What are the opening hours?

Monday 10:45am - 4pm Tuesday 10:45am - 4pm Wednesday 10:45am - 4pm Thursday 10:45am - 4pm Friday 10:45am - 4pm

Front Porch Mentors; Life Coaching & Peer Support Services

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Oshawa, ON
Front Porch Mentors; Life Coaching & Peer Support Services

At Front Porch Mentors, we believe that Your Goals + Our Support = Success. Examples of clients whom may use our services include but are not limited to;

1.

Individuals undergoing a major life transition, such as a divorce, career change, or retirement. A peer support coach can help clients navigate the challenges of these transitions and develop a plan to move forward.

2. Individuals struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. A peer support coach can provide emotional support, help clients develop coping skills, and connect them with mental health resources.

3. Individuals learning how to keep up with basic technology changes, update resume, budget help etc

4. Individuals seeking to improve their relationships, whether romantic, personal or professional. A peer support coach can help clients identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to build stronger, healthier relationships. Life coach and peer support workers for Front Porch mentors , may run various support groups to cater to different needs. Here are some examples:

1. Mental Health Support Groups - for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health challenges.
2. Addiction Recovery Groups - for those recovering from substance abuse, alcoholism, or other forms of addiction.
3. Grief and Loss Groups - for individuals coping with the loss of a loved one or experiencing grief.
4. Parenting Support Groups - for parents navigating the challenges of raising children, including groups for single parents and parents of children with special needs.
5. Relationship Support Groups - for individuals experiencing challenges in their romantic relationships or going through a separation or divorce.
6. Career and Professional Development Groups - for people seeking guidance on career advancement or changing careers.
7. Stress Management Groups - for individuals looking to develop coping strategies for managing stress and finding balance in their lives.
8. LGBTQ+ Support Groups - for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community seeking support and connection.
9. Chronic Illness and Disability Support Groups - for individuals living with chronic conditions or disabilities and their caregivers.
10. Eating Disorder Recovery Groups - for those recovering from anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders. These are just some examples. Peer support groups may vary depending upon the community needs.

*** PLEASE NOTE ; Front Porch Mentors is not a therapy or counseling service. We are a life coaching and peer support service. If a client requires therapy or counseling, we will refer them to community organizations. We do not diagnose any medical or mental health concerns, nor do we do the work for our clients. Instead, we offer support and guidance as a cheerleader, a helping hand, and a sounding board for those who lack a stable, strong support system.**

11/07/2026

💜 THINGS WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE HEARING AT FRONT PORCH MENTORS! 💜

🏠 “I got a room!”

❤️ “I finally have a place to call my own!”

🎉 “I just learned how to do that at a workshop!”

💜 “I’m one day clean!”

💜 “I’m one month clean!”

💜 “I’m 10 years sober!”

🧦 “YOU HAVE SOCKS?!?!”

😊 “I didn’t know I could do that!”

❤️ “I came here because I’m too scared to do it alone.”

🎉 “I got the job!”

💜 “I finally got my ID!”

😊 “I made that phone call I’ve been putting off!”

❤️ “I actually slept somewhere safe last night.”

💜 “I did it myself!”

🥹 “I didn’t think anyone would help me.”

And sometimes it’s simply…

“I had a good day today.”

These are some of the things we hear in our office that make us smile, laugh, cheer and occasionally get a little teary-eyed.

And here’s something important we want people to understand.

We don’t have to be the reason something good happened. We don’t have to have played any part in making it happen.

Maybe another organization helped. Maybe a workshop taught someone a new skill. Maybe a friend stepped up. Maybe someone figured it out completely on their own.

We don’t care who gets the credit. We just love hearing the good news!

At Front Porch Mentors, we understand that moving forward looks different for everyone.

For one person, it’s ten years of sobriety. For another, it’s making it through their very first day.

For someone else, it’s getting a room, finding a job, learning something new or finally working up the courage to ask for help.

And sometimes, it’s discovering we have socks! 🧦😂

There is no competition, no timeline and no expectation that everyone’s progress should look the same.

Some people take big leaps.
Others take tiny steps.
Some have setbacks along the way.

Whatever pace you’re moving at, we’re happy to hear you’re moving forward.

And if you walk into our office excited to tell us, “GUESS WHAT?!”

Chances are we’re going to be just as excited to hear it.

