How We Help
We all struggle with our mental wellness sometimes, but not knowing where or who to reach out to shouldn’t be a struggle.
We know how complicated it can be and how many barriers you are likely to encounter along the way: Long waiting lists. Services that don’t match your need. Costly specialized care. Not feeling heard. Not having a primary care provider to make referrals. The list is long and that’s why MiND-AID exists.
We’re a team of mental health advocates who help young people under 30 years old and their guardians find the right supports for them.
Our Services
We're here to support you on your journey to mental wellness.
System Navigation
Need help with your mental health but aren’t sure where to go? Our System Navigators know the ins and outs of the ever-changing – and often confusing – mental health care system and will help you find the places where you’ll be supported. You can think of us like a travel agent for your journey to mental wellness.
Meet Us At The Hub
Our Hub team and community partners travel across Muskoka to bring services, resources and care for children, teens and young adults.
Through the Hub, young people can gain access to mental health & addictions care, primary health care, social & cultural supports, food security programs, housing, employment & education supports, financial supports, and so much more.
Become a Mental Health Hero
We can only exist if people continue to give, as we have no guaranteed funding to operate. As a grassroots local organization, our overhead costs are low and our impact in Muskoka is high.
What could your donation do for MiND-AID?
It could cover the cost of a therapy session for a young person, fill up our gas tank so we can reach youth in rural areas, and pay a bill so we can keep our services going.
Follow Us
![We want to tell you a little story about a bear with a big heart for helping others.
In 2021, @cocobearfundraiser reached out to us about a partnership. Created by Shari Dubois to honour her son Conrad, Coco Bear was a local initiative raising funds for youth mental health and addictions support. She was inspired by a piece of art Conrad left on the refrigerator, a colourful bear nicknamed Coco Bear. She began printing Coco Bear on t-shirts and sweatshirts to raise funds.
From our very first meeting with Shari and Coco Bear, we were in. Shari’s desire to support mental health came from her own family’s struggle in trying to find help for Conrad – and not being able to get it. Shari wanted to change this reality for other young people in Muskoka.
Five years later, Coco Bear continues to be one of our biggest supporters. We just received another $5,000 donation from Shari, who has now raised $73,876.78 for MiND-AID! This latest donation will support our Therapy Fund, which help covers specialized therapeutic supports.
Having sustainable support from Coco Bear is why we can continue to support young people with navigating the mental health system and accessing the help they need.
Shari, you and Coco Bear have done so much for young people in our community. We are beyond grateful that you chose to team up with us because you are a huge part of our story and our work. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 💙
[Photo: Two of the cutest Coco Bear supporters presenting a cheque for $5,000 to MiND-AID.]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/643309144_1505229848278778_4075482288618997637_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=C3qWqwn6GxUQ7kNvwF29X4C&_nc_oc=Adk3tZAvsr2YNnDE5vKAauz0jeH4QTg7coI4eGVqCC3DN-8s7NKNMxyOS5CNx4sm-Rk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFy6P9p0wKM_G5wruSLd6oL0gpEDTNwsYDYXgT1nk97FrmIeDMtRRDiDGfxlHmbN3DS4ZoyqLTF&oh=00_AfvPqGm5OtY3AcIMRiCHeOkdXs5D9jfvYpzkRYzR3oTdQg&oe=69A6A81A)
![When you’re experiencing physical pain in your body, you go and get checked out by a doctor, right? But what happens if you’re experiencing emotional pain?
For many young people in Muskoka, getting mental health support isn’t as easy as going to a doctor for their physical health. Sometimes, they need specialized mental health services that are only available through private therapists. (And private therapy = $$$)
We could share lots of reasons why supporting our Therapy Fund makes a difference for young people and their mental health. But know what’s even better? Having a young person say it instead. Here’s what a young person told us about their experience of working with MiND-AID:
“[MiND-AID] has been a tremendous help during the whole process of finding funding for therapy. Without [their] continuous support and advocacy, I wouldn’t be able to access the care I need to begin my healing journey. I am forever grateful for all the patience and kindness [they] has shown me. It really makes the difference, especially during a period of time in my life where I am struggling financially. [They] followed up with me periodically over the last few months to make sure we were still on track with searching for the right therapist and didn’t let me fall through the cracks in the system the way I have in the past.”
💙 Want to be part of a young person’s support team? You can with a donation to our Therapy Fund → link in bio.
