YSSN in the News
Read the full article

Aurora-based crisis service marks 25 years of ‘listening, compassion, caring’

Your Support Services Network offers a variety of crisis support, including a 24/7 helpline

Bailey Moreton – Nov. 13, 2024 2:45 PM

An Aurora-based mental health hub is marking 25 years of operations, as it continues to expand its services to meet growing demand.

Your Support Services Network at 240 Edward St. has directly supported more than 200,000 people with its crisis services, although executive director Kimberly Thorn said the number could be higher.

“We strive for a world where the need for crisis support is finished,” she said, speaking at an open house for the 25th anniversary Nov. 12. …

Read the full article

Your Support Services Network marks quarter-century of crisis support close to home

– November 21, 2024

Last week, Your Support Services Network (YSSN) celebrated a significant milestone as they commemorated 25 years of crisis support close to home.

Since the organization brought in crisis supports in 1999, YSSN Executive Director Kim Thorn estimates the organization has supported 200,000 people across various crisis programs. But the impact goes beyond 200,000 individuals – it impacts every person in their orbit. …

Read the full article

New partnership brings Indigenous practices to mental health programs

– October 3, 2024

A new partnership between Aurora-based Your Support Services Network (YSSN) and Anishnabeg Outreach (AO) is set to bring Indigenous knowledge and approaches to local mental healthcare services.

The pilot partnership was announced at YSSN’s Edward Street headquarters on Friday, becoming the first organization in York Region to partner with AO on “AO Nest”, a self-guided system that offers “culturally appropriate support for Indigenous peoples while offering valuable skills and resources to everyone in our community,” according to YSSN Executive Director Kimberly Thorn. …

Read the full article

‘Do you ever have justice, that’s the question’: New York Region partnership with ’60s Scoop survivor focuses on healing

Aurora-based Your Support Services Network and Indigenous-led organization Anishnabeg Outreach form alliance on online mental health program.

Aurora Banner – Monday, September 30, 2024

Read the full article

Aurora mental health hub partners with Indigenous healing tool

AONest offers courses on varied topics from ADHD, to addictions, as well access to Indigenous cultural and language resources

Bailey Moreton – Sep 27, 2024 2:53 PM

An Aurora-based mental health hub has partnered with an Indigenous non-profit to roll out an online counselling platform to its clients.

Your Support Services Network, a not-for-profit on Edward Street, has partnered with Waterloo-based Anishnabeg Outreach (AO) to pilot AONest, a cloud-based online resource designed to connect users with mental health resources and life skills training.

The self-guided platform offers courses on varied topics from ADHD, to addictions, to parenting. …

Read the full article

Anishnabeg Outreach develops self-serve mental health tool, set to test it with local groups

There will be more than 600 courses available by the end of this year

CBC News · Posted: Jun 21, 2024 4:00 AM EDT

A new resource developed by Anishnabeg Outreach provides self-guided mental health help to people who need it in the community.

Anishnabeg Outreach started out as an employment and training organization but has grown into a local hub for Indigenous culture, offering everything from a community garden space to support for families.

Now, the group has develop AONest, a software that’s now on their website that helps anyone access information …

Read the full article

‘Love, respect, compassion:’ York festival symbol of Pride values

Thousands attended the successful two-day festival to show their support for York Pride and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

Joshua Santos | Jun 17, 2024 1:00 PM

The thousands of people at last weekend’s York Pride Festival in Newmarket saw exactly what Pride is about: love, respect and compassion, an organizer says.

“I think all of the families that attended saw exactly what Pride was truly about, which is love, respect and compassion,” said Jacob Gal, director of operations for York Pride.

“I think those core family values were displayed through every single bit of entertainment, activities and resources there. We got to see what it is like for families who have kids that identify with the community …

Read the full article

Breaking the Silence: A Police Officer’s Mental Health Crusade

Everyone is fighting a battle that nobody knows about

Barrie360.com | 

Nottawasaga OPP Constable Katy Viccary has taken on a mission that transcends the boundaries of law enforcement.

For the past five years, she has dedicated herself to public awareness campaigns, from tackling opioid crises to her current focus on mental health.

