These days, with the daily costs of living and other societal factors at play, many are struggling to make ends meet. Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood is dedicated to lifting each other up and making sure no one is left behind by having accessible services and programming.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been highlighting community services in the neighbourhood — from youth programs to free/affordable resources — leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th and 26th (learn more and sign up)!
Whether it’s computer access or legal advice, read on to know more about free community services you can find here in Riverside:
Photo credit: Riverside BIA
Ralph Thornton Community Centre
Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3
The Ralph Thornton Community Centre has been serving the South Riverdale community for 44 years now. One of RTCC’s key facilities is the Lewis Pearsall Exchange Loft, where you can access free use of resources such as computers with internet access, fax, document scanning and a public telephone. We’ve covered RTCC’s services in more detail in our blog here.
Photo credit: Riverside BIA
Don Valley Community Legal Services
Address: Inside Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E)
A community legal clinic located inside the RTCC and funded by Legal Aid Ontario, Don Valley Community Legal Services provides free services to their catchment in specific areas of law such as employment, housing and immigration. They also conduct public legal education seminars to community groups. Check out their website for more information.
Photo credit: Fontbonne Ministries
Fontbonne Ministries
Address: 791 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6
Built on compassion by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Fontbonne Ministries aims to address pressing and prevalent societal issues. Programs in Riverside at their Mustard Seed location include The Clothing Boutique which provides winter wear to those in need; and the Breakfast Program which provides nutritious breakfast options during the week. Learn more about Fontbonne Ministries here.
Photo credit: Stock image from Pexels
Toronto Public Health Dental Clinic
Address: 791 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6
This Toronto Public Health clinic offers free dental services such as cleaning, filling and extraction to eligible children and youth, adults and seniors. Clinic hours are Monday-Friday (8am-4pm). Call (416) 392 6683 for inquiries and appointments.
Photo credit: WoodGreen Community Services
WoodGreen Community Services
Address: 650 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G5
As one of Toronto’s largest social service agencies, WoodGreen’s Riverside location helps promote self-sufficiency and overall well-being with programs like regular food bank support on Tuesdays and financial empowerment through free annual tax clinics. Read our WoodGreen feature here.
And that’s a wrap on our community services blog series! If you’re interested in participating in the annual Riverside Community Clean Up on April 25th and 26th, learn more and sign up !
Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for regular updates and fun content!