Not because we made it happen.

But because something good happened for YOU.

And that’s OUR worthwhile!

11/07/2026

💙 NOVEMBER IS MOVEMBER! LET’S TALK ABOUT MEN’S HEALTH! 💙

November is about more than growing moustaches!

Movember raises awareness about three important areas of men’s health:

💙 Mental health and su***de prevention: Breaking the stigma, encouraging men to talk openly, and reminding them that asking for help is a sign of strength.

💙 Prostate cancer: Raising awareness about prostate health, recognizing potential symptoms, and having conversations with healthcare professionals about risks and testing.

💙 Testicular cancer: Encouraging men to know what’s normal for their bodies, notice changes, and get unusual lumps, swelling, or discomfort checked.

And yes, gentlemen, GET YOUR BITS CHECKED! 😂💙

We know, we know. Nobody particularly enjoys those conversations or medical appointments. But your health is worth a few awkward minutes!

Don’t ignore something because you’re embarrassed, too busy, or convinced it’ll go away on its own.

If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked. And even if everything feels fine, talk to your healthcare provider about age-appropriate screening and your personal risk factors.

Now, let’s talk about something we see firsthand at Front Porch Mentors.

💙 Did you know that 86% of the people who walk through our doors are MEN?

That’s not an Ontario or national statistic. That’s what we’re seeing right here in our little office in Oshawa.

Men of all ages and walks of life come through our doors.

Some are experiencing homelessness, financial difficulties, disabilities, addiction, grief, loneliness, relationship breakdowns, or mental health challenges.

Some come looking for clothing, food, or help finding resources. Others just need someone to talk to.

And sometimes, what brings someone through our door isn’t what they really need help with.

We’ve had conversations that started with someone looking for a pair of shoes, making a joke, or just stopping in to say hello, only to turn into something much deeper.

Sometimes people don’t need advice, a lecture, or someone telling them what they should have done differently.

Sometimes they simply need someone to listen without judgement.

For generations, many men have been taught to toughen up, hide their emotions, and deal with everything themselves.

But being strong doesn’t mean suffering in silence.

💙 It’s okay to cry.

💙 It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

💙 It’s okay to feel lonely.

💙 It’s okay to struggle financially.

💙 It’s okay to be frightened about your health.

💙 It’s okay to ask for help.

💙 It’s okay NOT to be okay.

And let’s remember something else.

Men can experience domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse, trauma, and mental health struggles too.

Their experiences deserve to be taken seriously, their voices deserve to be heard, and they deserve access to support without shame or embarrassment.

That 86% reminds us how important it is to create spaces where men feel comfortable walking through the door and simply being themselves.

Please check on the men in your life.

The quiet ones. The funny ones. The ones who are always helping everyone else. The ones who never complain. And especially those who always insist they’re fine.

Sometimes they’re carrying more than anyone realizes.

☎️ MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SPECIFICALLY FOR MEN IN ONTARIO

💙 Men & Canada: Men’s Resource Line
📞 1-833-327-6367

Free, confidential, 24/7 counselling support for men navigating emotional, mental health, relationship, and personal challenges.

💙 Men’s Counselling Link: Durham Region

📞 Contact Family Services Durham at 905-666-6240 or call 211 to ask about men’s counselling services.

Support for men experiencing stress, anger, relationship difficulties, and other personal challenges. Ask about eligibility and current availability.

💙 Canadian Centre for Men and Families
📞 1-844-900-2263

Men-focused support for trauma, isolation, relationship breakdowns, abuse, and other challenges. Contact them for current programs and availability.

💙 Ontario Support for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
📞 1-866-887-0015

Free, confidential, 24/7 crisis and referral support for male survivors of sexual abuse.

💙 HeadsUpGuys
🌐 www.headsupguys.org

Free mental health information and tools specifically for men experiencing depression and related challenges.

☎️ ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AND CRISIS SUPPORT

💙 988 Su***de Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988, 24/7 across Canada.

💙 Durham Mental Health Services
📞 905-666-0483
📞 1-800-742-1890

24/7 mental health crisis support.

💙 Distress Centre Durham
📞 905-430-2522
📞 1-800-452-0688

Confidential emotional support when you need someone to listen.

💙 ConnexOntario
📞 1-866-531-2600

24/7 assistance finding mental health and addiction treatment services.

