INTERIM HOUSING
Tuvijan:
I came to the organization during a time when my life was unstable. Other agencies had rejected my request for shelter, but CCMF welcomed me, providing a place to stay and the support I desperately needed. With the help of psychotherapy sessions and a peaceful environment,
I began to heal from my mental trauma and insecurities. The positive atmosphere, along with the kindness of the staff who regularly checked in on me, helped me regain a stable mindset. With this new sense of peace, I was able to take positive steps, like applying for jobs which had seemed impossible before.
In addition to the shelter and therapy services, CCMF referred me to breathing therapy, which helped me regain focus on my goals and strengths. As a single man without family, this support was invaluable to me. The shelter provided more than just a bed — it gave me a place where I could find mental peace and regain confidence. Over time, I overcame my reluctance to ask for help, finding the confidence to manage life’s challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.
I now strongly recommend CCMF to others, in particular because the way the organization helps men sustain and persevere through difficult times. I am grateful for the services and support that made a significant difference in my life. What surprised me most was the kindness and
dedication of the staff, as well as the supportive community within the shelter. I believe that with the help of CCMF, men can get the opportunity to socialize more and build the confidence they need to overcome challenges. I am deeply satisfied with the services and
support I received and hope others will find the same level of care at CCMF.
Naushad:
I faced significant family problems when my wife kicked me out of our home, leaving me with nowhere to go. I sought help from the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF). Before arriving at CCMF, I was in a difficult situation, feeling depressed, broken, and overwhelmed by my circumstances. I had difficulty finding a shelter that would accept me as a man facing domestic abuse from my wife. Most shelters were either full or primarily catered to women and children, and none accepted families, which made my situation even more challenging as I had my
children with me.
Fortunately, CCMF welcomed me and provided me with both shelter and counseling programs, which played a crucial role in my recovery. The support I received helped me regain stability in my life, and I felt a sense of relief as I gradually overcame my difficulties. The organization also assisted me in finding housing before I moved out, ensuring that me and my children had a secure place to live after leaving the shelter.
I am now stable and doing well in my life, having learned many valuable lessons through the programs at CCMF. I am deeply appreciative of the shelter’s services, especially the time they gave me to recover and the provision of food and shelter for both me and my children. I strongly recommends CCMF to my friends, highlighting how helpful the organization was during my time of need.
Daniel:
I came to the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) feeling very sad, depressed, and overwhelmed due to legal issues and a domestic violence situation. Before this, I had been working and leading a happy life, but the domestic situation left me emotionally drained. Eventually, I turned to CCMF for shelter. At CCMF, I not only found a safe place to stay but also received counseling that helped me regain motivation.
One of the aspects I appreciated most about the shelter was its clean, well-organized environment, which felt like home to me. I was particularly happy with the privacy provided to residents, something I hadn’t experienced in other places. A major benefit of the shelter services was that I could bring my daughter, a feature not offered by many other agencies. The children’s playrooms were especially helpful, allowing my child to feel comfortable and entertained, which in turn eased my own stress during this difficult time.
Thanks to the shelter and counseling services, I have been able to return to work and now feels much happier and more stable. I want to express my gratitude, I don’t know what I would do without you guys. I was impressed by the wide range of resources available at CCMF and how family-oriented the environment is. The fact that the shelter wasn’t overcrowded and allowed me to bring my children was a pleasant surprise for
me, and I continue to be thankful for the support I received.
PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Ken:
I reached out to the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) when I was under immense stress, struggling with marital and financial issues. I had a son and experienced constant disagreements with my ex-spouse regarding our son’s upbringing. After years of searching for help, I found that most available services were geared toward women, children, and families, leaving him feeling unsupported as a father. When I discovered CCMF, I was finally able to access the resources he needed to address my challenges, starting with attending a legal seminar that provided me with a fresh perspective on my legal rights and family matters.
The legal seminar proved to be highly informative for me, offering valuable insights into the legal aspects of my situation. This experience allowed me to open and share my feelings, which I had previously been holding inside. The most significant benefit for me came from joining the support groups, where I connected with others going through similar struggles. Through these Zoom meetings, I received advice and solutions from people who understood my situation firsthand. The support from these groups helped me better manage my stress and gave me the emotional strength to tackle my problems.
