Healthy Beginnings
The Stop’s community-based perinatal program supports families during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.
Every year:
expectant and new mothers supported
food hampers distributed
of grocery store gift cards provided
About the Program
Healthy Beginnings helps individuals and families navigate barriers and challenges, such as:
- limited income
- adjusting to life in a new country
- language differences
- limited access to resources and support networks
The program creates a space where participants feel supported, connected, and informed.
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 details, email healthybeginnings@thestop.org or call (416) 652-7867.
Growing Together Podcast
Tune in to learn more about Healthy Beginnings and how we support expectant and new mothers across our community.
Episode 1
Introducing Healthy Beginnings
Episode 2
Food Security & Community Impact
Episode 3
Registering Your Baby After Birth
Register Now
Want to feel confident, connected, and cared for throughout your pregnancy? Looking for guidance, community, and support on your journey to parenthood?
Sign up for Healthy Beginnings, The Stop’s perinatal program— open to individuals at any stage of pregnancy, who live within our catchment area (see map).
Sessions run:
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Stop Community Food Centre
1884 Davenport Road
The Stop's Healthy Beginnings helps parents feel confident and connected.
Frequently Asked questions
Anyone who is pregnant and lives within our catchment area (see map).
Participants can join at any stage of pregnancy and stay six months post-partum.
No. All Healthy Beginnings services, workshops, events, and supports are free.
Services are offered in English. Support is available in Spanish and Portuguese.
Yes. The Stop welcomes newcomer and refugee families and works to connect them with settlement, community, and family support services.
Yes. The Stop encourages all family members, caregivers, and partners involved in parenting and child development to participate.
Yes. We share child development information and resources and referrals to community-based supports and services.
Yes. Healthy Beginnings works with community agencies and provides referrals for settlement, mental health, counselling, midwives, dietitians, and early child development.
Yes. Healthy Beginnings works with community agencies and provides referrals for settlement, mental health, counselling, midwives, dietitians and early child development.
Yes. Children up to 4 years old are welcome. Our programming is family-friendly to support both parents and children.
Yes. Protecting participants' privacy and confidentiality is a priority. We strive to provide services in a safe, supportive environment.