THE ACTION CENTRE / SUDBURY ACTION CENTRE FOR YOUTH
Frequently Asked Questions
Sudbury Action Centre for Youth
What ages do you serve in the youth program?
Our youth drop in serves ages 16-24; our youth outreach team serves ages 12-25; and our TGInnerselves transgender support team can work with anyone from 12+
What time are you open?
Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm; with a free hot meal served promptly at 5pm
Are there other free therapists/counsellors in Sudbury?
In short, yes.
The Child and Family Centre has free therapy sessions for people under 18 years old and can be contacted at 705-525-1008.
The Canadian Mental Health Association also has free mental health services for people over the age of 16. They can be contacted at 705-675-7252.
If you are in Crisis, you do not need to go to the emergency room, you can call 705-675-4760 for help, or visit the crisis centre at 127 Cedar Street.
What can I expect from SACY’s Free Counselling Service?
SACY has a professional trained in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), who is able to help youth through a specific problem and/or reach a particular goal. CBT is a type of counselling that works on the basis that the way we think and interpret life’s events affects how we behave, and ultimately, how we feel. CBT is a short-term, problem-specific, goal-directed approach to mental wellness that requires the participants to actively partake in the therapy sessions not just during the meeting but after as well in the form of “homework.” CBT is not a long-term psychotherapeutic support service, life-skills program, or space where medication can be prescribed. We can, however, work with a youth who requires immediate short-term goal-oriented support while providing referrals to further supports in Sudbury.
How do I get registered for these programs?
To register for counselling, you must contact SACY’s CBT counsellor, Emilie at 705-673-4396 x207. To register for all other youth program activities and events please come to our drop-in location at 95 Pine street and we will perform a ten-minute (10min) intake interview. We require photo identification, and are willing to help you recover your identification if you do not have any.
TG Innerselves
What is transgender?
Transgender is a term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is a person's internal, personal sense of being a man or a woman (or boy or girl.) For some people, their gender identity does not fit neatly into those two choices. For transgender people, the sex they were assigned at birth and their own internal gender identity do not match.
What do I call a transgender person?
To be respectful of others’ autonomy and personhood, always use the name and gender pronoun that the person provides. If you are unsure which pronoun a person uses, you can introduce yourself and your own pronoun as an invitation for theirs “Hi, I’m Carrie and I use the pronouns he and him, and you are?” For some people, being called the name they were provided at birth can be harmful, it is always best to ask if you do not know, and sincerely apologize if you make a mistake.
What services does TG Innerselves provide?
TG Innerselves provides support for individuals who are exploring their gender identity & gender expression. We work with people who identify on the gender spectrum. We have the Direct Client Service Worker who helps individuals with one on one sessions in talking about their experiences, as well providing referrals for support in areas of HRT (Hormone, Replacement Therapy), surgery & more. We also have a Peer Support Group ages 16+ that runs every Thursday from 6-8pm. This is a safe space for individuals to build connections with others who are experiencing similar challenges in their journey. For education, we have an Education Manager who provides education around Trans terminology, human rights, workplace rights, etc, to other service providers. This being schools, work places, etc.
What ages do you work with?
We work one-on-one with ages 12+ & for the Peer Support Group ages 16+.
Do TG Innerselves workers, identify on the gender spectrum?
Currently, the Direct Client Service Worker & Education Manager both identify on the gender spectrum, bringing the lived experience.
Harm Reduction Outreach
Why are we providing free needles (harm reduction supplies) to people who use substances?
Substance preparation equipment that is used more than once, or is not acquired through a sterile source may contain HCV, HIV, and various harmful bacteria. Therefore sharing this equipment increases the risk of viral and bacterial infections among people who use substances. Independent studies out of the University of Ottawa showed that Ontario harm Reduction Distribution Programs have proven to be the most cost-effective means of reducing the negative health outcomes of substance use, from both an economic and human perspective.
What are the benefits of harm reduction programs for the people in Sudbury who do not use substances?
Research shows that harm reduction programs and practices can:
- reduce the prevalence and incidence of HIV infection and Hepatitis viruses in the community
- reduce injection substance use in public places
- Reduce the number of used needles discarded in public places
- educate about safer sex and sexual health and increase condom use
- increase referrals to treatment programs and health and social services
- provide training and advice regarding community safety through city/business planning
Homelessness Network Case Managers
What makes me qualified for your program?
If you have been homeless for more than 6 months, or find that you are frequently evicted from your home and end up sleeping in shelter or on the street you may qualify for our program. It is best to check and see if you are uncertain. We have links to intake and diversion here for you to follow if you feel that you may qualify for the program.
Can I walk in to SACY and get a place to stay the night?
In short, no. SACY, unfortunately, does not have any emergency housing, but we have: a navigator who can help you figure out who to talk to when you do not know the next steps in your housing journey. We also have a case manager assigned to people by the intake workers for further help finding and maintaining housing.
If you would like a case manager, contact Intake at 705-673-3721 at the Corner Clinic 344 Elgin, 2nd Floor; or 705-673-9576 at John Howard 204 Pine Street.
How do I access your program?
The only way to access SACY’s Housing Case Management Program is to apply through central intake. If you only need a little bit of help with housing, you can access our Diversion program. There is no guarantee that you will be part of SACY’s case management program you may end up with one of our partner agency’s case managers
What will you do for me if I join your program?
We will do our best to help you find a home and keep that home. We will support you in your recovery from homelessness and offer you services that you may not have had access to before.
What will be expected of me if I join your program?
