The Massey Centre for Women carrying on business as Abiona Centre

Our Mission

Abiona Centre seeks to create a better future for vulnerable pregnant and parenting young mothers and their children 0-6. Our infant and early childhood mental health programs give our clients the tools they need to build secure relationships with their babies, cope with life’s adversities, find help when needed and succeed in life.

About ABIONA CENTRE

Abiona Centre is a client-centred infant and early childhood mental health organization which supports pregnant and parenting adolescents, aged 13-25. We believe in the dignity, value and potential of each young woman and baby served. With donors’ support, each young mom has access to prenatal and postnatal care, learns how to care for her baby, completes her education, and develops the skills needed to build a successful life and relationship with her baby.

Abiona Centre is a registered charity (CBN 11928 3687 RR0001) supported by a broad range of donors, and is uniquely positioned to meet the pressing needs of the young women who seek our help. Accredited with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, we engage a validated and rigorous “maternal infant mental health” model within all our programs which seeks to build secure attachment between the mom and her baby. We also benefit from strategic partnerships with the Hospital for Sick Children and a number of other leading organizations in the community. We provide support to more than 2,500 moms and babies each year, including families from the surrounding community through our EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Led by a Chief Executive Officer with support from more than 55 full and part time/relief staff and a cadre of passionate volunteers, governance oversight is provided by a skilled and committed Board of Directors.

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“Teen mothers who become pregnant have often experienced lives that have been full of challenges to their own health and development. Becoming pregnant can be another challenge but it can also be a time for them to turn their lives around. Abiona Centre is a place where they can turn their lives around. Abiona Centre is a place where they can be understood and supported.” Dr. Jean Wittenberg Staff Psychiatrist, Infant Psychiatry Co-Chair Infant Mental Health Promotion The Hospital for Sick Children