

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Children and Youth
Support Services

We know that your child’s safety and wellbeing are likely your top concern. We work with you to ensure your child’s needs are understood and met in a respectful, child-focused way.

Some of our services include:  

  • Supportive counselling for children and mothers 

  • Education on the impact of abuse/witnessing abuse on children 

  • Parenting support and skill development 

  • Referrals to community services (EarlyON, Huron Perth Public Health, day cares, day camps, etc.) 

  • Individual counselling to youth in schools and group programs for moms.

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Navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re dealing with abuse. Our legal advocacy services are free, confidential, and focused on supporting you through processes that may include custody, access, protection orders, child support, and other legal concerns.

Our team can:

  • Provide information about family court processes

  • Help you prepare for appointments and court dates

  • Accompany you to court when appropriate

  • Debrief with you after appearances

  • Connect you to specialized legal community resources and referrals

Family Court Support & Legal Advocacy

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Optimism Place services are available to all women in Perth County. Women do not need to live in the shelter to access supports and services. Our Community Connections team can meet with women anywhere in Perth County and can provide planning, support and system navigation.

Our community based services include:

  • Emotional support and first-level trauma support

  • Safety planning and risk assessment

  • Assistance with navigating income supports, financial information, employment, transportation and other supports as needed

  • Assistance navigating housing options and completing housing applications and support with moving

  • Help accessing identification and legal documents

  • Referrals to community programs and services

  • Psychoeducational groups that focus on communication, boundaries, self-care, and healthy relationships.

  • Trauma Group that focuses on healing and strategies to address traumatic experiences

Community Connections

Frequently Asked Questions
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Not sure where to start?

Whether you’re connecting with us for the first time or already receiving support, Optimism Place is here to listen, support your choices. All services are provided with respect, confidentiality, and at no cost to you.

If you would like to access services, ask questions, or explore your options, you can contact us any time. Frontline Counsellors are available via our 24-hour support line, and we can talk through what support would be most helpful for you.

24-Hour Support Line: 519-271-5550
Toll-Free: 1-800-265-8598

Contact Us