Women-Specific Services

Four women walking outdoors

Some services are available in a women-only setting, including but not limited to programs for new mothers, pregnant women, and those wishing to exercise in a more private setting. These services may include health and mental health supports, resources and information and opportunities to build new skills or access accommodation, food and baby items.

Programs

Ancaster Ladies 3 Pitch League Program

Ancaster Ladies 3 Pitch League
 

A recreational women’s baseball league where all skill levels are welcome. 

Atwell Centre Pregnancy Support Services

Atwell Centre
905-393-8525, 905-902-6082 (Text), info@atwellcentre.ca
 
681 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1K3, Canada

A non-profit agency committed to providing hope, compassionate and informative assistance for anyone facing an unexpected pregnancy. Services are free and confidential. They include:

  • Medical grade pregnancy tests
  • Pregnancy options support
  • Point-of-care ultrasound
  • STI testing and treatment
  • Pregnancy and beyond support
  • Post-abortion support
  • Resources and referrals
  • Male mentoring
  • Sexual Health and Relationship Education (S.H.A.R.E) for teens, students, and teachers
  • Baby Boutique – free maternity and baby clothes (NB – 2T)

Baby Depot Boutique

Baby Depot (The)
 
669 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3A3, Canada

Provides free baby clothing and other essential gear to local families in need.

Accept used and new baby clothing in sizes 0 to 2T as well as coats, diapers, blankets, wipes, Vaseline, baby lotion, baby shampoo, diaper cream, new towels, and new or used washcloths.

Items that will not be accepted include used swim suits, used towels, used underwear, reusable diapers, stuffed animals, used toys, or any adult clothing.

Donations can be dropped off at one of three drop-off locations in the city. Please call for locations.

Baby Depot Clothing and Essentials Distribution Services (The)

Baby Depot (The)
 
669 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3A3, Canada

The Baby Depot collects, recycles, and distributes a year’s worth of gently used baby clothes and essentials to local families in need through a network of community partners. They do not distribute these items directly.

Birthright Hamilton Pregnancy Support Services

Birthright International
1-800-550-4900, 905-527-3677, contact@birthright.org
 
370 Main St E suite m1, Hamilton, ON L8N 1J5, Canada

Offers free, confidential emergency service for women distressed by pregnancy.

Services include:

  • counselling and referrals
  • assistance in finding accommodation
  • free diapers and formula (when donations allow)
  • free maternity and baby clothes (newborn to 2 years)
  • free pregnancy testing

Buchanan Park Ladies Softball League Program

Buchanan Park Ladies Softball League
 
30 Laurier Ave, Hamilton, ON L9C 3R9, Canada

Softball program for women, consisting of 8 teams. New players must attend a rating clinic prior to drafting of the teams. 

Carole Anne’s Place

YWCA Hamilton
905-522-9922
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

A drop-in for unsheltered women and non-binary individuals in Hamilton, providing access to meals, showers and basic needs, low barrier health care, harm reduction and withdrawal management services, safe drug use space (from 10pm-9am), systems navigation and shelter referrals, advocacy, care planning and coordination.   

Counselling and Community Services

Interval House of Hamilton
289-895-8580 (Flamborough), 905-387-8881, 905-522-0127 (Hamilton), info@intervalhousehamilton.org
 
100 Main St E, Suite 205, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W4
17 Main St S, Unit C, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0, Canada

Services provided by Interval House of Hamilton at Women’s Centre of Hamilton and Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre. Provides support for women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse including:

  • community counselling services
  • individual counselling
  • employment counselling
  • peer support
  • wellness and recovery groups
  • safety planning
  • housing services

Dundas Women’s Softball Association Program

Dundas Women’s Softball Association
 
Dundas Driving Park, 71 Cross St, Dundas, ON L9H 2R5, Canada

A recreational softball program for women. Aims to promote teamwork, friendly competition, and building of softball skills. Teams are sponsored by local businesses. Season runs from Mother’s Day until end of the second week in September.

Emma’s Place

Mission Services of Hamilton
905-528-5100 ext. 1200
 
196 Wentworth St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 5V7, Canada

15 low-barrier overnight beds to women, trans-, and non-binary people. Beds are available on a first come, first serve basis either by walk-in or community referral. Offers snacks and beverages, harm reduction supplies, emotional support, and assistance with finding housing. 

Good Shepherd Centres, Men’s Shelter Services

Good Shepherd Centres
905-528-9109, info@gsch.ca
 
135 Mary St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1K4, Canada

Provides emergency shelter services and overnight accommodation for homeless men in Hamilton. Services also include meals and laundry.