💙 211 Ontario
Dial 211 for help finding local counselling, housing, financial assistance, and other community resources.

🚨 For immediate danger or medical emergencies, call 911.

PLEASE SAVE AND SHARE THESE NUMBERS.

You never know who may be reading this quietly, needing support but not knowing where to turn.

At Front Porch Mentors, we’re not therapists or medical professionals, and we certainly don’t have all the answers.

But we can listen, offer peer support, help with practical needs, and assist people with finding resources.

Men deserve compassion, understanding, safety, and support too.

Your mental health matters. Your physical health matters. YOU matter.

And one final reminder, gentlemen…

💙 CHECK ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. CHECK ON YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH. AND YES, GET YOUR BITS CHECKED! 💙

💜 People helping people. Always.

11/06/2026

💜 A LITTLE BIT OF THIS, A LITTLE BIT OF THAT! 💜

Our Front Porch Mentors donation wish list is growing again!

Some of these items are specific requests from clients, while others are things we’re getting low on in our hygiene supplies, mini pantry and daily snack bags.

If you’re cleaning out a closet, doing some shopping or just happen to have something on this list sitting around unused, we’d love to hear from you!

🧥 CLOTHING & WINTER GEAR

* Men’s clothing sizes small to large, especially hoodies, nice dressy sweaters and track pants
* Men’s jeans and dress pants, waist sizes 30–34
* Winter boots in ALL adult sizes! Men’s, women’s and gender-neutral styles are welcome
* Adult winter coats, all sizes and styles
* Women’s pants, sizes 4–6
* Men’s dress shoes, sizes 9–10
* Hand warmers
• Walker
• Canes
• Wagons

🧴 HYGIENE & EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

* Shampoo and conditioner
* Women’s deodorant
* Men’s boxers, ALL sizes (brand new, in original packaging)
* Backpacks
* Electric kettle (clean and in working condition)

🍪 SNACKS & MINI PANTRY

* Individually wrapped granola bars
* Cookies and crackers
* Fruit snacks
* Pudding and fruit cups
* Other individually packaged snacks

We go through A LOT of snacks! Between our daily snack bags and people stopping in throughout the day, they disappear faster than we can sometimes keep up with! 😂

‼️ PLEASE READ BEFORE DONATING! ‼️

ALL donations MUST be CLEAN and in GOOD, USABLE CONDITION!

We absolutely appreciate gently used donations, but we kindly ask that you check your items before bringing them in.

👕 Clothing must be freshly washed, free of stains, rips and strong odours.

👟 Footwear must be clean, in good condition and still have plenty of wear left.

🧴 Hygiene products must be brand new and unopened.

🩳 Underwear must be brand new, preferably in its original packaging.

🏠 Household items must be clean, safe and in proper working order.

Please remember, we are passing these items along to people who deserve the same dignity and respect as anyone else.

We don’t expect everything to be brand new or fancy! A good winter coat, a comfortable hoodie, a decent pair of boots or a backpack can make a real difference to someone who needs it.

And sometimes the item you’ve had tucked away in your closet is exactly what someone has been asking us for!

Thank you to everyone who continues to help us keep things moving in our little office. Whether you donate one item or a whole bag, it all helps. 💜

📍 Front Porch Mentors
200 John Street West, Midtown Mall, Oshawa
Across from Dollarama

🕚 Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 4 PM

💜 People helping people. Always.

11/06/2026

💜 Another busy day at Front Porch Mentors!

We had some wonderful donations come in today, including lots of beautiful clothing, footwear, snack items and canned goods!

We also brought in everything that had been dropped off at our remote porch over the past few days. It’s always nice to see what surprises have been left for us!

Some pretty special people donated some really lovely clothing today, and our racks are looking great!

Our volunteers were busy sorting, hanging clothes, organizing footwear, stocking shelves and, of course, trying to figure out where we’re going to put everything!

We also got a whole bunch of snack bags made today, along with the ones that had already been prepared by one of our wonderful snack fairies!

Having those ready to go is such a big help!

Between sorting donations, making snack bags, helping clients, catching up on paperwork and all the other little jobs that seem to pop up throughout the day, we certainly kept busy!

A big thank you to everyone who dropped things off, donated supplies, made snack bags or helped out today.

