About Our Agency

“One hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

K-W Counselling Services holds that all people are worthy. All people deserve respect and dignity. Each person's potential is valuable. Founded in 1950, we embody the values of Kitchener-Waterloo.

Our Values, Vision and Mission

We believe…
    … in the uniqueness of each person.
    … we share a common humanity.
    … in the fundamental goodness of all people.
    … in relating to everyone with dignity and respect.

Vision
A community where no one is left behind, a community where positive personal relationships are valued as its highest social achievement.

Mission
Inspired by a deep commitment to social responsibility and our optimism in the power of relationships, K-W Counselling Services reaches out with its community partners to all families, children, individuals and neighbourhoods to discover with them those strengths and possibilities that lead to fulfilled and productive lives.

The People We Serve
In 2005, K-W Counselling Services helped 41,486 people through the full range of programs listed below. Approximately 16,440 people benefited from Therapeutic Counselling. Approximately 25,046 people benefited from our Family and Community Solutions programs. Additionally, approximately 70,600 learned about healthy lifestyles and family living issues through our regular health promotion guest appearances on the television program “Daytime” and our own "For Kids' Sake", Rogers Television 20.

Our Funders
United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Multiculturalism Program of Canadian Heritage
Region of Waterloo
The Ontario Trillium Foundation

Compassion, Respectful Listening, and Professional Knowledge

These virtues inspire confidence, hope and understanding. They make powerful solutions, good fortune and personal fulfillment possible.

According to research, all of us will seek professional help at some time in our lives to resolve personal and family stresses. Problems at work and home are inevitable. Yet, there are lasting solutions you can act on, now and in the future. You can bring your dreams to life.

A Caring Community Leaves No One Behind

We believe that all of us, as a community, fail or flourish together.

As a society, we strive to provide the resources that each citizen needs to live a rewarding life. At K-W Counselling Services, this means ensuring that everyone who calls us has access to meaningful solutions.

A Family at Risk is Not a Family at Fault

Through our specialized programs, we work together with men, women, children, couples, families, and the community to create lasting solutions. Our dream is to cultivate a society that values the human spirit and the potential of every person.

Creating Caring Communities

Most of the problems people call us about are connected to relationships they have with others. These may be relationships between children and parents, couple conflicts, family troubles or abusive relationships from the past or even in the present. Sometimes there are stressful relationships with schools, workplaces or within neighbourhoods.

Often people experience these relationship difficulties as personal problems in the form of depression, anxiety, anger and addictions.

Each year, we work with thousands of people, sometimes just for a couple of hours and sometimes for several months.

Whatever your concerns, give us a call. Most people, following their work in counselling or in one of our specialty programs, notice changes. They feel better about themselves, take better care of themselves, have improved relationships with others, and even find themselves to be more healthful.

Call Us

Sometimes you don't know which way to turn. One option is to give us a call at 884-0000. Just ask to speak to our Resource Consultant, who will take the time to talk over your concerns. We will likely have a specific service that you want to use. On the other hand, we may be able to find the best possible service for you elsewhere in the community. The main thing is to ask. We don't want anyone left behind.

Cost

We are all interested in how much things cost. Our services are delivered by professionals and do cost money. We are very fortunate to have strong financial supporters such as the United Way and other charitable donors. The three levels of government cover the cost of some specific programs for which you may be eligible. When a fee is charged, it is based on your income. We are committed to helping people regardless of their ability to pay.
Our Kids At Risk fundraising plays a special role to ensure children receive the helping touch they need. This successful campaign makes it possible for us to reach thousands of children each year. Please call us for more information on how you can help us make a difference in our community.

Download 50 Years Commemorative Book (1.2MB PDF)

Download "We Believe..." Brochure (419 Kb PDF)