There are really only a couple of participant requirements in our program and they are not very demanding. First you must be willing to participate in the program. We only work as hard as you do. Second you must agree to once a week home visits. And Finally we ask you to participate in a SPDAT assessment once every 3 months. This usually takes about an hour (which is how long our appointments usually last anyway.)
Is there an age limit?
Yes. The Homelessness Network of Sudbury will only assign individuals to case management if they are over the age of 18. If you are between 16 and 18 we will direct you to Foyer Notre dame House for Housing Case Management support
How long is the program?
Once you are accepted into the program you stay in the program until you feel ready to discharge yourself. Generally, we expect you to be in the program for more than 6 months. We will work from the beginning to plan your discharge but we won’t close your file until you are ready. We have people who have been in the program for several years and others who have been in the program for 6 months.
What do you consider homeless to be?
If you are sleeping outside, in a tent, a car or an abandoned building, couch surfing (staying on friends/families couches without paying rent and can only stay for a few days at a time), in a shelter, in hospital with nowhere to go once you are discharged, staying in a building deemed not fit for human habitation, or in detox with nowhere to go once you are discharged.
Will you pay my rent for me? I heard there is rent money available for people in the housing program is that true?
No we will not pay your rent for you. Your rent is always your responsibility whether paid from ODSP/OW/CPP/OAS/employment or any other income sources. On some occasions and with very specific situations some participants can get access to a rental subsidy however, we DO NOT provide this subsidy to everyone and the subsidy program is frequently full.
Are you a landlord? Do you rent out properties?
No we are not landlords. We are not connected to Sudbury Housing in any way. We help you connect with landlords and Housing services but we are not landlords.
I know other people who have case workers in the Homelessness network. Can I expect you to work with me in the same way as their case workers work with them?
We all use the same principals and Housing first philosophy but just like every participant in our program is unique so are our agency’s and the case management styles. Some Case Managers cannot drive clients to appointments SACY can. Some Case Managers have access to other programs that SACY does not. Also, the Case Managers have personal styles of management that may seem different but rest assured that all participants receive excellent support regardless of your case management team.
Once I am part of your program how do we decide that my file is going to be closed?
We work from the very start on discharge planning. This isn’t so we rush you through the program but so that we can make sure to provide you with all the knowledge you need during your time in the program. The only way we will close your file is if you indicate that you are no longer interested in accessing our program. If something isn’t working for you just ask and we can discuss it.
Will you close my file if I miss appointments?
That depends. Mostly I don’t close files until you are ready for your file to be closed. However, If you don’t seem interested in participating and have ignored my attempts at meetings repeatedly then yes we will close your file. However, if you rebook or contact me after a missed appointment and continue to be in frequent contact with me then I won’t close your file. If you move out of The Greater City of Sudbury then your file will be closed.
Once I get housed does that mean you close my file?
No! We are a housing program that comes with a place to live. Your file will remain open as long as you need it to be open.
Are there extra things you can help me with that are part of your program?
Yes. We can help with getting ID, budgeting, accessing programs and services, getting to appointments if needed, bus tickets, basic needs like soap and cleaning supplies, cultural supports, employment searches, completing documents, ODSP application support, finding primary health care, finding dental care, finding mental health care, accessing furniture for your new unit. Assistance with landlord and tenant board issues. Rental concerns, bedbug information and support, and a lot more.
Will you buy me furniture?
We will help you locate furniture for your new home. If there is a funding source available to get you new furniture we will do that. If there is no funding for new furniture we will do our best to find you used items that are bug free and clean.
If I go to jail will you close my file?
If you are expecting to be locked up for more that 3 months then yes your file will be closed. HOWEVER, once you are replaced go back to central intake and request a new intake. We will do our best to get you back with your last case manager.
If I have to go away to treatment will you close my file?
Generally no, if you are planning on returning and your program lasts for 3 months or less then your file won’t be closed.
If I spend an extended period of time in the hospital will you close my file?
If you are expecting to be in hospital for more that 3 months then yes your file will be closed. We can keep it open longer if you continue to receive home visits in the hospital setting. Once you are released, if your file has been closed come to central intake and they will do a new assessment and try to get you back to your last case manager if at all possible.
What is housing first and why do you follow that method?
Housing First is the philosophy that The Greater City of Sudbury decided to adopt several years ago to help those individuals in our community who have been homeless for a long time find and keep housing. It’s pretty simple. We follow five principles that all boil down to this: housing is a human right and EVERYONE deserves to be housed in safe affordable housing. 1) That EVERYONE is ready to be housed! We do not have housing readiness requirements in our program. To the best of our abilities we help you find immediate access to permanent, affordable, and safe accommodations. 2) You are in the drivers seat! We work as a team in this program. You make the choices we help you achieve your goals. In this program you aren’t ‘placed’ you choose where to go to the best of our abilities. 3) We are recovery oriented. That means we are constantly looking for ways to help you manage on your housing needs with the supports you can reach your full potential. 4) Our services are individualized.
What does Recovery oriented mean? Are you a treatment program?
When we say recovery oriented we are talking about all types of recovery. We are not an addictions treatment program however, if that is a barrier to your feeling welcome, safe, and happy in your community we can talk about treatment options. Connecting you with mental health services if you are struggling with mental illness. Connecting you with medical care if you are struggling with physical illness. If you feel isolated and unwelcome in your community we can help you reconnect in a meaningful way to your community. If you don’t know how to care for a home we can help you learn how to cope with those new responsibilities.