And it’s personal, having lost her father, two great uncles, and a cousin to suicide. …

Read the full article

Police highlight area resources as 988 suicide prevention line launches

There are plenty of ways people in distress can get help in Simcoe County, Nottawasaga OPP says

BradfordToday.ca | 

The Nottawasaga detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues its mental health and wellness public awareness campaign by acknowledging the launch of 988 and highlighting several local community resources.

A new three-digit number, 988, launched today on Nov. 30, 2023 for mental health and suicide prevention services. …

Read the full article

York Region residents can dial 988 to reach suicide crisis hotline

‘No one who reaches out to 988 will be turned away. You are not alone,’ says Your Support Services Network, one of 17 agencies in Ontario providing support to people who are having thoughts of harming themselves

Rob Paul, Newmarket Today  | 

Your Support Services Network has partnered with the 988 network to bring a new national suicide crisis hotline to local residents.

Since 1999, Your Support Services Network has provided community crisis response to individuals in York Region, South Simcoe and North York, and this three-digit helpline will ensure they can continue to support those in crisis in a swift manner. …

Read the full article

‘We will continue to work together’: Nottawasaga OPP launches mental health awareness campaign

Alliston Herald | Nov 27, 2023

The Nottawasaga Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment is holding a public awareness campaign for mental health to help educate the community on the resources that are available to help them, but also to reduce stigma and barriers that prevent people from accessing services. …

Read the full article

Nottawasaga OPP launch mental health awareness campaign

Effort will primarily take place on detachment’s social media accounts

BradfordToday.ca | 

The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is determined to take every step possible to help our citizens, our communities and those who are impacted by mental health issues. …

Read the full article

Province grants South Simcoe police $118K to aid crisis response

‘This program is essential to help persons in crisis navigate support systems in our communities’: Chief John Van Dyke

Michael Owen, BradfordToday.ca |  Oct 27, 2023

The province is investing in police partners to engage with sensitive situations.

York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney visited the South Simcoe Police Service to announce $117,865 in funding through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement (MCRT)…

Read the full article

Ontario Investing in Mobile Crisis Response Teams in Bradford

Caroline Mulroney MPP  |  Oct 27, 2023

YORK-SIMCOE — The Ontario government is providing $117,864.58 to help The South Simcoe Police Service provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis. The funding is being delivered through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant program and enables police to utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need….

Read the full article

“It’s your journey, it’s your way” with newly-rebranded YSSN

Brock Weir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Auroran  |  Jul 20, 2023

Changing a single letter doesn’t seem like the most drastic of moves, but, for the Aurora-based Your Support Services Network, it’s a game-changer.

Your Support Services Network is a hub for developmental, mental health, and children’s services that has been lending the community a hand as “Your Support Services Network” for more than 40 years. …

Read the full article

“It’s your journey, it’s your way” with newly-rebranded YSSN

Brock Weir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Auroran  |  Jul 20, 2023

Changing a single letter doesn’t seem like the most drastic of moves, but, for the Aurora-based Your Support Services Network, it’s a game-changer.

Your Support Services Network is a hub for developmental, mental health, and children’s services that has been lending the community a hand as “Your Support Services Network” for more than 40 years. …

Read the full article

Bayview Hill Elementary School in Richmond Hill raises $12K for 3 organizations

Student-led initiatives support Autism Ontario, 360 Kids Foundation, Your Support Services Network

By Melissa Wallace Richmond Hill Liberal  |  Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Boisterous applause filled the gymnasium at Bayview Hill Elementary School in Richmond Hill as students and staff celebrated raising $12,120 for three organizations at their end-of-year ceremony on June 26.

Representatives from Autism Ontario, 360 Kids Foundation and Your Support Services Network each received a cheque for $4,040 and expressed gratitude to the school community for their efforts. …

Read the full article

Your Support Services Network rebrands with new name, logo

Aurora-based organization now called Your Support Services Network
NewmarketToday Staff  |  Jul 1, 2023 1:00 PM

Your Support Services Network (YSSN) has launched a new brand to better reflect its clientele as well as vision, mission and guiding principles.

Formerly named Your Support Services Network, YSSN is a hub for developmental, mental health and children’s services, according to a news release.

The organization connects people with the services and supports they need to achieve their goals and live a meaningful life. …