Outreach Program
Through informal partnerships and referrals, Strive works with young parents to connect them with community support services such as housing, mental health services, counseling, food and material donations.
Program components
offered by Strive through a multidisciplinary and school based approach include:
Informal club house style atmosphere to complete a secondary school diploma.
Classroom teacher provided through the Niagara Catholic District School Board.
Psycho-educational instruction taught by the Outreach Program Facilitator and Community Partners.
Healthy breakfast and nutrition program provided daily.
Case management and support provided by our Outreach team.
Classroom clothing exchange program for parents, infants, and children.
Weekly food box program available in conjunction with a local food bank.
Strive Niagara Outreach Classroom
In partnership with the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB), Strive Niagara provides an informal classroom environment in two sites across Niagara. This is a comfortable and safe place where pregnant and parenting adolescents can work on both academic credits with a teacher as well as psychoeducational programming with an outreach facilitator.
In addition, a healthy nutrition program is available at both sites. Both of our classroom locations are located within one of our licensed child care programs. The proximity of space between the young parent’s classroom and our licensed child care Centre allows for young participants to return to school after birth as soon as they feel ready.
To register for the classroom or to know more about the program, please contact:
Amy Marconi, Manager of Outreach & Community Engagements
Ph: (905) 735-2566, ext. 241
Fax: (905) 714-0337
Why We Offer This Program
This program provides opportunities for young parenting or pregnant individuals to be in a supportive, unique and non-judgmental environment that fosters community, acceptance, and the support to work towards their goals. By providing child care and other support we can assist young parents to work towards a better future for themselves and their children.
Steps to Enrolment
For the Outreach Classroom program, participants may choose to enroll at any point in their prenatal or parenting journey after the first trimester. You can register yourself by contacting Amy Marconi. Alternatively, you may choose to reach out to your Ontario Works (OW) case worker, or your Public Health nurse and they can support you through the referral process.
If you are a pregnant or parenting adolescent, or a community partner interested in referring a client to Strive, please contact the manager of our Outreach Programs, Amy Marconi to begin the process. Registrations are ongoing throughout the school year. We are excited to have you join us!
If you have a child that will require a child care space, you can begin the child care intake process by applying to the Niagara Region OneList and selecting the site you would like to attend.
If you will require a subsidy (fee assistance) for your child care space, you may choose to begin that process by contacting your Ontario Works worker or directly through the Regional Municipality of Niagara.