Today, I continue to receive ongoing support from the group meetings, and this has greatly improved my ability to cope with life’s pressures. I speak highly of CCMF, particularly noting the therapeutic value of the friendly, conversational therapy sessions. What brought me the most happiness was discovering that I am not the only one facing the problem. I am deeply grateful for the services and support I received, and I am now living a peaceful and more enjoyable life. I confidently recommend CCMF to others because of the high-quality services that helped me through such a difficult time.
Anthony:
I was going through a high-conflict divorce, separation, and parental disagreements that left me emotionally and mentally overwhelmed. I hit rock bottom, dealing with severe anxiety and depression. In need of support, I came to the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) and joined the peer support group. Through this group, I discovered many others facing similar challenges, which made me realize I was not alone. This sense of connection helped me speak about my feelings and find people who truly understood my situation.
In addition to peer support, Anthony attended counseling sessions that allowed me to work through my emotions and find happiness again. The support I received not only improved my emotional well-being but also strengthened the quality of my relationship with my children. The
peer support group used various techniques and strategies that helped me develop social connections and regain my ability to socialize confidently in my daily life.
I am absolutely satisfied with the services provided by CCMF. I would highly recommend the organization to others. There are very few resources available specifically for men, and CCMF stands out as a professional and supportive environment. I praise the empathy and care shown by the staff and members of the men’s support program. It contributed to my healing and recovery.
Rod (Former Client, Current Group Facilitator):
When I was living through a high conflict co-parenting arrangement in Nova Scotia during the early 2000’s I felt very alone and had no mentors or anyone who I felt I could talk to about the struggles of staying an active and participating father. Relationship breakdown is complicated and CCMF gives men a safe space to learn and grow to be better fathers and participate in their children’s lives in a meaningful and positive way. I wish this existed when I was going through this 20 years ago and I am so proud that I can contribute now and help men navigate this journey.
“What have you learned during your time in the Men’s Peer Support Group meetings?”
I am not alone, Domestic Abuse is not just physical violence, Parental Alienation is a real problem,
There is a need for men’s support from organizations like CCMF.
Allowed me to share and hear from other going through similar experiences
I have learned that I am not unique and that many other good fathers are having the same problems.
That I am not alone. Just knowing that others are, and have gone, through this, is somehow
empowering. The advice, and common shared experiences, is telling, and helpful to reassure myself that
I’m not going crazy.
The support amongst the other men in the group, I am fortunate I found CCMF
There are always little nuggets that seem to come up at meetings that make you think, hmm – maybe I
should take that approach?
How lucky I am, if you allow a man to talk, they will heal themselves.
LEGAL SERVICES
Garry:
I turned to the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) for help after facing a difficult divorce and separation. My conflict with my wife, which stemmed from disagreements over her family, escalated to the point where she obtained an emergency protection order against me, forcing me out of my home. This left me feeling deeply hurt and angry, struggling to understand how someone I loved could take such extreme measures. When I searched for support, I found that most agencies catered to women and children. It wasn’t until I discovered CCMF online that I found an organization dedicated to helping men like me navigate these personal and legal crises.
At CCMF, I joined the Survivors of False Allegations (SOFA) program and attended Zoom meetings that offered invaluable support and knowledge. I learned that I wasn’t alone — other men had faced similar situations where they were falsely accused, just as I had been. Clearing my name was a long and costly process, taking four months and $6,000 to have the emergency protection order removed. Through the Zoom sessions, I not only gained a better understanding of my legal situation but also found comfort in speaking with others who had gone through similar ordeals. The ability to share my story and receive advice from an experienced counselor helped me manage my emotions and take control of my situation.
Today, I am in touch with many people who faced the same challenges, thanks to the CCMF support groups. I has gained a deep understanding of the legal system and human rights. I am grateful for the connections and knowledge I gained from CCMF, particularly the social benefits of interacting with others and the chance to help others in his position. I am impressed by how large and organized CCMF is and I am excited about the new men’s shelters we have opened. I am more than happy to recommend their services, due to the invaluable support, counseling, and
resources they provide to men in need.
