The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization to empower and support all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy development and programs that focus on local, regional and provincial activities. Our vision is to be a unified voice for equity, equality and justice for Indigenous women through cultural restoration within and across Nations.
Established in 1971, ONWA delivers culturally enriched programs and services to Indigenous women and their families regardless of their status or locality. We are committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantee the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship and economic development, sit at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural well-being for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best life.
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Services Offered
Aboriginal Responsible Gambling Awareness The objectives and goals of the Responsible Gambling Awareness Program is to provide Community Awareness, Education, Prevention, and individual referrals to our Indigenous women, community members and their families in a culturally appropriate manner.
Aboriginal Sexual Assault Worker Program This initiative will provide support services to Indigenous women who are victims of sexual assault in the Sioux Lookout and Timmins regions.
Services are specific to Indigenous women victimized by sexual assault and abuse and will be based on the needs of the individual Indigenous woman. Services are holistic and incorporate multi-faceted supports to ensure healing from, and an understanding of, sexual violence and abuse.
Aboriginal Victim and Family Liaison Program ONWA's Aboriginal Victim and Family Liaison (AVFL) program provides culturally relevant services, guidance, support and advocacy for Indigenous women who have experienced violence and the families of missing and murdered women throughout Northwestern Ontario. Through providing support and guidance to victims and/or their families as they engage with and work through the criminal justice system and/or recover from the trauma of the crime, the AVFL program aims to raise awareness in communities about the criminal justice program (including court processes) and existing support services as well as increasing knowledge, expertise and competence within the justice system and among service providers in helping Aboriginal women and their families.
Mental Health Program The Mental Health Program provides mental health assessment, case management, and treatment services for Indigenous women and their families when the individual is suffering from emotional, psychological, or behavioural issues.
We provide community based, non-residential activities and services for individuals and or families, which are culturally appropriate and complement and link to existing services or programs to continue to build service capacity at the community level.
Services & programs: * Intake screening and assessment, early intervention * Monitoring and evaluating treatment and/or care plans relative to mental * health support and education * Supporting mental health education and stigma reduction to Indigenous women and their families * Assisting families in methods of coping and management of family members' mental health needs * Liaising with community professionals, agencies, service providers, and social sector staff to improve access and utilization of services to Indigenous women, their children, and youth with emotional and behavioural challenges * Traditional and contemporary interventions * Group sharing circles and healing circles * Mental health promotion with a focus on the social determinants of mental health
Fees and Payment
Services are free.
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
Online Counseling: Yes
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.