Your Support Services Network

10/23/2026

More than a place to stay: Safe Spaces helps people rebuild their lives 💜

Thank you NewmarketToday for this wonderful Spotlight article and support of .

Every day, someone reaches a breaking point. A lost job. A relationship ending. A personal crisis with nowhere safe to turn. For many, those moments end in a hospital room, a police interaction, or a night without shelter... not because they needed emergency intervention, but because there was nowhere else to go.

YSSN's Safe Spaces Program offers something different: a free, short-term, home-like safe space for people experiencing crisis to land and move forward.

Learn more and read the full article.
*Replace DOT with a . to read* https://www.newmarkettodayDOTca/spotlight/more-than-a-place-to-stay-safe-spaces-helps-people-rebuild-their-lives-12915821

10/20/2026

October 18-24 is Invisible Disabilities Week in Canada. 💡

This week is an opportunity to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and learn more about disabilities that may not be visible to others.

Invisible disabilities can affect a person’s daily life and may be physical, mental, or neurological. Examples include chronic pain, brain injuries, hearing loss, and mental health conditions. They are called “invisible” because they may not be easy for others to see.

People with invisible disabilities may face misunderstandings, judgement, or unfair assumptions. Let’s work together to create a supportive and more inclusive community by taking the time to learn and listen.

Here are a few ways you can support someone with an invisible disability:

💙 Believe their experience: Trust that they understand their own needs and experiences.

💙 Respect their privacy: Remember that no one is obligated to disclose or explain their disability.

💙 Offer support: Ask how you can help instead of offering unsolicited advice.

💙 Recognize individual needs: Understand that everyone’s experiences and accessibility needs are different.

Most importantly, remember that not all disabilities are visible, but everyone deserves understanding, respect, and inclusion.

10/15/2026

Casting Call! 📣

is looking for real people and families to help us bring our work to life in a photo shoot!

We’re seeking individuals and families who have worked with us, are comfortable being photographed, and want to help us show the community who we are and what we do.

No modelling experience needed - just be yourself! We want natural, authentic photos that reflect the real people and communities connected to YSSN.

If you participate, we can offer a small honorarium and reimburse your mileage.

Tap to learn more about how these photos will be used 👉

Interested in participating in the photo shoot? Email [email protected] to learn more.

10/14/2026

From Vision to Action: Bringing Your Blueprint to Life – A one day conference for families and caregivers 💡

Planning for the future of a loved one with a disability can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many interconnected considerations to navigate. Microboards Ontario and PooranLaw are teaming up to offer a one-day interactive, in-person conference designed to help families, supporters, and caregivers, create a clear roadmap for the future.

The day will focus on estate planning, creating a Henson Trust, accessing financial and tax-related benefits, engaging support workers, exploring housing options, setting up a Microboard and the importance of developing person-centered support networks.

📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
📍 Village Loft | 2901 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M2K 1B8
💵 $35 per person | $50 for “families” | $100 for professionals

Learn more and register 👉 bit.ly/vision-to-action

10/13/2026

We value our partnership with York Regional Police and the difference we make together! Last year, our teams met with and supported over 3,000 individuals, making a meaningful impact in our community. 💙 When police officers and crisis workers work together, they can make a big difference. Police officers help keep everyone safe, while crisis workers bring special skills to help people in difficult situations. By working together with patience, care, and understanding, they can help calm situations and get people in crisis the support they need.

Patience, empathy, open communication.

On World Mental Health Day, we are highlighting our Mental Health Support Team, duos of police officers and Your Support Services Network crisis workers who respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The Mental Health Support Team’s response strategy combines the public safety training of a police officer with the mental health expertise of a crisis worker to de-escalate situations where someone might be a danger to others or themselves.

This team then works with community partners to ensure those in crisis get the help they need.

Both through our own initiatives and our work with partners, York Regional Police is committed to the well-being of our community.

If you need to talk to someone, or know someone struggling, call or text 9-8-8, Canada’s Su***de Crisis Helpline.

10/09/2026

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. 💚🌍

This year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change” highlights the value of listening to people with firsthand experience of mental health challenges.

At , that principle is at the heart of how we support people and work with our community. Every person’s experience is different, and understanding what someone is going through helps us connect them with supports and services that meet their individual needs.

This World Mental Health Day, we recognize the knowledge, strength and insight of people with lived experience. Their voices are essential to improving mental health support.

Hear directly from four people with lived experience in YSSN’s “Finding My Way” video series. They share their unique journeys, in their own words 👉 yssn.ca/stories

10/08/2026

As Mental Illness Awareness Week comes to an end, we're taking a moment to share some of the resources, supports, and personal experiences that highlight the impact of YSSN's programs.

At , we offer a variety of programs and services designed to meet your unique mental health needs, including:

💙 310-COPE Crisis Services
💙 Single Session Counselling
💙 Peer Support Program

Tap through to learn more about each program and hear what people are saying about the support they received. 👉

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health challenge, you don't have to face it alone. Our caring team is here to listen, support, and help you every step of the way.

Support is always available. Visit yssn.ca to learn more.

10/07/2026

We’re grateful to be part of a strong community of organizations working together to support children, adults and families.

Partnerships like ours with Children’s Treatment Network help connect families to the right supports and services, drawing on each organization’s knowledge and expertise to find solutions that best meet each child's and family's unique needs.

Thank you to the CTN team for the important work you do and for the opportunity to work alongside you.

✨ Partner Spotlight – Your Support Services Network ✨

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Your Support Services Network (YSSN), a not-for-profit organization that connects people, along with their families and caregivers, to the services and supports they need to live their best lives. As a social services hub, they support children and adults with developmental disabilities, mental health needs and those experiencing crisis. YSSN partners with CTN to deliver Coordinated Service Planning and Urgent Response Service Coordination to families. Learn more on their website: www.yssn.ca/

10/07/2026

October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada. Awareness can help reduce stigma, foster inclusion and acceptance, and build communities where every child and family feels supported. 💙

At , we provide services and supports for families and children diagnosed with autism. Our Foundational Family Services (FFS) offers workshops, peer support, and transition planning to help families navigate school, life changes, and future planning.

Join us in raising awareness and celebrating the diversity, strengths, and unique contributions of autistic people. YSSN remains committed to advocating for acceptance, understanding, and inclusion for autistic children, youth, and their families.

Support is always available. Visit yssn.ca to learn more and get started.

10/05/2026

It's Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4 - 10). This week, we're raising awareness, challenging stigma, and recognizing the importance of mental health and substance use health.

It's also an opportunity to listen, support, and share the lived experiences of people affected by mental illnesses.

For more than 25 years, YSSN has provided community-based mental health and crisis support across York Region and South Simcoe. From 310-COPE (our 24/7 community crisis line at 1-855-310 COPE (2673) to Safe Spaces, case management, workshops and other supports, we help people navigate their challenges and connect with resources that help them move forward on their journey.

Together, we can work toward a Canada where everyone who needs mental health support can access it without barriers.

You can show your support by:
✅ Sharing mental health resources
✅ Participating in community events
✅ Fostering open conversations
✅ Listening to people with lived experiences

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health challenge, you don’t have to face it alone.

Learn more about YSSN’s mental health and crisis supports, and find support for yourself or someone you care about at yssn.ca.

Image courtesy of Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health