Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
New Path is committed to prioritizing and integrating principles of equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and belonging in its service delivery and communication.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) at New Path
At New Path Youth & Family Services, we recognize that mental health care must be rooted in cultural humility, accessibility, and a commitment to ongoing learning. We are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for children, youth, and families in Simcoe County, ensuring that everyone – regardless of background, identity, or lived experience – feels valued and supported.
To ensure that all children and youth, their families and caregivers have timely access to mental health support, our services are free of charge and available in-person, online, and by phone. Children, youth, their families and caregivers can book an appointment online, or by calling 705-725-7656, on a day and me that is convenient.
How We Embed EDIB into Our Work:
✅ Practicing Cultural Humility & Ongoing Learning
We approach mental health care with curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to learn from the diverse communities we serve. Through ongoing training, policy reviews, and self-reflection, our team strives to recognize biases, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful connections with clients and families.
✅ Making Mental Health More Accessible
We are committed to reducing barriers to care by offering free mental health services, quick access, and single-session counseling, and community-based programs that meet youth and families where they are. Our goal is to ensure that mental health support is available to those who need it, when they need it.
✅ Listening & Growing Together
We know that embedding EDIB into our work is an ongoing journey, not a one-time action. We are committed to learning from our clients, colleagues, and community partners, ensuring that we continue evolving to meet the needs of those we serve.
At New Path, we believe that belonging matters. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous growth, where every young person and family feels valued, seen, and supported.
💙 Because mental health matters.
We are honoured to provide mental health care for children, youth, their families and caregivers on the traditional land of the Anishinaabeg people. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We are dedicated to honouring the history and culture of the Anishinaabeg people and are committed to moving forward with respect for good physical and mental health with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people in our community. New Path is committed to moving forward with action.
To support New Path’s commitment to EDI and belonging, we seek to partner and collaborate with organizations that support this commitment. One recent example is the development of a new service pathway with Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services to ensure equitable access to services for Indigenous children, youth, and families to our Child and Teen Parent Success Programs. New Path also continues to participate in and collaborate with the Indigenous Service Agency Advisory Circle to ensure service and access equity.
Internally, our EDI team works to broaden our knowledge and perspectives through initiatives and activities such as an EDI calendar, an inclusive language guide and a virtual EDI library.