Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre exists to help children and families as they navigate through and beyond crisis, to build stronger, healthier families. Through safe, supportive, and strength-based intervention and care, Merrymount helps families grow stronger and supports children in having what they need to thrive, form healthy relationships, and know they are valued and loved.
We believe each child and family is unique and special, and their well-being and self-respect must be supported. Strengthening families is essential to the health of our society, and all families deserve access to additional support during times of stress, crisis, or transition.
We believe each child and family is unique and special, and their well-being and self-respect must be supported. Strengthening families is essential to the health of our society, and all families deserve access to additional support during times of stress, crisis, or transition.
Founded in 1874 and now in our 150th year of service, Merrymount continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of children and families in our community—a milestone that reflects generations of trust, compassion, and commitment to care.
As an accredited children’s mental health centre, Merrymount’s mission is to deliver strength-based programs and services that support the overall well-being of children and families.
Our vision is a strong, inclusive, and safe community for children and families going through difficult times, where access to support is both timely and effective. Our core values are inclusion, collaboration, ease of navigation, personalization of services, and capacity building.
What do you want people to know about how you or your organization is creating change in our community?
At Merrymount, we know that mental health in childhood can shape the course of a person’s entire life. The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that about 70% of mental health challenges begin in childhood or youth—and 1 in 5 children in Ontario currently faces such a challenge. That’s why early support is critical. Through our Child Mental Wellness Program (CMWP), we help children and families build the skills and confidence they need to face tough moments and thrive long-term.
Our CMWP offers safe, welcoming spaces where children feel supported and understood. Our staff work closely with each child and family to build an individualized plan of care. Children take part in engaging, age-appropriate
activities that help them develop emotional awareness, coping tools, and social skills.
This kind of early, personalized support can make a lasting difference not just for one child but for the whole community. At Merrymount, we believe a stronger child, leads to a stronger family and a stronger community.
What are you working on that you would like to share with the community?
Right now, we’re focused on strengthening and sustaining our Child Mental Wellness Program (CMWP), with its two key components: Sunrise (for ages 0–5, available on weekdays) and Skyscrapers (for ages 4–12, available 24/7). The program is grounded in a holistic, family-centered approach. In addition to daily and ongoing support, the program offers around-the-clock crisis support for families navigating mental health emergencies, helping with de-escalation, stabilization, and connections to long-term resources. Moreover, our care extends beyond just crisis intervention to provide comprehensive, ongoing support for both children and their families.
Marking 150 years of service in the community, we’re reminded that reaching this milestone has only been possible thanks to decades of care, commitment, and generosity. We rely on philanthropic contributions and community support to keep this essential program running—especially the parts not covered by government funding. That’s why we’re inviting everyone to be part of this year’s Merrymount Golf Classic on June 24 at FireRock Golf Club. Whether you golf, sponsor, donate a silent auction item, or place a bid, your support directly helps local children and families access the care they need when they need it most. (Registration link: https://trellis.org/merrymounts-annual-golf-classic )
Please share with us why you are a Pillar Nonprofit Network Member. What have you gained from being a Pillar Member?
Being a member of Pillar Nonprofit Network is deeply important to us. As an organization committed to supporting children and families through times of crisis, we recognize that our work does not happen in isolation. It requires strong connections, shared knowledge, and the collective effort of a broader community that believes in equity, inclusion, and meaningful change.
Pillar provides the environment where organizations across sectors can come together to learn from one another, share resources, and collaborate in ways that make us stronger individually and as a sector.
At its core, Pillar helps us stay connected to ideas, to people, and to purpose. It reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves: a collective working toward a more just, vibrant, and supportive future for everyone in our community.
Marking 150 years of service in the community, we’re reminded that reaching this milestone has only been possible thanks to decades of care, commitment, and generosity. We rely on philanthropic contributions and community support to keep this essential program running—especially the parts not covered by government funding. That’s why we’re inviting everyone to be part of this year’s Merrymount Golf Classic on June 24 at FireRock Golf Club. Whether you golf, sponsor, donate a silent auction item, or place a bid, your support directly helps local children and families access the care they need when they need it most. (Registration link: https://trellis.org/merrymounts-annual-golf-classic )
Please share with us why you are a Pillar Nonprofit Network Member. What have you gained from being a Pillar Member?
Being a member of Pillar Nonprofit Network is deeply important to us. As an organization committed to supporting children and families through times of crisis, we recognize that our work does not happen in isolation. It requires strong connections, shared knowledge, and the collective effort of a broader community that believes in equity, inclusion, and meaningful change.
Pillar provides the environment where organizations across sectors can come together to learn from one another, share resources, and collaborate in ways that make us stronger individually and as a sector.
At its core, Pillar helps us stay connected to ideas, to people, and to purpose. It reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves: a collective working toward a more just, vibrant, and supportive future for everyone in our community.
Contact Name: Bailey Tschirsow
Contact Email: btschirsow@merrymount.on.ca
Website: https://www.merrymount.on.ca
Link to featured initiative, project, or campaign: https://trellis.org/merrymounts-annual-golf-classic
Article type:
Blog entry
News Topic:
Member Moments