Dante:
I faced several personal challenges, including divorce, separation, and a difficult child custody battle. Navigating these issues, especially the complexities of the legal system, was overwhelming for me. Fortunately, I found support through the Canadian Centre for Men
and Families (CCMF), a resource dedicated to helping men who are in crisis. CCMF provided me with vital information, legal education, and guidance, helping me understand parental rights and the structure of the legal system. The knowledge I gained from this organization helped me feel more confident and prepared to take legal action in my child’s custody case.
Before receiving CCMF’s services, I struggled with navigating my legal challenges. However, with their support, I was empowered to represent myself in court and successfully secured joint custody of my child. The comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge I gained through the centre was a game-changer, equipping me to advocate for my rights as a father. I would emphasize that the knowledge CCMF provided was current and essential to my success, making me more confident in my ability to navigate the legal system.
Grateful for the positive outcome, I now run my own men’s resource centre and consistently recommend CCMF to others in similar situations. I often highlights the centre’s expertise in fathers’ rights and the valuable, up-to-date legal knowledge it offers. For me, the most significant aspect of my experience with CCMF was the timely, relevant information that helped me secure my parental rights. My ongoing efforts to recommend CCMF demonstrate how impactful the organization’s services were in my life.
Charles:
I sought help with legal services after facing difficulties in family court regarding parenting and decision-making. My case wasn’t strong. I turned to CCMF for guidance. The organization provided me with the right information and resources to strengthen his case, and he also benefited from counseling and therapy, which gave me mental peace and stability during a stressful time. My frustration stemmed from not getting the right support for my legal work, especially as I was fighting for custody of my son, who had medical issues.
Before reaching out to CCMF, I experienced delays and insufficient support from other agencies, making my legal journey even more difficult. At CCMF, I took advantage of both the legal navigator program and counseling services. With their help, I obtained a legal aid certificate, which significantly improved my case. The counseling sessions helped calm my mind, allowing me to approach the situation with clarity. The benefits I received from CCMF’s legal services brought me great satisfaction and relief, as the support was timely and effective.
Thanks to CCMF, I now enjoysa better life and have achieved 50% custody of my son. I am deeply grateful for the organization’s resourceful and supportive approach and highly recommends CCMF to others facing similar challenges. I know they will receive the appropriate help, as CCMF provides practical answers to problems in a safe and reliable manner. One thing that surprised me the most was how spontaneous and prompt the support was, exceeding my expectations.
Anonymous:
I cant say enough about the incredible work that CCMF does, as well as the services they offer. Its a resource that more men should be aware of.
Thanks to your services i was abel to understand and accept that I was targeted and have been manipulated nd psychologically abused for the last 16, what parental alienation, the numerous mental health issues that compel a parent to destroy their child for some personal grudge or irrational hatred for the good parent, how envy, spite, deceitfulness play a role in destroying their target and how it affects the child and the devastating effects it is having on my daughter and our relationship
It allowed me to speak on things I’ve held dormant for ever and allowed myself to face those traumas by just me bringing it up myself
When I came to seek for help at CCMF-York, I was really depressed and confused as to how to deal with my family law case. But after going through the Legal System Navigator, I was able to get the right guidance needed to achieve a fair and positive outcome on my case. The 2-hour legal aid, was also helpful in getting the right legal support I needed for my case. While the psychotherapy sessions I had, definitely helped me to redirect my focus to my well-being and healing properly. I am truly grateful for all the help.
THERAPY AND COUNSELLING
Yunas:
I was going through an extremely challenging period in my life, dealing with the emotional pain of divorce and separation, and struggling with not being able to see my daughter. I felt lost and depressed, unsure of how to cope with the situation. CCMF was the first agency I turned to
for help, seeking support through counseling and therapy sessions. I attended both group sessions and one-on-one counseling, which became a key part of my healing process. Through these sessions, I was able to open about my emotions and talk about my feelings, which had been weighing heavily on me.