Good Shepherd Centres, Women’s Services

Good Shepherd Centres
905-523-6277, 905-523-8766, info@gsch.ca
 
25 Ray St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2X5, Canada
20 Pearl St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2Y8, Canada

Provides a place of sanctuary, safety, and support for women (and their children) with a variety of programs.

Family Court Support Worker Program

Facilitates a victim’s understanding of and passage through the family court system. Support provided includes:

  • information on the family court process
  • assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid, 
  • debriefing with clients following family court appearances
  • referral to specialized services and supports in the community
  • safety planning 
  • court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

  • Transitional Housing and Support Program

  • Helps women and their children access services to establish violence and abuse-free lives in the community.

  • Second Stage Services

  • Offers furnished, affordable housing to both single women and women with children for up to one year. Supports are geared to creating greater physical, emotional, and financial stability in the aftermath of violence and abuse.

Good Shepherd Women’s Emergency Services, Martha House

Good Shepherd Centres
905-523-6277, 905-523-8895, info@gsch.ca
 
25 Ray St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 2X5, Canada

A 40-bed emergency shelter for individuals and their children who are fleeing violence and abuse.

Programs and service:

  • Safe, short-term accommodation in private family-style units
  • Safety planning and emergency transportation to the shelter, if needed
  • Referrals and advocacy for legal, medical, financial, employment, housing and community services
  • Recreational and therapeutic programs for children
  • Counselling
  • Access to cultural interpreters

Goodtime Ladies Fastball League Program

Goodtime Ladies Fastball League
 

Fastball league for women. Open to residents of Flamborough and surrounding area.

Gyo Geh Doh (New Beginnings)

Native Women’s Centre
1-888-308-6559, 905-318-2666, nwc@nativewomenscentre.com
 

Gyo Geh Doh is a transitional supportive housing program for single women in precarious housing conditions. It has an emphasis on wrap-around supports.

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Home Visiting Program

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Public Health Division
 
110 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3, Canada

Public health nurses and family home visitors provide prevention, early intervention, and prenatal support to at-risk families.  Focus is on healthy child development and parenting skills.  Services include:

  • Prenatal support
  • Fostering parent-child connection
  • Promoting child’s growth and development
  • Connecting parents with community resources
  • Discuss breastfeeding, infant nutrition, and healthy eating
  • Mental health support for postpartum depression or anxiety

Home Management Program

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Social Services Division
905-546-3095, 905-546-4804, homemanagement@hamilton.ca
 
28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1, Canada

Offers practical instruction and coaching programs to individuals, families, and groups to help promote healthy and independent living. Programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client and group with the goal of developing skills in areas such as:

  • parenting
  • budgeting
  • coping with housing issues
  • household management and routines
  • basic nutrition, menu planning and meal preparation
  • goal setting and problem-solving
  • time management
  • stress management
  • developing self-esteem

Inasmuch House Women’s Shelter Services

Mission Services of Hamilton
905-529-8149, 905-529-8600 (Text: 289-212-6399), inasmuch@mission-services.com
 

An emergency shelter for women and non-binary people, with or without children, who are experiencing domestic abuse and/or homelessness.

Services available for residents include:

  • safe shelter with access to meals, clothing, laundry, and other personal supports
  • child and youth workers
  • legal advocacy
  • transitional housing support worker
  • safety planning
  • referral to other community services

Infant Formula and Diaper Bank

Essential Aid and Family Services
289-799-9514, info@essentialaid.ca
 
100 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W7, Canada

Provides emergency supply of infant formula, baby food, and diapers to families with children aged 0-3 years. Assistance provided up to once every 2 months.

Jared’s Place Legal Support Services

Interval House of Hamilton
905-522-0127, 905-522-7220, info@intervalhousehamilton.org
 
100 Main St E, Suite 205, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W4

Offers legal advocacy support, information, and court accompaniment to women who have experienced family violence. Provides support with navigating legal systems when leaving an abusive relationship, including family, criminal, immigration, and child welfare issues.

Jeanne Scott Parent & Child Resource Centre

Good Shepherd Centres
905-549-2090, 905-549-4276, info@gsch.ca
 
1475 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 2X1, Canada

A partnership between Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board and Good Shepherd that provides young parents the opportunity to complete their high school education, with on-site child care for their children.

Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion

Royal Canadian Legion
 
435 Limeridge Rd E, Hamilton, ON L9A 2S8, Canada
79 Hamilton St N, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0, Canada

Women’s group that supports the Legion and its members, as well as community groups. Also engages in social activities such as luncheons, euchre tournaments, and more.

