At the
Jean Tweed Centre, we make every effort to ensure that the substance use / gambling program option we help you select is most suitable to your individual circumstances, including where you live. This section describes our different programs.
Day and Residential Programming
A 3 week intensive program is available to women either as day clients if you live locally, or in residence if you are from outside Toronto. Local women will be considered for residence under certain circumstances, i.e. transportation, unsafe housing.
Programming takes place at 215 Evans Ave. from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Here, you will join with women from around the Province, to explore your substance use and/or problem gambling in a way that relates to your goals for the future.
You will learn about the impact of your substance use or gambling on your life, your relationships and your health. Every woman will have an individual counselor and take part in a variety of groups that cover themes such as:
- self-esteem
- healthy relationships
- managing emotions
- effective communication
- wellness
- safe coping skills
While many of the groups are integrated to include both substance use and problem gambling issues, others are separate and relate to the unique needs of each.
Our residence (Cumberland House) offers a therapeutic environment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the evening, you will participate in a variety of activities including:
- acupuncture
- journaling
- expressive art
- recreation & leisure
- guided discussions
Staying in residence offers an added opportunity to experience the support and challenges that come with shared living and learning.
A short walk from Lake Ontario, Cumberland House is located in a serene and tranquil setting providing you with many opportunities for thoughtful walks and reflection. While communal living can sometimes be intense, the camaraderie of a shared journey is also part of the Cumberland House experience. Please note: Residents who are able are asked to help out with light household duties.
Individualized Counselling
The structure of a 3-week program isn’t for everyone. At Jean Tweed, we offer an alternative to this approach. You can complete an individualized counseling program over 3-6 months. Your program will consist primarily of individual appointments once per week, with some select group participation that you and your counselor select together.
Pregnant and Parenting
Are you pregnant? Are you parenting young children (6 years and under)? Is your substance use a concern? Another option you may want to consider is our Mom & Kids Too (MK2) program.
MK2 is offered three days a week, for seven weeks. It also starts later and ends earlier than most day programs and includes participation in:
- small groups with other mothers focusing on effective parenting
- attachment activities with your child in our child development centre
- larger integrated workshops with women from the day/residential program.
Women with children in care, who plan to parent in the near future, may also find this program helpful.
We can also come to you. Our Pathways to Healthy Families outreach counselors are located across the city. They can assist you with both parenting and substance use issues, including:
- child welfare matters
- pre-natal needs
- connecting with local resources
Outreach counselors are located in Scarborough, Downtown, Etobicoke, and Central West (including all of Dufferin
County, the northern portion of Peel Region, and small parts of Toronto and York Region). Aboriginal services are also available.
Women and the Justice System
The justice system can be especially challenging for women with both mental health and substance use problems. At JTC, we offer a service called JAM (
Justice Addiction & Mental Health) to support women in Toronto’s west end. Our outreach counselor can:
- assist with release plans if you are in custody
- connect you with local resources like housing and social services
- refer you to substance use and mental health supports