Fontbonne Ministries

Fontbonne Ministries An inclusive social service org responding to food & housing insecurity, health & well-being.

OUR VISION
Building welcoming, supportive communities and pursuing social change. OUR MISSION
We are a welcoming community where you are not alone, and everyone belongs. As an inclusive social service organization, our programs foster personal well-being and creativity and respond to food and housing insecurity, social isolation and loneliness. Wherever you are in your life, the spirit of our foun

ders -- the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto -- inspires us to join with you in nourishing mind, body and heart. OUR VALUES
RESPECT: We value each person as a distinct expression of God's love and invite each other to discover and to celebrate our unique gifts. ADVOCACY: We respond to society's evolving needs and mobilize positive change through transformational leadership. COMMUNITY: We work together with neighbours and partners to build strong relationships that are mutually supportive and collaborative. COMPASSION: We give our full attention to teach person and show understanding, empathy and sensitivity to their needs. ACCOUNTABILITY: We use the resources entrusted to us with care, and make sustainable choices that will benefit future generations.

This week, Fontbonne Ministries celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day early by honouring the rich cultures, histori...
06/19/2026

This week, Fontbonne Ministries celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day early by honouring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of their people.

In preparation for June 21, women in our Whimsical Wednesday arts program explored the work of renowned Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau.

Known for his vibrant use of colour and storytelling, Morrisseau's art continues to encourage conversations about Indigenous identity, culture, and connection.

Inspired by his distinctive style, participants created their own interpretation and representation of Turtle Island, which comes from a powerful creation story shared by many Indigenous cultures across North America.

The project offered an opportunity for learning, creativity, and reflection while fostering inclusion and community among the attendees.

If you would like to join this workshop for women, which is accessible for people with disabilities, please check the program calendar on our website.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped us celebrate Founder’s Day! On June 16th, 2000, the Sisters of St. Joseph ...
06/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped us celebrate Founder’s Day!

On June 16th, 2000, the Sisters of St. Joseph Toronto officially launched on its journey to support those experiencing housing and food insecurity, poverty, social isolation and loneliness.

Today, we continue to uphold the mission and values of our founders, ensuring that even the most marginalized and isolated members of our community have access to nourishing meals and vital support.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our donation drive! Together, we are not only providing food—we are fostering hope, dignity, and connection.

Visit our website if you would like to volunteer or donate!

Join us as we celebrate our Founder’s Day on Tuesday, June 16 with a BIG community donation drive! Fontbonne Ministries...
06/11/2026

Join us as we celebrate our Founder’s Day on Tuesday, June 16 with a BIG community donation drive!

Fontbonne Ministries will be celebrating 26 years in the community on June 16, and we invite you to check your closets and drop off gently used items for our community:

-clothing (especially oversized men’s clothing)
-shoes (men’s size 11 and up needed)
-baseball hats
-walkers and canes
-USB cords
-suitcases, knapsacks, and re-useable grocery bags

We are also looking for the following unused items:

-journals
-sunscreen
-earphones
-hygiene products
-hair clippers

We are deeply grateful to our community for your unwavering support and commitment to dignity for all. Together, we can create a space where everyone belongs!

Some people leave a mark on a community that lasts for generations. Sister Gwen Smith was one of those people, and we ar...
06/09/2026

Some people leave a mark on a community that lasts for generations.

Sister Gwen Smith was one of those people, and we are proud to add our names to a petition honouring her work.

For more than 70 years, Sister Gwen lived the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph with compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.

As a founding director of Fontbonne Ministries, she helped create programs and spaces where people could find food, support, connection, and a true sense of belonging. From the earliest days of Mustard Seed, she nurtured community through initiatives like the community garden and community kitchen, while building lasting relationships throughout the neighbourhood.

Known for her deep care for those experiencing poverty and isolation, Sister Gwen devoted her life to serving others with dignity, compassion, and hospitality. Even today, people continue to stop by Mustard Seed to share stories of how she touched their lives.

Now, a petition is underway to name the public laneway south of Queen Street East between Empire Avenue and Booth Avenue "Sister Gwen Smith Lane."

We would be grateful if you would add your name to the petition and help recognize a woman whose vision and service helped make our community a more caring and inclusive place for all. 💛

🔗 Sign the petition here: https://shorturl.at/eBpTb

THANK YOU to everyone in the community who stopped by ’ Good Food Market at the Festival! And a special thank you t...
06/08/2026

THANK YOU to everyone in the community who stopped by ’ Good Food Market at the Festival!

