Skip to Content Skip to Navigation
TEXT RESIZER Default Larger Largest
 

**** COVID-19 UPDATE ****
Breakthrough continues to operate during COVID-19 restrictions. We are offering our program online. Once restrictions are lifted, Breakthrough will return to in-person groups.

In order to support participants’ remote access to the Breakthrough program, all art supplies will be delivered to participants. Tablets can also be lent to participants in order to participate in video sessions. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer childcare support during this time.

Healing Through the Arts

YWCA Toronto’s Breakthrough program offers free support groups to women who have been abused or harmed by other kinds of violence. We currently offer the following groups: Imagining New Directions: for women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or incest Healing Through Expressive Arts: for women who have experienced violence or abuse Stepping into Connection: an open group for women who may be new to group support and who have experienced violence or abuse Creating Safety and Possibilities: for women dealing with the effects of intimate partner abuse.


Breakthrough Videos

• Breakthrough Introduction video
• Take a Pause: Introduction
• Take a Pause: Creative Practise
• Take a Pause: Poem Reading
• Take a Pause: Mindfulness
• Mindfulness Meditation #1
• Mindfulness Meditation #2

Women who:

  • Have experienced violence or abuse

  • Are interested in working towards their goals in a supportive group environment

  • Want to work with the arts, focus on connecting with the body

  • A place where women can explore how abuse/violence has affected their life

  • A safe learning environment where women may try new ways to grow and heal

  • Opportunities for creative self-expression in a community of women

  • A space where women can connect with others in an atmosphere of acceptance and non-judgment

  • Support to help women get the most out of their group experience

  • Information to help women make decisions about their safety and well-being, including resources and referrals

  • Childcare while women attend group

Groups run in three 12-week cycles: January-March, April-June and September-December.

The program is offered at various sites in West Central Toronto and South Scarborough.

For program information and inquiries:
Anna Isacsson, Program Worker
416.487.7151 x273 or 416.433.9314 | AIsacsson@ywcatoronto.org

Program workers:
Maria Teresa Hernandez, Program Worker
416.487.7151 x266  |  MTeresaHernandez@ywcatoronto.org

Emily Hostland, Program Worker
416.487.7151 x267  |  EHostland@ywcatoronto.org

Related Programs

Parenting After Abuse 

Find out about our Here to Help program. 

Mental Health Support 

Explore the free Choices for Living program.

Sign-Up

Sign-up to receive our advocacy updates.

Contact Us

Emily Hostland
PT Program Worker, Breakthrough
416.487.7151 x267