Health Promotion offers general programming for our community members and clients, the below is some of the programming we offer. If you are looking to get connected to the North End community and would like to connect with one of our Health Promotors, feel free to contact 905-523-6611 and ask to speak to Health Promotion

Grub Club

Available to children ages 6-12 that are interested in learning to cook, garden and physical activity.  Once a week from May- September, children will learn and prepare healthy meals and snacks, explore physical activity and learn more about nutrition and healthy living. Children work in the garden plots located on site to plant, monitor and harvest organic vegetables that can be used to create recipes in the program. The goal is that children learn the skills to eat healthy, be mindful about where their food comes from and promote physical activity so they may active throughout their lives. 

For more information, or to register, contact: Mariko Bown-Kai 905-523-6611 ext. 2084, mbown-kai@compassch.org

Children’s Breakfast Club

Open to children, parents and families every school day from 8:00am to 9:15am at Compass Community Health (438 Hughson St. N). This is a supervised space for children to spend time before school and a nutritious, hot breakfast is provided for children. Each day the program offers a different hot meal such as scrambled eggs, cheese toast, egg sandwiches, pizza bagels and yogurt, cereal and berries are offered everyday with milk and water. 

For more information, or to register, contact: Leah Janzen 905-523-6611 ext. 3006, ljanzen@compassch.org OR Mariko Bown-Kai 905-523-6611 ext. 2084, mbown-kai@compassch.org

Seniors Community Kitchen

This program is for senior residents and clients who wish to learn about nutrition, increase skills and participate in an exciting luncheon to develop friendships and socialize. Senior’s Kitchen also offers special guests about topics that interest participants. The program takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 11:30am to 2:00pm at Compass Community Health (438 Hughson St. N) in the Community Kitchen.

For more information, or to register, contact: Leah Janzen 905-523-6611 ext. 3006, ljanzen@compassch.org

Grow Well

Grow Well is a unique horticultural therapy program that combines organic greenhouse growing practices and Mental Wellness exercises. Participants grow organic produce, herbs and plants while learning mindfulness techniques through a series of fun, interactive experiences in Compass’ Community Greenhouse. Grow Well typically is offered throughout the spring and autumn seasons.

For more information, or to register, contact: Leah Janzen 905-523-6611 ext. 3006, ljanzen@compassch.org

Community Gardens

Clients are designated a plot to do their own organic gardening. This program is beneficial for physical activity, organic gardening, food access and social interaction. There are 3 different locations: 

  • Paradise Community Gardens -240 Burlington Street East (at Wellington Street)
  • Keith Community Gardens - 100 Burton Street (Corner of Douglas Street) 

Gardeners have access to the gardens throughout the growing season (May to October). There are special information and hands-on sessions offered throughout the season. The cost is $20-$30 per plot, depending on location. Tools, fertilizers and organic pest controls are provided along with some seedlings and seeds. 

For more information, or to register, contact: Leah Janzen 905-523-6611 ext. 3006, ljanzen@compassch.org

Senior Cyber Fraud Prevention Education program                  

For more information, or to register, contact Christine 905-523-6611 (ext. 2059) csorbara@compassch.org 

Welcome Baby Program

Are you Pregnant? 

Join a free weekly group for people during their pregnancy and until your babies are 6 months of age to learn about healthy eating, prenatal care, chest-feeding/breastfeeding and caring for your baby with a Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian. Enjoy a healthy snack and meet other pregnant people!

Grocery gift cards and bus tickets provided. Free childcare during the program is available for children under the age of six.

To register call Cory Ma, RD, CDE

905-523-6611, ext 3047

Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Support

Compass supports clients who are two-spirit and LGBTQ+ in a variety of ways, including:

  • AFFIRM: an eight-week cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) coping skills group for LGBTQ youth; separate groups for youth aged 14-18 and for youth aged 18-25.
  • Intergenerational Kitchen: In partnership with Speqtrum Hamilton, Compass hosts all-ages kitchen groups to allow opportunities for intergenerational learning. A wide range of participants from 15 to 75 years of age bring a diversity of perspectives and lived experiences
  • Trans-ID Clinics: Together with the AIDS Network and the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, Compass’ ID clinics support transgender and gender-diverse individuals in changing their legal name and/or gender marker. Lacking proper identification can be a barrier to accessing services, and the process is complex and often requires significant support in form completion and other advocacy.
  • Trans-Feminine Peer Support Program: Compass is currently running a peer support program for Trans Feminine identified folks. Many trans spaces are dominated by Trans masculine folks, while Trans Feminine folks have a set of concerns unique to them. At our meetings we discuss transition, employment opportunities, transphobia and related issues, as well as working to build a community of trans sisters. Compass offers a meeting once monthly for youth (age 16 – 29) and for adults (30+), as well as an intergenerational meeting to bring them together.
  • Eating Disorder Program for Trans Folks: Still in the planning stages, this program will offer a six week group meeting to discuss eating disorders among trans folks. Feel free to get in contact to let us know you’re interested when we have more details.

For more information, contact Autumn Getty 905-523-6611 ext. 2022, agetty@compass.org