Abiona Centre EarlyON Child and Family Centre
The EarlyON Child and Family Centre at the Abiona Centre is based in the vibrant community of Broadview in East Toronto and is a place where children 0-6 and their parents and caregivers can participate in structured programs, receive answers to questions, access information about other community programs, talk to early childhood professionals and network with parents and caregivers in the community.
The Abiona Centre is an infant and early childhood mental health organization with multiple locations in Toronto, supporting pregnant and parenting adolescents aged 13-25. It is the largest Young Parent and Infant Agency in Ontario and has deep roots in its community dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century. The year 2026 will be their 125th Anniversary. In addition to its EarlyON, the Centre offers a wide range of programs to support its mission of creating a better future for vulnerable pregnant and parenting young mothers and their children 0-6.
These programs include a live-in treatment program for young moms, a transitional housing program, employment support program, community housing support, early learning centres, secondary school treatment programs, and maternal infant mental health services. It is also a Hub of the Ujima Project, which helps young parents and their children find the resources and support they need to build the lives they want.
The Abiona EarlyON Child and Family Centre supports families from the surrounding community, which is rich in cultural diversity, with a mix of residential homes, green spaces, and local businesses and a large presence of families and their children. The area has a strong sense of connection and belonging, with people from different backgrounds coming together. Abiona is proud to be a part of supporting this inclusive local environment, offering a welcoming space where families can openly discuss their emotions and experiences of parenthood.
The EarlyON offers a variety of programming, including:
• Parenting programs covering all aspects of pregnancy and early childhood development
• Early learning and literacy programs
• Informal counselling
• Referrals to specialized community agencies where required
• Community cooking programs for clients and community members
These programs look to build stronger family connections, helping families to find a supportive network, and to foster better mental health and emotional resilience by providing a safe space for families to discuss their emotions and experiences.
“We benefit from the community cooking program, where not only do we learn how to prepare healthy meals but also find a sense of community and support. EarlyON has become a crucial part of our weekly routine, offering emotional encouragement as we navigate challenges as new immigrants” – Samira
There is an emphasis on collaboration and local partnerships within the Centre. They focus on early literacy growth through a collaboration with an Early Literacy Specialist from the local library, who provides families with valuable tools and strategies to support literacy at home, health through partnerships with Toronto Public Health which offer programs like Food for Thought, that teach families healthy cooking habits and nutrition, and cultural inclusion, working with diverse organizations to ensure their programs support families from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
The Centre faces some challenges, such as families lacking access to transportation or other barriers that allow them to participate in the programming offered. Also, in serving a diverse community, language or cultural differences can sometimes affect participation. Abiona is looking to address this by expanding its outreach efforts, finding ways to offer transportation assistance or holding programs in multiple locations, offering multilingual services, and working closely with local community groups to ensure their programs are accessible and relevant to all families. They also find that despite the importance of early literacy and health education, some families may not prioritize these areas, which is why they collaborate with libraries and healthcare providers to emphasize the long-term benefits of these programs.
Overall, the Abiona Centre provides support to more than 2,500 moms and babies each year, including families from the surrounding community through the EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Sue Sinclair is the Child and Family Program Supervisor and oversees both the Early Learning Centre at the Humewood Campus and the EarlyON at the Broadview campus. She emphasizes the dedication, commitment, and support of her staff and the importance of building trust and supporting the families and children served at Abiona Centre in every aspect of their life.
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