Healthy Beginnings
Healthy Beginnings is a community-based perinatal program at The Stop that supports families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.
expectant and new mothers supported by the program
food hampers distributed to Healthy Beginnings participants
in grocery store gift cards provided
About The Healthy Beginnings Program
The Healthy Beginnings program supports individuals and families who may be navigating barriers such as limited income, adjusting to life in a new country, language differences, or limited access to resources and support networks.
Healthy Beginnings creates a space where participants can feel supported, connected, and informed during this important stage of life.
Sessions run weekly and include:
- Educational workshops with local health and community partners
- A nutritious shared meal
- Food vouchers for the Good Food Market
- Childminding support
- Opportunities to connect, share experiences, and build community with other parents
For more information, email healthybeginnings@thestop.org or call The Stop at (416) 652-7867.
Podcast
Growing Together: A Healthy Beginnings Podcast
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The Healthy Beginnings perinatal program is designed to help you feel confident, connected, and cared for throughout your pregnancy.
Sessions take place every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The Stop Community Food Centre (1884 Davenport Road).
The program is open to individuals at any stage of pregnancy who live within our catchment area (North of Bloor, South of St Clair, East of Runnymede, West of Bathurst).
If you’re looking for guidance, community, and support on your journey into parenthood, we welcome you to register and get started.
Frequently Asked questions
People who are pregnant and who live in our catchment catchment area (South of Eglinton Ave., North of Bloor St., East of Jane St., and West of Yonge St. ). Participants can join any stage of pregnancy and stay six months post-partum
No. Healthy Beginnings services, workshops, events, and supports are offered free of charge to participants.
Healthy Beginnings services are offered in English, with additional support available in Spanish and Portuguese through collaborative settlement partnerships.
Yes. we welcome newcomer and refugee families and also work to connect participants with settlement, community, and family support services.
Yes. We encourage participation from all caregivers, partners, and family members involved in parenting and child development.
Yes. We share child development information, parenting resources, and referrals to community-based supports and services.
Yes. We work collaboratively with community agencies and can provide referrals to settlement, mental health, counselling, midwives, dietitians and early child development.
Yes. We work collaboratively with community agencies and can provide referrals to settlement, mental health, counselling, midwives, dietitians and early child development.
Yes. Children up to 4 years of age are welcome to Healthy Beginnings. Our programming is family-friendly and designed to support both parents and children.
Yes. Protecting participants' privacy and confidentiality is a priority, and we strive to provide services in a safe, supportive environment.