What do case workers do?
Working together one-on-one, they help young people create action plans, develop life skills and reach their personal goals.
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Sexuality / Gender Identity and Sexual Health
A case manager is an informed, non-judgmental person to talk about sexuality, gender and sexual health. They can point in the direction of helpful resources.
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Social Connections
Case managers can help young people meet new people and become connected to the community.
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Transgender Supports
Case managers can provide advice on transitioning, insights on gender identity and referrals to doctors, clinics and procedures.
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Food and Basic Needs
Case managers can help find local food banks and access to free clothing.
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Housing
Case managers can help with finding inclusive emergency shelters, transitional homes or long-term housing, and can also advocate on young people’s behalf if they face discrimination where they’re staying.
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Income Support
They can answer questions and help with applications for social assistance, such as Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). They can also help with the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and other funding programs.
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Advocacy
Case managers are there to help young people navigate complex systems and explain application processes.
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Life Skills
Case managers help young people develop life skills, like cooking and budgeting, through workshops and available programs.
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Healthcare
Case managers can provide advice on finding LGBTQI2S-inclusive doctors or clinics, or advise on the available health services for transgender people.
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Legal Support
Case managers can help research legal clinics and for refugees, immigrants or newcomers in Canada, they can help figure out the immigration process.
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Employment
Case managers can help by reviewing resumes and connecting youth with job searches and skills-training.
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Safety Planning
Case managers can provide coping mechanisms, de-escalation techniques and refer young people to the right mental health supports.
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Education
Case managers help make sense of colleges, universities and other educational institutions, offering advice on enrolment and course selection.
Do you need help with any of these areas?
Send us an email, go to our get-help page or visit us at the Friends of Ruby Drop-In Centre (489 Queen St. East) to set up a meeting with a Case Manager.
Other Main Services
Mental Health & Wellness Support
Our counsellors’ approach is integrative, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and collaborative by design. Wherever youth are on their personal journey, we’re here for them.
Drop-In Services and Programming
At our drop-in space LGBTQI2S youth aged 16-19 will find meals, activities, support groups and community. We offer barrier free one-on-one counselling, support with gender identity and sexual orientation, and help with finding housing, healthcare and jobs.
Transitional Housing
Along with the Friends of Ruby Home, one of the few transitional homes dedicated to LGBTQI2S youth, at our Youth Centre we always offer help finding inclusive shelter space and housing.
