For the past few years, BALANCE has contracted with counselor Lisa Derencinovic to provide a psycho-social support group for people trying to deal with the emotional and social challenges that often come with sight loss. Our participants in this program have told us they find it invaluable to be able to speak to their peers about a negative incident on the subway, or a challenge with a family member, as just two common experiences. Indeed, the challenges often have less to do with being somebody with a visual disability, and more often are related to negative attitudes, and ignorance of sighted society. Being able to share with others going through similar experiences, and having that discussion facilitated by a professional social worker with strong group facilitation background and her own lived experience, we are told makes a world of difference.
If you have never tried a BALANCE Sharing Space Support Group, we urge you to call the office and register by February 24th, because after that date we are going open these groups up to folks who have participated before. This is a 12 week program that you will not regret.
Please note: you must be a BALANCE client to participate; if you are not a BALANCE client, you can call the office to register as a client.
Note: this program is funded through the generous donations and sponsorships raised during our Because of BALANCE fundraising campaign.
West-End Group:

• When: Wednesday Afternoons from 1:00-3:00 PM starting March 4, 2020 and ending on May 20, 2020.
• Where: West Toronto Support Services, located at 1709 Bloor Street West, side entrance off Indian Grove (please tell WheelTrans the side entrance off Indian Grove). Nearest Subway station: Keele Station

• When: Tuesday Afternoons from 1:30-3:30 PM  March 3, 2020 and ending on May 19, 2020.
• Where: at The Healing Collective at 2005 Danforth Avenue, on the south side of the street, less than a block from Woodbine Subway Station.

Registration and more information: contact Radka at info@balancefba.org or (416) 236-1796 X 0.