FOR US, BY US.
Child Welfare Survivor Autonomy & Leadership
The Collective of Child Welfare Survivors
CCWS is a grassroots, survivor-led organization building support for child welfare survivors, particularly Black, Indigenous, and racialized survivors and their families.
We exist to disrupt family policing and create spaces of care, connection, and community outside of systems that have harmed us. Our work is rooted in survivor leadership, youth-led practice, and the belief that we deserve to build lives beyond blame, control, and institutional violence.
What We’re Working On!
A survivor-led video series about life in and beyond the child welfare system.
Good Yute is a three-part filmed conversation series created by the Collective of Child Welfare Survivors. We’re bringing together people with lived experience of child welfare to have honest, nuanced conversations about how care has shaped our lives
We’re currently looking for people with lived experience to help shape the project and participate in the series. There are multiple ways to get involved, and you can choose what feels most comfortable for you.
Low Cost Therapy Available
Hi, my name is Naomi Abimbola (She/Her), and I’m a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology student currently completing my clinical practicum as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
Alongside my work as a therapist, I am also a Probation and Parole Officer and have several years of experience working within the criminal justice system with both youth and adults. My professional experiences have given me a unique understanding of the ways that involvement with complex systems can intersect with mental health, relationships, identity, and everyday life. They have also shaped my commitment to creating a counselling space where people feel heard, respected, and supported without judgment.
As a therapist, I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion to my work and recognize that each person’s experiences are shaped not only by their individual circumstances, but also by their families, communities, cultures, and the systems around them. I am particularly passionate about working with youth and adults from diverse and underserved communities and providing culturally responsive care that honours each person’s lived experience, strengths, and goals.
Outside of counselling and my professional work, I enjoy reading, journaling and all things true crime!
Naomi Might Be a Good Fit For You If...
You value undivided, attentive listening
You appreciate a therapist who understands systems, justice involvement, and complex life experiences.
You want a warm and nonjudgmental space.
You are looking for a space to process emotions & experiences without shame. You appreciate honesty, empathy, and accountability.
Areas of Support
Justice-Involved Individuals & Families
Sexual Paraphilias
Anxiety
Stress & Burnout
Self-Esteem
Identity & Cultural Stressors
Life Transitions
Trauma
General Coping
Relationships & Attachment
Young Adult Challenges
Anger Management & Emotional Regulation
What we do
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Advocacy
We support survivors and their families who are involved with or have been involved with child protection services or child welfare in Ontario. We offer direct advocacy, resources, and support rooted dignity, and self-determination.
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Community Development
We create educational and community spaces for child welfare survivors, primarily Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth up to 29 years old. Our programs and workshops explore a range of topics rooted in care, connection, and lived experience.
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Systemic organizing
We understand systemic organizing as collective action led by survivors to challenge and disrupt the systems that harm us. This includes advocacy, campaigns, and organizing efforts that address the systemic issues impacting child welfare survivors and their families.
In-partnership with:
Our work is made possible through the support of our funder and organizational mentor.
