YOUTH EVENTS
Welcome to our Youth Events page! Find out what’s coming up and register to join! We can’t wait to see you!
July 23rd 2025 Landscape of Emotion Art Therapy Session
Youth Workshop: Landscape of Emotion
Explore Grief & Loss Through Art Therapy
📅 Date: July 23rd, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Shelterlink – 130 Youngs St, Stratford
3rd Floor Community Room (beside the elevator)
This FREE art therapy workshop is the second in a three-part series for youth ages 16–24 in Perth County with lived experience of homelessness, addiction, and/or mental health challenges.
Led by Registered Psychotherapist Vanessa De Groot (Kind-Hearted Studio), Landscape of Emotion invites participants to reflect on their emotional journey through creative expression in a safe, supportive space.
💌 Register Now
Space is limited. Please register by contacting:
📧 Ashley: ashleym@shelterlink.org
📧 Lisa: lisai@shelterlink.org
Or fill out below online (link to your WPForms sign-up form).
August 20th Letters to Myself Therapeutic Writing Workshop
Letters to Myself: A Free Therapeutic Writing Workshop for Youth
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Shelterlink – 130 Youngs St, Stratford
3rd Floor Community Room (beside the elevator)
Letters to Myself is the third and final session in a three-part workshop series designed for youth ages 16–24 in Perth County who have experienced homelessness, addiction, and/or mental health challenges.
This free workshop offers a safe and creative space to explore personal stories, build resilience, and practice self-compassion through guided writing. Led by Vanessa De Groot, a registered psychotherapist, author, and artist from Kind-Hearted Studio, the session will gently guide participants in writing a letter to their past, present, or future self.
Whether you’re navigating recovery, healing from trauma, or looking to reconnect with your inner voice, this workshop is for you.
💌 Register Now
Space is limited. Please register by contacting:
📧 Ashley: ashleym@shelterlink.org
📧 Lisa: lisai@shelterlink.org
Or fill out below online (link to your WPForms sign-up form).
Every Thursday - Weekly - Rooted: Female Identifying Youth Group
Rooted: Female-Identifying Youth Group (Ages 16–24)
🗓 Every Thursday
🕑 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Shelterlink – 130 Youngs Street, Stratford
3rd Floor Community Room | No Cost to Join
Looking for real connection? A safe space where you can just be?
If you’re a female-identifying youth aged 16 to 24 living in Perth County, and you’ve ever:
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Experienced homelessness
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Couch surfed
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Felt unsafe at home
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Or just need a space that understands what you’re going through…
You’re not alone—and you belong here.
Rooted is a weekly support group that offers a safe, welcoming space to connect, share, and grow with others who get it. Each session is guided by trusted facilitators and focuses on practical, supportive topics, including:
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Healthy Habits
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Self-Esteem & Confidence
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Self-Care Strategies
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Building Healthy Relationships
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Mindfulness & Stress Reduction
💬 How to Register
No referral or diagnosis needed. No cost to join.
Just fill out the form at the link below to let us know you’re coming:
👉 Click here to register online (insert WPForms sign-up link)
Twice a Month - Peer 2 Peer Support Group
Peer2Peer Support Group
For Youth Ages 16–24 with Lived Experience of Homelessness
📍 Location: The Local Community Food Centre
Address: 612 Erie Street, Stratford
🗓 Upcoming Dates:
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July 14 & 28, 2025
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August 11 & 25, 2025
🕒 Group Time: 3:30 PM
🍽 Dinner Served: 4:30 PM
(Bi-weekly sessions – more dates coming soon!)
Looking for a place to connect, be heard, and enjoy a warm meal in good company?
Peer2Peer is a free youth-led support group for individuals ages 16 to 24 in Perth County who have experienced homelessness or housing instability. Each session includes:
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A free meal
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Conversation and peer support
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Games and activities
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A chance to build community
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And a Pay It Forward card for use in the market at The Local
Come as you are—drop-ins are welcome, and there’s no pressure to share. Just bring yourself.
💬 Want to RSVP or ask a question?
Email:
📧 Ashley Makuch – ashleym@shelterlink.org
📧 Lisa Illman – lisai@shelterlink.org
Or Fill Out the Form Below!