One of the most significant benefits of the group therapy sessions was the opportunity for me to connect with other men who were in similar situations. This realization — that I was not alone — helped me feel less isolated and more understood. The group environment allowed me to share my story while listening to others, creating a supportive community that aided my healing. Alongside the group therapy, the one-on-one counseling sessions helped me address my specific struggles, providing personalized guidance to navigate the difficulties of my separation.
These combined services slowly but steadily helped me regain my motivation and begin to rebuild my life.
I am still in the process of healing, but thanks to CCMF’s ongoing support, I am doing much better and continue to move forward. What surprised me most was that all the services I received, from counseling to group therapy, were offered at no cost. This generous support left a lasting impression on me, and I am more than willing to recommend CCMF to other men in need. For me, CCMF wasn’t just a place to get help — it was a lifeline, providing me with the tools, community, and counseling that allowed me to start healing and find hope in a difficult time.
Peter:
I turned to the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) for one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and legal aid after experiencing the devastating effects of parental alienation. My daughter was taken away from me, and despite my healthy relationship with her, my ex-wife
falsely accused me of abuse. Though her claims were dismissed in court due to a lack of evidence, she continued to manipulate others, accusing me of sexual abuse, which led to my daughter being removed from my life. This caused me to suffer mental breakdowns and depression, leaving me in a deeply vulnerable state. After an unsatisfactory experience with another counselor, I was recommended to CCMF by my family doctor, and it was only then that I fully understood the extent of my trauma.
At CCMF, I found the counseling and therapy I needed to regain control of my life. The one-on-one counseling sessions were especially transformative for me, helping me manage my emotions and mental health. With the support of CCMF, I learned to handle the trauma and breakdowns caused by the false accusations and gained the confidence to face my ex-wife in court. The legal aid I received through CCMF was affordable and gave me the tools I needed to prepare for my next hearing, where I hope to reunite with my daughter. Additionally, the centre provided me with valuable information on mental health, PTSD, and how I was being manipulated, which helped me better understand my situation.
I am now in a much stronger position, ready to face my legal battles head-on, thanks to the guidance and support from CCMF. I frequently mention how the counseling sessions opened my eyes to what was truly happening in my life and gave me the confidence to move forward. I am extremely satisfied with the services provided by CCMF and I am eager to recommend it to other men, in particular due to the high quality of care and support I received during one of the most challenging times of my life.
Anonymous:
I had never heard of the Canadian Centre for Men and Families – decades working in the non-profit sector and this organization completely flew below my radar. And yet, after my experience with CCMF, I will never forget them.
When I first came to CCMF, I was shattered and broken. Years of a disintegrating relationship with my ex- spouse peaked with an intense legal battle that spilled over onto the children. The result was a poisoned relationship with my children, and near financial ruin for myself. I was in a very dark place. But then referred to CCMF by a friend of mine – and this was a tipping point!
My initial email into the organization seeking support was fraught with stress. “Real men don’t cry”; “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps”; “Just suck it up”. These toxic words echo through a generation of men’s psyches. I grew up in such a generation, and thus to cry out for help is the sign of pure weakness. I was seeking support through CCMF’s counselling services, and my first meeting was with Tanis Moore, a registered provisional psychologist on 21 August 2022 – and for the next four months she began to shine a light on this very dark place I was in. Her compassion, sincerity and kindness pulled me back from the brink – literally. She provided me with an open, inclusive, and safe space from which to explore the pain I was going through. She embodied the vision of CCMF of tolerance, respect, dignity, and acceptance.
But more importantly, she provided me with tools, strategies, and resources to build back my semblance of self. One of these resources was to explore the CCMF’s Men’s Peer Support Group (MPSG). What an incredible experience! Men from different backgrounds, upbringings and all walks of life coming together to share, express and support. It is a welcoming space where group members offer emotional support on common topics, resources, and tools to help others find solutions to challenges and inspire hope for a better future. When one is alienated from their children, it can be a terribly lonely and isolating place. MPSG offered an atmosphere of acceptance, listening and suggestion. For the first time in years, I did not feel alone.
