Question 1

Disability Support

Accepted Answer

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is intended to meet the needs of people with disabilities and help them to become more independent. ODSP provides financial assistance to people with disabilities.  The amount of benefit depends on size of family, shelter costs, income, and assets.  The program also assists people with disabilities in finding and keeping a job, and advancing their careers.   To Qualify for ODSP Adults who are 18 years and older and a resident of Ontario must have a verified physical or mental disability that is expected to last a year or more.  Their disability must make it difficult for applicant to care for him/herself, go into the community, or to work. Medical documentation and proof of income is required.   To Apply for ODSP  Step 1)Application   You can start the application process either online, by phone or in person. Online, use the Online Application for Social Assistance. By phone or in person, call or visit your local ODSP office. Once you’ve started the process, a caseworker will contact you within five days to schedule an in-person meeting. Those currently receiving Ontario Works benefits should apply at their local OW office.   You'll meet with your case worker, and be asked to bring specific documents to the meeting.   During the meeting you will be asked to sign forms and answer some questions.   A decision notice will be sent to you within 15 business days of your meeting informing you whether you are eligible for OSDP financial support.  If eligible you proceed to step 2, if ineligible, you can appeal the decision.   Step 2) Determining Disability   Your caseworker will give you a Disability Determination Package for you and your health care provider to complete.  Specialized ODSP staff—called adjudicators—review your completed Disability Determination Package to determine if you meet the program’s definition of a person with a disability.  The adjudication process can take from 10 days to 90 days depending on the complexity of the disability.   Local ODSP Offices                                                                                                     Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm North Bay - 200 McIntyre Street E.     Tel: (705) 474-2151      Sturgeon Falls- 94 King St. Unit 15     Tel: (705) 753-5400      Mattawa - 540 Valois Dr.                     Tel:705) 744-0395          District of Parry Sound - 1 Beechwood Drive      Tel: (705) 746-8886 South River- 16 Toronto St.                                 Tel: (705) 386-2358    Bracebridge- 70 Pine Street                Tel: (705) 645-2412        Summer Hours 8am-4pm Huntsville- 110 Main St. E.                  Tel: (705) 645-2100 ext. 257   Community Living Community Living provides a range of programs and services for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. All of the services and programs they offer add quality to the lives of people we support. They are committed to creating a supportive and accepting community.    Community Living Offices North Bay Mattawa West Nipissing Parry Sound Muskoka   Developmental Services Ontario (North East Region) DSO NER is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and is administered by Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca.  They have offices in North Bay, Bracebridge & Sturgeon Falls. Their agency’s mission: To provide comprehensive client-centered, professional and skilled services to infants, children, youth, families and adults with a developmental disability that address social, emotional, behavioural, physical and developmental difficulties, and make a positive difference on their quality of life. To find out more about us visit thefamilyhelpnetwork.ca.

Question 2

Employment Services

Accepted Answer

Yes Employment Services North Bay Yes truly is “Your Employment Service.” As North Bay and area’s primary employment service provider, they help thousands of people of all ages find work, get training or access post secondary education. For businesses and organizations, they serve as their first call for filling positions of all levels of skill, education and experience.  They run many programs aimed at supporting youth in care.   March of Dimes Canada Employment Services March of Dimes will help you avoid discouragement, keep up your energy and motivation, and secure the best job possible, as quickly as possible. Whether you are looking for work for the first time or going back to work, their full range of staff will support you every step of the way.   YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka Employment Services With many locations in Simcoe, Parry Sound, North Bay & Muskoka, you can meet with a YMCA employment specialist to get some one-on-one help with your job search.  Services include: job finding, exploring your job skills and interests, improving your job hiring skills, developing resumes, obtaining certifications and training, and much more.

Question 3

Indigenous Communities

Accepted Answer

North Bay & Area North Bay Indigenous Hub The North Bay Indigenous Hub is a new service provider that will be offering Primary Health Care and Early Childhood Development and Learning Services to First Nations, Inuit, Metis People, without distinction of status, non-status or residence.   North Bay Indian Friendship Centre The North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre provides a wide array of programs and services to support Aboriginal people of all ages. They serve as a gathering place for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people. The Centre is a place where Aboriginal culture is celebrated, friendships are made, knowledge and skills are shared and good times are enjoyed.   Nijaansinaanik Child and Family Services Nijaansinaanik Child and Family Services is a culture-based organization responsive to the holistic needs of all children, youth and families.  They are committed to providing culturally centered protection, prevention, advocacy, care and cultural services for all families, infants, children and youth who experience abuse or are at risk.   Metis Nation of Ontario- North Bay Office 156 McIntyre Street West
North Bay, ON, P1B 2Y6
Phone: 705-474-2767 North Bay Area First Nation Community Links Dokis FN Nipissing FN Temagami FN   Parry Sound & Area Parry Sound Friendship Centre The Centre is here to support Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal people meet their needs and the planning of services within the Centre and surrounding area.   Parry Sound Area First Nation Community Links Magnetawan FN Henvey Inlet FN Shawanaga FN Wasauksing FN Muskoka Area    Muskoka Area First Nation Community Links Moose Deer Point FN Wahta Mohawk FN

Question 4

LGBTQ+ Resources

Accepted Answer

LGBTQ+ Resources: The North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit