The Start Me Up Niagara community outreach centre is located at 203 Church St. in St. Catharines. It is a welcoming safe place, open to all 365 days a year.
The Centre has hosted 33,000 drop-in visits and served 14,000 hot lunches in the past year.
Our staff is always available, and visitors have access to a variety of services, programs and activities.
Visitors can expect the following:
The following activities and programs are available to everyone. Many of these programs and activities are temporarily on hold due to COVID safety protocols.
We offer food preparation and kitchen activities including workshops, cooking lessons, baking lessons, canning lessons, and more.
Our community garden program allows us to bring fresh vegetables and fruits from the garden to the tables of the people in the community.
All participants are invited to meet at the Centre on Thursdays for ‘Expressions’ - try your hand at creative expression!
Art supplies are also available for use upon request.
A piano and guitar are just some of the musical instruments that are always available at The Centre.
Participants frequently entertain others, especially on birthdays and special events.
SMUN has a variety of books in its well stocked library. It has a take-a-book, bring-a-book lending policy. Books are restocked by the Love of Reading reading group. Daily newspaper and magazines are also available.
Donations of current books are welcome especially cookbooks and gardening books.
SMUN offers many fun recreational activities including BINGO, movies, crafts, outings and exercise. Everyone is invited to relax, take a break and join in!
Develop skills and build your resume by getting involved. Participants are welcome invited to join the team and help keep Start Me Up Niagara running smoothly.
Community participation and court ordered service placements are available.