resources & support
Free Emergency Services in Toronto
Assaulted Women’s Helpline 416 863 0511
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre 416 597 1171
Distress Centres of Toronto 416 408 4357
Senior Crisis Access Line 416 498 8600 x9284
Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line — Friendly Crisis Lines 416 962 9688
Kids Help Phone 416 586 5437 / 1 800 268 3062
CAMH The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Community Information Toronto (shelters, legal services) Dial 211
Free Social Supports in Toronto
Parent Help Line Resources/Family Support – 1 888 603 9100
the519 – 416 392 6874
Toronto PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) – 416-406-6378
Eating Disorders including Anorexia, and Bulimia Toronto
Ontario Association of Women’s Centres
Recovery College Canada (free courses for mental health – incredible resource)
Anti-Racist Resources
Here are a few sources that I found thoughtful and particularly helpful
My Grandmother’s Hands – – Resmaa Menakem, trauma-sensitive psychotherapist
How To Be An Anti-Racist – Ibram X. Kendi (audiobook highly recommended)
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood – Trevor Noah (audiobook highly recommended)
The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power – (Torontonian) Desmond Cole
Do Better & Spiritual Activist 101 – Rachel Ricketts
The Myth of Race, Debunked (YouTube)
White Fragility (excerpt from audiobook via YouTube)
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man (YouTube)
103 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice (article)
When Feminism Is White Supremacy in Heels – Rachel Cargle (article)
Why You Need To Stop Saying All Lives Matter – Rachel Cargle (article)
Dear White Women; How To Be An Ally – Rachel Cargle (article)
Personal Recommendations
Here are some books and podcasts that have shaped my thoughts, feelings, choices, and perceptions. Please consider purchasing any books for a BIPOC/small business bookshop, and/or boycotting Amazon (google for info).
- Living Your Yoga & What We Say Matters – Judith Hanson Lasater
- The Book of Forgiveness – Archbishop Desmond Tutu and (his daughter, an Anglican priest) Mpho Tutu
- When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice For Difficult Times – Pema Chodron
- Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love – Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
- Dr. Brené Brown’s collection of writing and talks
- Loving What Is – Byron Katie
- All About Love – Bell Hooks
- The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
- Spiritual Bypassing & Transformation Through Intimacy – Robert Augustus Masterson
- Eating in the Light of the Moon – Dr. Anita Johnston
- The Buddha’s Brain – Dr. Rick Hanson
- Non-Violent Communication – Dr. Marshall Rosenberg
- Untamed – Glennon Doyle (memoir)
- Teachings from Michael Stone for Living An Engaged Life (books, classes, workshops, podcast)
- Wired for Love – Dr. Stan Tatkin