Contact local Legion Branch for more information.

Lynwood Charlton Guiding Partnerships and Solutions Programs

Lynwood Charlton Centre
905-389-1361
 
526 Upper Paradise Rd, Hamilton, ON L9C 5E3, Canada

Provides a variety of services to help youth and families with mental health issues, behavioural challenges, or other complex needs, including those with a dual diagnosis.

Support is provided in-home, school, and/or within the community.

Maternity Centre of Hamilton Services

McMaster Family Health Team
905-528-5553, 905-528-9178
 
100 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6, Canada

Provides comprehensive and accessible maternity care using a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. The clinic is attended for prenatal visits and Maternity Centre doctors are on call for delivery at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Also offers support and care in the first six weeks after the baby is born.

Other services include:

  • Social Worker support
  • Allied health providers (Registered Dietitian, Physiotherapist, system navigation)
  • Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients (STOP) Program
  • Program for Substance Use in Pregnancy (PROSPR)

New Choices Program

Salvation Army Ontario Division
 
431 Whitney Ave, Hamilton, ON L8S 2H6, Canada

A community day treatment program  for women who are pregnant or mothering young children and have substance addictions. Women attend once a week with their children. Provides the opportunity to access addiction and parenting services based on individual needs. Childcare is available for participants while they are at the program. 

Newcomer Mothers Support Program

YWCA Hamilton
905-522-9922 ext. 180, raldibs@ywcahamilton.org
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Provides support for newcomers who are pregnant or with a newborn child.  Services include:

  • social networking
  • child care support
  • referrals to local services

This program operates in partnership with JOIN Immigration and Settlement Program and is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 

Nurse-Family Partnership Program

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Public Health Division
 
110 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3, Canada

A prenatal and infancy home visitation program for young, first time parents provided by public health nurses. Program begins during pregnancy and for the first two years of the children’s lives.

Goals include improving pregnancy outcomes, improving child health and development, and improving parents’ self-sufficiency. Nurses provide support and education on health, child development, parenting issues, life goals and access to community resources. 

Public health nurses are available to visit agencies and organizations, to further explain the program and the referral process.

Phoenix Place Domestic Violence Support

YWCA Hamilton
905-527-2238
 

Provides support for women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence. Offered at a confidential location for up to one year. Services include:

  • supportive housing
  • counseling
  • client advocacy
  • safety planning
  • help navigating other community resources

Regina’s Place Services

Good Shepherd Centres
905-549-2090, 905-549-4276, info@gsch.ca
 
320 Tragina Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8H 5E3, Canada

A transitional housing program for young parents and their children for up to 2 years. Provides furnished apartments and support to young parents, with on-site programming and support staff. 

Programs and supports include (but are not limited to):

  • Parenting
  • Child development
  • Goal planning
  • Cooking
  • Healthy relationships
  • Budgeting
  • Health and nutrition
  • Ontario Works support
  • Problem solving
  • Public health support
  • LEAP (Learning, Earning and Parenting)
  • Substance use and mental health services

Social Club, Red Hat Society

Red Hat Society
1-866-386-2850, info@redhatsociety.com
 

A social club for women from all walks of life, promoting fun and friendship with like-minded women. Women over the age of 50 wear Red Hats and purple clothing, while women under 50 wear Pink Hats and lavender clothing. 

Stacey’s Place Youth Food Bank

Living Rock Ministries
905-528-7625
 
30 Wilson St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1C5, Canada

Emergency services and grocery support for youth in the Hamilton community. Provides food, clothing, baby products, and hygiene items. Also offers nutrition and budgeting programs as well as referrals to Living Rock’s Wellness Works Coordinator.

Strategic Training and Employment Program for Youth

YWCA Hamilton
365-599-9235, 365-659-4026, lsiino@ywcahamilton.org
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers training opportunities and employment support for young women and non-binary youth.  

Services include:

  • Up to 4 weeks of one-to-one job preparation support
  • Up to 14 weeks paid job placement
  • Additional supports for retaining employment
  • Occupational Therapy support as required

  • Certifications may include: 

  • Life Skills
  • Employability Skills
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Health and Safety
  • Smart Serve
  • Safe Food Handling

This program also offers electrical and general machinist apprenticeships, in partnership with Niagara College. 

Uplift Program

YWCA Hamilton
365-324-3895
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Provides women and non-binary people with the opportunity to reskill or upskill in advanced manufacturing, data science, or data analytics through certification training and additional supports related to navigating non-traditional workplaces and job development. All training expenses are covered by FedDev Ontario, and paid by YWCA Hamilton.

Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
905-548-9593
 
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

Provides services to help mother-led families earn college diplomas, start careers, and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Goal-oriented case management, cultural teachings, parent support, and trauma counselling is provided to participants throughout the program. The Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound program also helps locate permanent, affordable housing and subsidized childcare (if available), allowing participants to focus on the completion of a 2-year college diploma or apprenticeship.

Violence Against Women Emergency Shelter

Native Women’s Centre
1-888-308-6559, 905-664-1114, info@nativewomenscentre.com
 

A 15 bed emergency shelter, designed for women and their children, fleeing from domestic violence, dangerous situations, or experiencing homelessness. Assistance is provided for all women regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin, sexual orientation, with or without children who are experiencing crisis in their lives. 

Services offered include group programs, women’s abuse education program, referrals, assistance in finding safe and suitable housing, and traditional healing methods. Service is available for a time up to and including six weeks. All residents will receive meals, personal hygiene items, safety planning and assistance with plans of care.

Willow’s Place Women’s Drop-In Centre

Mission Services of Hamilton
905-528-5100 ext. 1200, admin@mission-services.com
 
196 Wentworth St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 5V7, Canada

Drop-in centre providing a space for women, trans-, and non-binary folks to receive compassionate care in a way that creates opportunities to build on their strengths. Access to laundry, shower facilities, a safe place to rest, meals, and harm reduction supplies, as well as art, games, and other social activities. 

Womankind Addiction Service

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
905 528-7255, 905-521-9591 ext. 234 (Supportive Housing), 905-521-9591 ext. 237 (Treatment), 905-521-9591 ext. 240 (Aftercare), 905-545-9100 (24/7 Withdrawal Management/Telephone Support), womankindinquiries@stjoes.ca
 
431 Whitney Ave, Hamilton, ON L8S 2H6, Canada

Provides a range of gender specific substance use programs, supporting women seeking change with their substance use. Operates a 26 bed facility located in west Hamilton  that offers a safe, inclusive and caring place where all women, woman-identified individuals, transgender, and non-binary individuals, are welcomed and assisted by a specially trained team to assess and define next steps regarding their substance use and recovery. Part of the Shelter Health Network, Womankind Addiction Service was created in the amalgamation of Hamilton Women’s Detox Centre and Mary Ellis House.   

Women’s Art Association of Hamilton

 
270 Sherman Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 6N4, Canada

Offers a variety of services to promote women artists in Hamilton. 

Services include:

  • venue space for women artists
  • art related events, meetings, and social events
  • workshops and guest speakers
  • scholarships and art education programs

Women’s Harm Reduction Drop-In

AIDS Network
289-439-9565 (Call or text), 905-528-0854 ext. 242 (Office)
 
140 King St E, Suite 101, Hamilton, ON L8N 1B2, Canada

A monthly support group for women and adult female identifying individuals. Helps build connections through conversation, education, harm reduction and HIV/STI Testing. 

Women’s Transitional Living Program

YWCA Hamilton
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

A 65-bed residence providing safe, affordable, and temporary housing to women and non-binary individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, and violence.

Services include:

  • low-barrier and inclusive health care
  • peer support programming
  • activities and outings
  • individualized case management
  • one-on-one support
  • systems navigation and advocacy

Young and Expecting Parent Program

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
905-308-1543
 
1715 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 1E3, Canada

Students bring their infant to the classroom with them, where they work with a Secondary School teacher to earn credits and receive hands-on parenting support from an Early Childhood Educator. Students have the opportunity to learn alongside other young parents and connect with a variety of community resources such as the Ontario Early Years Centres.

YWCA Hamilton Good Beginnings

YWCA Hamilton
905-522-9922 ext. 310, lfigueredo@ywcahamilton.org
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Provides free in-home support for mothers with babies under 6 months of age to cope with the challenges of having a newborn, and/or for women who are at risk of post-partum depression. Weekly visits from a trained volunteer provide practical support, social interaction, and time for self-care.

YWCA Hamilton Pre-Apprenticeship Program

YWCA Hamilton
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

Offers support for women to help secure employment in the skilled trades industry. Programs are offered at no cost, and provide participants with technical training and job coaching to start their career in the skilled trades.

Successful participants will receive:

  • Job readiness training
  • Up to 16 weeks of in-school training
  • 8-week work placement

YWCA Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards

YWCA Hamilton
905-522-9922
 
75 MacNab St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1, Canada

An annual award that recognizes outstanding women who have made a commitment and a significant difference in their community by showing vision, creativity, and initiative. Nominations are open between November and January.