Our little office may be short on space, but thanks to all of you, we keep finding ways to make things work!

And yes, we’re probably going to rearrange those shelves again tomorrow! 😂💜

People helping people. Always. 💜

11/05/2026

💜 A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU! 💜

Today brought a wonderful surprise to Front Porch Mentors!

We are incredibly grateful to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Maada’ookii Committee for their generous donation of $500 towards office equipment!

As a tiny, volunteer-run registered charity, donations like this mean so much to us. We operate without government funding, and every bit of support helps us continue doing what we do for the people who walk through our doors.

Office equipment might not sound very exciting to some, but for us, it means being better equipped to help people fill out forms, find resources, prepare documents, look for employment and navigate some of life’s more difficult situations.

It also means a little less worrying about how we’re going to make things work with what we have. 💜

We know there are many organizations doing wonderful things in our communities, so being chosen to receive this support is something we truly appreciate.

Chi-miigwech (a big thank you) to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Maada’ookii Committee and everyone involved in making this donation possible.

Your kindness and generosity will be put to good use right here in our little office.

From all of us at Front Porch Mentors, thank you for believing in the work we do and the people we support. 💜

Mary Frontporchmentors Volunteer

11/05/2026

🏡 A Little Later Opening Today! 💜

We will be in the office today, but we will be opening a little later than our usual 11 a.m. start about 12-1230 .

We are expecting a large donation drop-off this morning, and our volunteers need some extra time to safely unload, sort and put everything away before we welcome everyone in for drop-in peer support, resource finding and assistance.

Our little office can get crowded pretty quickly when donations arrive! 😂

We want to make sure our walkways are clear, everything is safely tucked away, and we have the space and attention needed for the people coming in for support.

Thank you for your patience and understanding

! We will open our doors as soon as everything is safely organized.

💜 Mary Frontporchmentors Volunteer
Front Porch Mentors
People helping people. Always.

11/04/2026

🏡💜 Front Porch Mentors Closure Notice
Wednesday, November 4th, 2026

Just a friendly reminder that our Front Porch Mentors office is CLOSED today.

✅ Midtown Mall remains OPEN as usual. This closure only affects Front Porch Mentors.

There will be no:
💜 Walk-in peer support or drop-ins
💜 In-person resource finding or assistance
📦 Donation drop-offs at our physical office

However, donations are still welcome! 💜

If you were planning to drop off donations today, our remote porch is still available at your convenience. You are welcome to leave donations there as you normally would.

If you are unsure of the remote porch location, please send us a private message.

Our volunteers are taking a much-needed day to rest, recharge and look after themselves. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and continued support.

We will reopen tomorrow, Thursday, November 5th, at 11 a.m., for our regular services.

Mary Frontporchmentors Volunteer

11/03/2026

Office closed Wednesday, November 4 💜

After a quick volunteer meeting today, we all agreed that tomorrow would be a good day to close the Front Porch Mentors office and take a mental health day.

It’s been a quieter week, and a few of our regular volunteers are still recovering from injuries. When we checked in with each other, the answer was pretty much the same all around. We could all use a day to rest.

We’ll be back on Thursday, November 5 at 11 a.m. Thank you for understanding and for giving our volunteers a little time to look after themselves, too.

~ Mary Frontporchmentors Volunteer

11/03/2026

🍬 The candy department is thriving.

The snack cupboard is another story.

We’re out of granola / protein bars, cookies, crackers and other snacks for the bags we hand out to clients and visitors at Front Porch Mentors.

If you’re able to donate, we’d love individually wrapped granola bars, cookies, crackers, or other store-bought snacks.

We’re also looking for shampoo and conditioner.

Full-size or travel-size bottles are welcome, as long as they’re unopened.

Donations can be dropped off at Front Porch Mentors, Midtown Mall, 200 John Street West, Oshawa, across from Dollarama. We’re open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thank you for helping us keep the snack bags going and the hygiene shelf stocked.

Address

Oshawa, ON

Opening Hours

Monday	10:45am - 4pm
Tuesday	10:45am - 4pm
Wednesday	10:45am - 4pm
Thursday	10:45am - 4pm
Friday	10:45am - 4pm

Telephone

+13655447122

Website

http://frontporchmentors.ca/, https://www.tiktok.com/@frontporchmentors?_r=1&_t=ZS-992gHfA031A

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