OUTREACH
With over 100 partnerships and contacts in the Niagara Region we can provide quality outreach to youth, adults, parents, students, teachers, administrators, front line workers and much more.
 
Rainbow Squads Please note that the St. Catharines Rainbow Squad is starting up! All other Rainbow Squads are currently on hold.  If you do need to talk to someone please call the Program Director, Stephanie Vail at 905 380-4576.  You can text this number as well.  If you require immediate support please call the Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line at 1-800-268-9688.

 

We host several Rainbow Squads through out the Niagara Region: Niagara Falls, Grimsby, Welland, St.Catharines, Fort Erie, and Port Colborne

The Rainbow Squads serve as a social connection for participants (ages 14-19) to relate with peers who are grappling with the same issues and who are in the same or similar situations. The overall goal of the Rainbow Squads is to provide participants with the support and empowerment to allow them to thrive as young individuals.

Often there are informal presentations from community groups or organizations, but there is always time for the group to speak freely about whatever they need to talk about.

The group operates on a drop-in basis no sign up is necessary.

City/Area

Date

Location

Time
 
St.Catharines 3rd Thursday of the Month

St. Catharines Library's Banker's Room

54 Church St.

6:30pm-8pm
       

 

Who do we support?

We are proud to offer one to one support by a group of well trained and compassionate volunteers. We offer support for the complex issues that surround GLBTQ youth in Niagara. Primarily we offer one to one support for youth, but have also provided support to parents or friends of a GLBTQ youth.

Where does it take place?

One to one outreach usually occurs in a public place to ensure the safety of the volunteer and the participant. In the past we have met at Tim Hortons, which offers a nice relaxed environment to offer support. The location is flexible and we travel through out the region to met with as many people as possible.

Ok, how to I arrange for support?

If you or someone you know would like to seek out one to one support please email ryn@niagarapride.ca, call or text message 905-380-4576.

We're here to help and will try out best to ensure we offer the best support possible.

 
Safer Space Programs (GSA's )

We are proud to be a part of starting and sustaining several Safer Space Programs (Gay Straight Alliances) in the Niagara Region.

School Program

A Safer Space Program (Gay Straight Alliances) is a group of GLBTQ students, their peers and educators working together to decrease homophobia and create safe spaces in their schools.

Safer Schools For Gender and Sexually Divers Youth [Manual]

In 2007 we created a manual to help you get your GSA/Safer Space Group started. 

Included:

* How to Start a GSA/Safer Space Group

* How to handle anti-glbtq issues

* Community Contacts

* Ontario Human Rights Code

Visit the resource page to download and/or order a copy of the manual free of charge.

 

The following schools are involved with this program:

  • Kerhanan Park - St.Catharines *new*
  • Westlane Secondary School - Niagara Falls *in development*
  • [TREE Program] Centennial Secondary School - Welland
  • Ridgeway Crystal Beach High School - Ridgeway
  • Eastdale Secondary - Welland
  • St.Catharines Collegiate - St.Catharines
  • [Safer Space Program] Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School - St.Catharines
  • Stamford Collegiate - Niagara Falls
  • Laura Secord - St.Catharines

Workplace/Organizational Program

Safer Space Programs (Gay Straight Alliances) are not limited to schools and educational institutions. Why not make your work place or organization a Safer Space? We can offer you training, manuals and posters to get the ball rolling with your Safer Space Program.

The following organizations are involved with this program:

  • Niagara Region Sexual Health Centres
  • Aids Niagara
  • OutNiagara

Brought to you by Niagara Pride Support Services Inc.