Forgiveness, acceptance, and gratitude are now part of my lexicon. I am no longer consumed by the trauma of my anger; I can move throughout my work, relationships, and leisure time with a sense of confident serenity. But more importantly, I am mending the damaged bond with my children.
I am so very grateful to Ms. Moore and the team at CCMF. It is an incredible organization with a powerful mandate. They pull men out of the depths of despair and empower them to begin anew. They help carve a new path towards hope and solace and are a true blessing in our community.
“I had a counselling appointment with him for my stay intake. Everything was comfortable and I felt comforted.”
“He goes in detail & he cares about the step-by-step process. He was great.”
“He’s a good person to joke around with. When doing counselling he hits the blind spots and said a lot of things I didn’t know I didn’t want to hear. I think he should come in more often.”
“He always says the right things and distracts my thoughts. He’s also interested in the same things I am, so it was easy to connect with him.”
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Elvan Duras, Clinical Manager, Catholic Community Services of York Region:
‘At Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), we greatly value our partnership with the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF). They have consistently shown a strong commitment to supporting our clients. Their dedication is significant to our community work in York Region. We appreciate their quick responses and readiness to help. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership and are confident in CCMF’s commitment to excellence’
Jaime Justiz, Youth Court Support Worker, Mental Health and Justice, Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe:
I am a youth court support worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region and South Simcoe. In my role, I work with youth who struggle with their mental health and who have involvement with the criminal justice system. These youth are severely stigmatized for having mental health issues and legal issues and often times, they having significant challenges in all areas of their lives including, school, work, home and socially within their friend groups. My clients have often experienced a lot of trauma and really tend to need a lot of extra support.
One of the resources that I have been able to offer my youth clients is counselling through the Canadian Centre for Men and Families. Bijan really understands the importance of having resources available and being able to connect my clients with supports as soon as possible. I have been able to refer my clients to the Canadian Centre for Men and Families for family counselling and for individual psychotherapy counselling. The process to refer is seamless. My youth clients are often connected with a counsellor within a couple of days, which is incredibly valuable as most services and supports available have very large waitlists, and specific criteria that can make accessing counselling difficult. Bijan is extremely helpful and is always ready to help my clients however he can. I am so appreciative of this resource and I am looking forward to a long lasting, collaborative relationship with Bijan and all the staff and supports at the Canadian Centre for Men and Families.
Louis Crust Testimonial
As a 10-year member of CAFÉ/CCMF, I was pleased to see and listen to speakers who were occasionally invited to speak to the organization on topics of importance to men. Many speakers were local, some were from elsewhere in Canada, and occasionally some were from longer distances away such as from England or Australia. As nice as it was to see and hear those speakers, however, they appeared on an irregular basis.
Beginning in 2022 however, a number of university and college professors, with CCMF as the lead sponsor, arranged a multi-day international conference in downtown Toronto about men’s issues. This first conference had over 60 speakers who came from about 20 countries, and they spoke on a broad range of topics. It was truly a world-class event. In fact, similar, larger conferences were held in 2023 and 2024, and plans for a 2025 conference have begun. The range of topics which have been discussed at these conferences has been incredible, and the possibilities for meeting, and speaking with, other specialists on men’s issues may be unique. I look forward to seeing and attending future such conferences.
DONOR TESTIMONIALS
“I donate because as a single mom I know the struggle of single parenthood. I also know that there aren’t a lot of resources known and available for single dads and dads in general. And I give monthly to help CCMF develop more programs and resources so you can operate in more cities and reach more men. I donate to and am on the leadership team for Kaleo Collective, a single mom charity”.
-Christina Monai, 39, current CCMF Monthly Donor
“I donate to help a demographic (men) that is demonized, not recognized as victims and clearly needs assistance. To push back against the rampant misandry that made the CCMF necessary. Lastly, to find a way to fix/heal the rift between men and women. For their sakes and for the sake of healthy, happy families. I think the CCMF is our best chance to do that. Because government support for this program is minimal. The CCMF relies mostly on private donors, as I’ve been told. It needs as much grassroots support as it can get.”
-Kyle R, current CCMF Monthly Donor