Children’s Program

Nova Vita provides trauma-informed counselling and support to children of all ages who have witnessed or experienced abuse in their home. We also provide information, counselling, and support to parents and caregivers. Services are available both in shelter and in the community.

Children’s Program in Shelter

Our Child & Youth Workers and Early Childhood Educator provide individual and group support to both moms and children while staying at Nova Vita. This program is only available through our emergency residential program.

  • Indoor and outdoor play areas
  • Early years programming and homework help
  • Safety planning
  • Crisis support and counselling
  • Healthy meals and snacks
  • Celebration of special occasions and cultural events
  • Respite support for mom/caregiver
  • Parenting support
  • Information and resources
  • Referrals to community supports
  • Advocacy and system navigation

For more info on this program or to schedule an intake into the shelter:
Call 519-752-4357

Child Witness Program

Nova Vita’s Child Witness Program is for mothers/caregivers who have experienced abuse in their relationship and their children who have been impacted by the violence. Mothers/caregivers are offered group counselling to heal from their experience and better understand how to support their children. Children and adolescents (age 5 to 16) meet in age-appropriate groups to discuss the impact of the abuse they’ve witnessed against their mother/caregiver.

For more info on this program or to schedule an intake:
Call our Intake Coordinator at 519-752-1005 x221
Or email info@novavita.org

adult comforting child

Counselling

Individual counselling is available for children and adolescents (ages 5 – 16) who have witnessed high-conflict or domestic violence in the home.

For more info on this program or to schedule an intake:
Call our Intake Coordinator at 519-752-1005 x221
Or email info@novavita.org

Additional Groups

Below is a list of additional groups available. Intake is ongoing and available all-year long:

Children’s Wellness Group: The aim of the Children’s Wellness Group to provide children a safe space to explore their feelings about the violence they may have witnessed or experienced in their home and to learn some coping strategies to begin their healing journey. For more information, visit novavita.org/childrens-wellness-group.

For more information on these groups or to register:
Call our Intake Coordinator at 519-752-1005 x221
Or email info@novavita.org

Download the Children’s Program brochure