And a special thank you to Jennifer Lay and Riverside Neighbourhood for all the hard work that went into organizing this wonderful family-friendly event. We had a fantastic day connecting with our community.

Our extra-large Good Food Market featured fresh, locally grown, and affordable groceries, and we were so glad to meet so many neighbours who stopped by to shop, chat, and learn more about our work.

We are also grateful to everyone who expressed interest in volunteering and supporting Fontbonne Ministries. Your compassion and generosity help us provide essential services to vulnerable community members, often during times of crisis.

Together, we are building stronger, healthier communities where no one is left behind. ❤

Join us tomorrow, June 6, from 12–6 pm at Riverside Neighbourhood's EATS & BEATS STREETFEST!Get ready to stroll, snack, ...
06/05/2026

Join us tomorrow, June 6, from 12–6 pm at Riverside Neighbourhood's EATS & BEATS STREETFEST!

Get ready to stroll, snack, shop, and create along Queen Street East. The festival will be filled with local businesses, live music, free activities, sidewalk sales, and fun for all ages.

will be hosting an EXTRA-LARGE Good Food Market from 12–3 p.m. Stop by to pick up fresh, locally grown, and affordable produce while enjoying everything the festival has to offer.

Bring your friends, family, and neighbours and celebrate the vibrant Riverside community with us. We can't wait to see you there!

June is National Indigenous History Month—a time to honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, ...
06/04/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month—a time to honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.

It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonization and the systemic injustices that Indigenous communities have faced and continue to face today. Some members of our community have experienced these challenges firsthand, and their stories remind us of the importance of fostering understanding, equity, and belonging.

This month, we celebrate the knowledge, leadership, and cultural richness of Indigenous Peoples. We also recognize our responsibility to listen, learn, and walk alongside Indigenous communities in the spirit of respect, reconciliation, and compassion.

As we observe National Indigenous History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and care.

It’s , and we’re serving up something egg-stra special at : Turkey Bacon & Mozzarella Quiches, Red Pepper & Cheddar Eg...
06/03/2026

It’s , and we’re serving up something egg-stra special at : Turkey Bacon & Mozzarella Quiches, Red Pepper & Cheddar Egg Bites, and Frittatas with Zucchini, Spinach and Feta Cheese ! 🍳

A nutritious breakfast can make a big difference in how we feel and function throughout the day. But for people experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, accessing healthy, balanced meals isn’t always easy.

That’s why we provide nourishing meals that help support the health, dignity, and well-being of our community. And today, eggs are definitely on the menu! Packed with protein and essential nutrients, they’re a simple ingredient that can make a meaningful impact.

This , we’re celebrating the power of good food to bring comfort, connection, and care—because everyone deserves access to a healthy meal and a welcoming place at the table.

It’s Pride month and we’re celebrating our 2SLGBTQ+ staff, volunteers, participants, donors, and local businesses helpin...
06/01/2026

It’s Pride month and we’re celebrating our 2SLGBTQ+ staff, volunteers, participants, donors, and local businesses helping us to build a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community.

While there is still much more work to be done to promote and establish equality for all, we are committed to learning and working hard to ensure our doors are always open to anyone facing adversity, social isolation, or are in need of support.

Since the beginning the Sisters of St. Joseph have embraced an all-inclusive love that is reflected in their response to the evolving needs of the time - a value that Fontbonne continues to wholeheartedly embrace.

We respect and celebrate each person as they are, and we are proud to offer safe spaces where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are embraced and valued.

Happy PRIDE month everyone! 🌈


We are so grateful to our friends at Untitled by Flaunt Boutique for stopping by on the last Tuesday of every month to p...
05/29/2026

We are so grateful to our friends at Untitled by Flaunt Boutique for stopping by on the last Tuesday of every month to provide free haircuts for members of our community!

A haircut is more than just personal care — it can be a powerful boost to confidence, dignity, and well-being. Unfortunately, access to these services can be difficult for individuals experiencing homelessness, social isolation, mobility challenges, mental health struggles, or other barriers.

That’s why we are endlessly grateful to the generous team at Untitled, who donate their time and talents each month to offer complimentary haircuts in a safe, welcoming, and respectful space at our location at 791 Queen St. East.

Our neighbours across the street are true partners in kindness. Through their inclusivity, compassion, and care, they help bring comfort, confidence, and a little extra joy to our community.

Thank you, Untitled, for helping people feel their very best — inside and out. ✂️❤️

Address

791 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON
M4H1M2

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30am
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30am

Telephone

+14164652889

Website

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