#FundTheirJourney](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/618363275_1471212121680551_5383482311110162575_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=zjU5Sg9mUM4Q7kNvwExgNQI&_nc_oc=Adm2Sw0bOmwW8WtrpuAzY6bAzlSEJlGAGxTdYm4n8u9zlg4Vcszy8O0xKmxz1_Ha5vs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQG1OU1cHOlShZqOh9wWJTj1Ta2uLlOLSgY2twCTH_9g3PchsonpN96osG9WmDM7hJPWgP1Bde-z&oh=00_AfvUpNyXg0C3MzryOj0BJE6GHgugzJtWZUQ7YYjLTOxicA&oe=69A6A1BF)
![A little note as you scroll 💙
We hope you know that you’re not alone if you feel like everything is a lot right now. There are heavy, difficult, scary, discouraging things happening in the world and in our communities. Many of us are feeling anxious, worried, sad, depressed, confused, angry…or all of the above.
This post from @wonder_doodles reminds us that even in these times, we have something to look forward to: “The future may feel unclear but there are good people, like you, and because of that there is good to come.”
Our community is chock full of good people (🫵) who make the days better. When things are tough, it’s our community who we can turn to for support.
And if you need support for your mental health, we are part of your community. We’re just a call, text, or message away. Reach out to us at navigator@mindaidmuskoka.com or 844-646-3243.
[Image description: An illustration of earth, smiling and holding a heart, with Joanne Shi's (Wonder Doodle) quote underneath.]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/616823785_1467150598753370_781260035167908717_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=Tv1S5kxxreYQ7kNvwG0gjp7&_nc_oc=Adk-LnhifQVN0h5elKRrbnPTGsSBpl-EaiC3tUTQngHXk8gPvJGo09ktcebUo0iDk60&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGCUhKALMJbq7bpFDfPsTl3e_e8RZuR8PS3p76mAWR3BV4G1gxVqVVUJ-TdQsBk5MZ7daKdDQke&oh=00_AfvpeW27gHRM48ikxZWRA423FOxI6f896GQLkTsE5oVIBg&oe=69A6C11F)
![What happens when a community keeps investing in young people? THIS. 👇
Sustained support that ensures youth mental health and wellness stays a priority throughout Muskoka. This is what the Dr. William S. Monk Community Health Care Development Fund is doing with its second grant of $30,000 to MiND-AID.
In 2024, the fund’s first grant of $40,000 helped us hire our part-time Nurse Practitioner and get our clinical space on the Hub fully equipped. Now, this second grant means our Nurse Practitioner can continue to reach young people where they are.
We’re so grateful to partner with the Dr. William S. Monk Community Health Care Development Fund and the Muskoka Community Foundation. Together, we’re creating solutions for our community, by our community.
[Photo 1: Mary Ellen McIntyre, Executive Director of the Muskoka Community Foundation, presents a cheque to Kelly Jones, our Community Outreach Facilitator. Photo 2: A plaque with a photo of Dr. Monk. This plaque hangs in the Hub to recognize the invaluable support by the Dr. William S. Monk Community Health Care Development Fund through the Muskoka Community Foundation.]
@muskokacommfnd](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/616818943_1467145295420567_755310995323746181_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=Smwn0pOQ1P4Q7kNvwECQ2VR&_nc_oc=Adn9sTvy2GCl-dkfqiK5f9TtWyqdUgZfsknMoi9GzQUPV_V3CNVrDYiGCF3ghsTf7Nw&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQG8EXSxLRbJPF39LvsAAc9_C_Ap9M9N3viLWSIkvuSEMNPM6dCLjA-pGrGcdemZQrO7oti2vaf6&oh=00_AftNcBY-YOin5KD9-gaUo-RWot8WHxospMgafKANRwIQrA&oe=69A6C787)
![How many young people do you think our MiND-AID team supports in a year?
During 2024-25, we helped 523 young people and guardians access mental health supports and resources. With more and more young people reaching out, every year the number gets higher.
Donations from our community are why we are able to keep showing up for young people across Muskoka. On average, we interact with each client 26 times, and 13 times with service providers on their behalf. With your help, we can continue being there so no one feels alone.
Let’s make mental health support accessible to every young person in Muskoka. Visit the link in our bio to find out how you can donate.
[Image: A pie chart that reflects the percentages of the 523 people supported by MiND-AID during 2024-2025. 4-12 years: 15%; 13-15 years: 14%; 18-29 years: 30%; Guardian/Support Person: 29%; 30+ years: 2%; Unknown age: 10%]
#MindAidMuskoka #MentalHealthMuskoka](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/590993027_1427199849415112_7475939628727570141_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=qS74UGgRuPoQ7kNvwFY98BE&_nc_oc=AdnuZ2pLnIFn9SPgVQ_N6FqbdQhIa3ZmUshg1zzsV83tqvt6qI8-n9voWDgKPME8tJA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGHIf2LBc3B6Ust0XY3VLaqRmsI6pl6dwe0I5mXqrphaP_GPDmO5HRbrAKvZhQCImx6-N5HCG7F&oh=00_Afs7Rq_mRhRyf48A5tsexYzhjw_E69c6EoyIgEohn6kmnA&oe=69A6B5F9)
![What’s your self care like? We asked youth in Muskoka what self care means to them, and here are their answers.
