Hospitality

Hospitality is at the heart of the Scarborough Good Neighbours Drop-In. This takes different shapes, but regardless of what activity is being done, the same principle of unconditional care and love for each person applies.

Families

One of the main reasons to move to Scarborough is to reach out to struggling families who can’t live in Toronto because of the high cost of housing. We believe in the value and importance of families in society, and want to help and support both parents and children living in Scarborough. Programs vary depending on the need, so it’s best to come and talk to us directly about any needs you may have.
For infants, we have a low-cost diaper service. Formula is given out for free when available. Emergency food and clothes are also available for Scarborough females in need.
We speak many languages, including Arabic, Tamil, Urdu, Spanish, and French, and we are always ready to listen to any parent who has concerns.
To find out more or access any of our services, families can either call to make an appointment, or just drop in.

Community Meals

Open to all residents of Scarborough, these meals are free and cooked with love. We try to cook foods that are delicious, beautifully served, and nutritious. We believe that sharing food is one of the most beautiful human experiences. Food is not only about feeding the stomach, but also the soul. Food for us is a way toward this cultural revolution of inclusivity that Massimo Botti speaks so well about.
Every day we are open at Good Neighbours Drop-In, food is part of our way of life. We welcome any chef who would like to share their knowledge with us, even for a day.

Emergency Family Food Hampers

Food pantry available for families with children, and seniors, every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Must call to register for regular users.

Children & Youth

Part of our support to parents is through our youth programs.

Saturday Kids’ Klub

Every Saturday, children can come to the drop-in and a safe and well-supervised environment, to learn how to cook and other life skills. Our program is multicultural, and sensitive to all religious backgrounds.
This is an opportunity also for families and parents to see first-hand how the drop-in is a resource for them and their children.
For more information on how to register, and requirements to participate, please call us, or just drop in during regular hours of operation.

Summer Camps

In cooperation with St. Mary of Egypt Refuge, Scarborough Good Neighbours runs summer camps and also retreats throughout the year, providing children with an opportunity to experience life outside the city in a rural, wilderness area.
Youth camps focus on several important aspects of children’s developments and future life, such as a sense of confidence and worth, leadership skills, nutritional skills, appreciation and knowledge of the richness of Canada’s wildlife, and an experience of healthy community life.
These camps and all the other activities that they generate throughout the year are open to all in Scarborough, with subsidies available depending on financial need.
For other opportunities, check out our O·W·L summer camps, organized through our affiliate, St. Mary of Egypt Refuge.

Counselling

We offer free counselling sessions with a certified counsellor, in the areas of:
 • drug counselling
 • trauma counselling
 • family counselling
 • single counselling
 • referrals from a physician or social worker

Outreach

It is an important part of Good Neighbours Drop-In to reach out to residents of the Scarborough central area. Almost every day, two of our core members will visit local apartments, or hang out on the street to meet people and let them know of the Drop-In’s services. We also want, through this form of outreach, to get to know people who never leave their rooms, and who may be too sick or lonely to come out to see us. We also sometimes receive referrals from agencies to visit certain people.

Nature

Adult Nature Retreats — Throughout the year, we offer a few days away from the city for adults who feel the need for some silence, oxygen and rest. We do this at St Mary of Egypt Refuge, located 2.5 hours from Toronto, north of Tweed, Ontario, on the banks of the Black River.
St. Mary of Egypt Refuge and Scarborough Good Neighbours Drop-In partner for many such programs with St. John the Compassionate Mission.

Seniors

Seniors have a special place in our community of Good Neighbours.
Community meals are offered through the week, and different social activities are also planned with seniors’ social needs in mind. Home visits are possible for seniors who are shut-in or ill.
Please call us.