SOAR Community Services, in partnership with Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE), announced the launch of a new bed-based program designed to support youth aged 14 to 16 on Monday, June 2, 2025.
This innovative initiative will provide a safe, nurturing environment where young people in care of CFSGE can learn, grow, and thrive as they prepare for independent or semi-independent living.
The program, which will welcome its first youth in mid-June, will offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
• Educational Support – Tailored assistance to help youth stay on track with their learning goals and support school success.
• Therapeutic Services – Individual and group therapy provided in partnership with Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services to support emotional and mental well-being.
• Recreational Activities – Opportunities for physical activity, creativity, and social engagement.
• Life Skills Development – Practical learning in areas such as cooking, budgeting, healthy relationships, and personal care to build confidence and independence.
The program will support five youth, ensuring personalized care and a strong sense of community. It is housed in a property owned by the Child and Family Services of Grand Erie Foundation, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to creating safe and supportive spaces for youth in need.
“This program represents a significant step forward in how we support vulnerable youth in our community,” said Kim Baker, Executive Director of SOAR Community Services. “By combining therapeutic care with life skills and positive social activities, we’re creating a foundation for long-term success.”
Sally Johnson, Executive Director of Child and Family Services of Grand Erie, added, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering youth and ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.”
About CFSGE:
Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE) offers child welfare services in the City of Brantford, and the Counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk, as well as to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Our vision is for all children and youth to be safe and thriving within their families. Our mission is to ensure the well-being and safety of children and youth, which is our purpose, passion, and focus.
We work collaboratively with our communities to support, advocate for, and help children, youth, and families achieve their goals and realize their potential. CFSGE is committed to integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into our culture, workplace, processes, practices, and policies.
About SOAR:
SOAR Community Services is a not-for-profit organization that has offered support in the City of Brantford, Brant County, and Haldimand County for more than 55 years. We provide a broad range of comprehensive and coordinated services across employment, housing, justice, mental health, and addictions. Over the course of a year, we provide support to approximately 11,000 people through over 120,000 points of contact, demonstrating the impact we have on the community. We are dedicated to working collaboratively to help individuals and our community achieve new heights.