Is there anything you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
[Image description: Text reads, “We asked the youth what self care means to them and these are their answers: friends, journalling, sports, morning routine, pets, therapy, having a nap, a walk in nature, going to the gym, alone time, reach out for support, doing something creative, limit screen time, read for fun, horseback riding, getting your nails done, wearing comfy clothes, remember to take your medication, the little things!]
#MindAidMuskoka #MentalHealthMuskoka](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/590923181_1427199082748522_2297578121461953400_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=fKq_llTInZoQ7kNvwG6tbn1&_nc_oc=AdkPzRCuIt2sD2eK45c3-ke_5xAil9nz6IktnM1EFynHzNCRXekQpXSOs-Eylv6Uly0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHvFcxOAdIP57IbKhpCcR_Jq3XNXCsKbbLxTLQ3BKRHP1oXR-5zN6oLalGGrYBz7kZRz5piZH8c&oh=00_AfvRTp9D-OgNpZlXQ5k3zRqZh64t5UZzJlGwZXvo2y9FIQ&oe=69A6A8FC)
![Today is the first day of Transgender Awareness Week! 🏳️⚧️
This week is an opportunity for our community to come together – transgender people and allies – and make Muskoka a more inclusive and supportive place to be. We can do this by amplifying transgender voices and experiences, sharing community resources, and taking action against the prejudice, discrimination, and violence that transgender people face.
This week is also a reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe – no matter who they are. 💙
Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing resources and events that we invite you to share with your family, friends, and networks. And to start things off, The Ontario HIV Treatment Network’s HIVe and Casey House are hosting a free online series to explore Gender Affirming Care. This is a 4-part series, with the first session starting today at 12pm:
• November 13: Introduction to Gender Affirming Care
• November 20: Gender Affirming Care & HIV Treatment
• November 27: Gender Affirming Care & HIV Prevention
• December 4: Insights from Living Expertise: A Panel Discussion
To register for these sessions, visit the link in our bio.
[Image description: A quote by Shanna Katz Kattari (they/them), professor, education and activist: “When you show up as your authentic self, whatever that may be, you allow others to do the same, creating the world we all deserve.”]
#TransgenderAwarenessWeek #TransgenderAwareness](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/581309305_1410392464429184_1203042883351288319_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=7rBpMSVPkvAQ7kNvwGBULuj&_nc_oc=AdkyqyT2RCwJQn4QiXxEwTT--Cw7Rzv42BfezjCISvG991wrcSYdyO-ck3mO4u146mA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHDmUAJSXPm2cznEb9XF1nuwRpB60elQWHKNMnOCkY5oz6gljXbvQuVkwJr4NZ0AMeyVG4ZG1Sw&oh=00_AftDDhIDGZCf7fkbkTz2PzszDqREovwAMaJyg0J7bwVVMA&oe=69A6A5BD)
![Reaching out for mental health support can feel really scary.
Maybe you’re not sure what to say, or think you might be judged for what you do say. Maybe it feels like a huge step to take, and you’re not sure if you’re ready.
We all struggle with our mental health sometimes, and talking to someone about it can help make it feel less scary.
If you need someone to listen, we’re just a call, text, or message away. Reach out to us at navigator@mindaidmuskoka.com or 844-646-3243.
[Image description: A cute ghost holds a black cat. Text above says, "Asking for help doesn't have to be scary"]](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/572263194_1399965805471850_4946469268141741828_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=t5boJ_DVj40Q7kNvwF9plLs&_nc_oc=Adk1wvnHSntPmwqP8nB7e9ZgLfRs-Iokb21gkJNPd7Qu1BSMmMspmfK14I5J8FM5XZU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQF1AxR-Y5ChIfEmHN6M0fWklWyekoYSccC80lYC0HsDF01tSBPCRvKWWB7NPo7dNY0CAahy74D8&oh=00_AftgK29E2fNokQLlgqS5TENIRgPXrv58jP6M71iqzdbjKA&oe=69A6A9B7)
![Our community shows up in all kinds of awesome ways to support young people’s mental health!
This summer, Legacy for Alex hosted its annual fundraiser dinner and silent auction for youth in Muskoka. MiND-AID was one of three causes that benefitted from this event and received a $7,500 donation!
MiND-AID sincerely thanks Legacy for Alex and the Kerswell family for their generous support! Their contribution will have a direct and meaningful impact on youth across Muskoka by helping provide access to mental health navigation services and support through our mobile youth wellness hub. These funds ensure local young people, and their families, receive guidance, resources and connections they are needing when accessing the right mental health supports at the right times.
Thanks to the generosity of Legacy for Alex, more youth in Muskoka will have the opportunity to:
💙 receive individualized mental health navigation support
💙 connect to resources to reduce barriers to care
💙 build stronger pathways to wellness
This contribution is not only an investment in MiND-AID, but in the local young people of Muskoka. Again, we are deeply grateful for Legacy for Alex’s commitment to supporting youth mental health and ensuring youth in our community never feel alone in their mental wellness journeys.
To learn more about the amazing work by the Kerswells through Legacy for Alex, visit http://www.legacyforalex.com
[Photo left to right: Leanne Kerswell, Sandy Cairns, Marc Mantha, and Thom Moore present a cheque of $7,500 to Mariko from MiND-AID. Credit: Marc Mantha]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/556873369_1372551751546589_1454908358593665152_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=25Tf_KVLW4EQ7kNvwHZLwBP&_nc_oc=AdktrwBbdXNGidL3EEdXpvMrzfd46kw6jHT7z9xybvqOeK5uzj6gl2OTlXjltnnGNLQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGp0qF1dUmzayQThMhnz8_Sy4p0LOt7fDggnoibasJKERUpDEf6NL51lfYkjAO7snNaH9-4LPLY&oh=00_AfvSdqrQfOZGZIgmOt-O2bNLWHHXCjTG_r68X7dFZh40kg&oe=69A6B48E)
![We had an amazing time at Huntsville’s Harvest Feast!
Kelly and Evan from our Mobile Hub team spent the day making some incredible connections with folks from all over! We had a great time chatting with people about what MiND-AID does. Plus, watching toddlers get completely enamoured with Steve (yes, we named our inflatable!) was pretty much the highlight of our day. Who knew our "aerobics instructor" would be such a hit?
Many folks shared that the Hub feels like a cozy space, and were happy to learn about how our team and our many community partners are bringing services and supports to young people across Muskoka.
These conversations are exactly why we love bringing our Hub to community events – to create awareness and show young people that we’re there for them!
Thank you to the organizers and @downtownhuntsville for hosting such a fun community event!
[Photos: 1: Kelly (left) and Evan (right) smile as they stand in front of the Hub. 2: Steve stealing the spotlight with those moves! 3: A chalkboard sign that says, “Hello, how is your day going? Come on in and say hi! A cozy space for rest, support and connection. You’re welcomed here. 🧡”]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/550518483_1362062919262139_572482079767928708_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=crng-R_3pCwQ7kNvwFhkGqc&_nc_oc=AdkkPt_1TAE-Ztxo-AgMQbkzDHmjC7MbE25VNP9j6KAc2A69KpM59W5KRWDeufOqIWA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFHRZVxEU8i87BJUZO5HNW9ZcH_8LJoqI8BRCH17n4ITNBD5LrJ0snHs3_bdt1F-59k7WbFnExH&oh=00_AftE1z3dCl5dqz2Ru6vgVHiTIF5PNYZkeTbNMme8uzKnBw&oe=69A6B47C)
![We’ve had a fantastic summer! How about you?
One of our favourite moments was attending the Leave a Legacy Cruise in July. Thank you Hospice Muskoka for hosting and inviting MiND-AID Muskoka to this community-focused event where we could connect with others who are passionate about giving back while aboard the historic Wenonah II.
Kelly, our Community Outreach Facilitator, had the opportunity to share with so many about the work that MiND-AID is doing in the Muskoka community and how having a wellness hub can help reach people in rural areas.
“It was so great to meet so many other organizations that are helping to make Muskoka a better place for everyone to enjoy.“ Kelly shared that many came to her table with stories of how MiND-AID helped the youth in their lives and how well they are doing now.
It was a wonderful day on the water!
[Photo ID: Kelly smiles as she sits at the MiND-AID table for the Leave a Legacy Cruise.]
@hospicemuskoka](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/545066244_1349507260517705_4180113247655780526_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=qdNhhvl1wbYQ7kNvwG1UCzx&_nc_oc=AdkYO2Ptvl2lomOKATVPvgkF7sQNAeTVYN5Un-mq1z5Fykr0TVN98R_LbPcDV8VfJfE&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=gqMlmGjWg7ccbmB9V6jWDQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQFqZ0P6kC7rU2gBMRBUfcdP_oXZgINL3suU9o5KJQqi-QQbdy8vrRabh2zuz6_aIqXR7X_P7H0u&oh=00_Afta42UXhNL9HQC5ltjsh0OLHsZo-i6ldItfi6aGKypjKw&oe=69A69F91)
