The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services is a local mental health and addictions agency which provides a variety of services, including addiction counselling for youth and adults, mental health case management, peer support, court support, counselling for problem gambling/behavioural change, supportive housing, community withdrawal management and more.
About Adult Learning
Adult Learning has benefited residents of St. Marys and area for over 30 years. During that time, we have evolved and expanded into Stratford and the surrounding area to meet the needs of the communities we serve.
On this page:
Who do we serve?
We provide services to anyone 19 years of age or older who has a desire to learn to achieve a goal.
How do we help?
- By fostering a safe and positive environment for all learners
- By offering courses to improve your essential skills in the areas of reading, writing and math
- By assisting individuals working towards receiving their Grade 12 equivalency (GED)
- By providing digital technology training to improve your computer skills for work, learning and life
How much does it cost?
It’s free! Our programs are fully funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, so there is no cost to learners. Financial support is also available to cover transportation and child care expenses.
How does it work?
Step 1: Fill out registration forms
Due to Ministry requirements, you must fill out registration forms as the first step to joining the program. You can download, print and complete a copy of the forms in advance and submit them at one of the Adult Learning locations. You can also call us at 519-284-4408, text us at 519-272-5174 or send us an email to book an appointment with one of our instructors who will help you complete the forms in-person.
Step 2: Complete an assessment
Once your registration forms are submitted, you will complete an initial assessment that is based on the type of training that interests you. For example, learners interested in participating in a computer course will fill out a computer skills checklist to help us determine your skill level and the types of material to teach.
Step 3: Choose a goal path
There are five goal paths to choose from:
- Employment
- Apprenticeship
- Post-secondary
- Secondary school credit
- Independence
You will be required to choose a path and staff will assist you in working towards your goal
Step 4: Develop a learner plan
Learner plans include learning activities, tasks and tests that are goal-related and include milestones (ministry-standardized learning activities aimed at demonstrating progress towards a learner’s goal), timelines and weekly commitments. A learner plan needs to be completed and signed by you and your instructor.
Step 5: Participate in training
Training is offered on-site in teacher-led, self-directed or small group instruction. There are also opportunities for one-to-one tutoring and online learning available. Learning materials are goal-directed, providing an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required to meet your goals. By setting timelines, you will be able to measure progress towards your goal.
Step 6: Exit process
You will be supported as you transition to your next steps once your meet your goal. This may include a referral to an employment support agency to get help finding work or assistance with finding an appropriate college course.
Step 7: Follow-up
After you leave the program, we will follow-up with you in a variety of ways: a phone call, text or email survey. These follow-ups occur at three, six and twelve months after you leave the program. The goal is to connect with you to ensure your continued success and to provide you with additional support, if required.
Resources
Adult Learning partners with a number of community, learning and literacy support organizations to coordinate services for program participants. If you would like a referral to one of the following agencies or have any questions, please contact us.
Community Support
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Choices for Change is an alcohol, drug and gambling counselling centre in Huron and Perth counties. They provide assessment, referral, counselling and peer support to anyone impacted by their own or someone else’s substance use or gambling/gaming or other behavioural excesses and/or mental health concerns.
The Conestoga Career Centre is a one-stop-shop for career direction, individual employment supports and self-employment.
The Happy Valley Family Health Team focuses on family and community health, and coordinates patient care in order to assess and treat injuries or illnesses. The team includes family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, a dietitian, pharmacist, social worker, mental health worker, and addictions counselor.
Legal Aid Ontario provides legal assistance for low-income people living in Ontario.
Ontario Disability Support Program
The Ontario Disability Support Program provides income supports for people in financial need who have permanent disabilities or disabilities expected to last longer than one year.
Ontario Works is a social assistance program that provides employment assistance and financial support for basic needs.
Optimism Place offers a wide range of supports to help women and children overcome the damaging effects of abuse, including housing, counselling and a crisis hotline. Through group and individual programs, they help rebuild lives in a supportive, caring environment.
Partners in Employment is an employment service agency funded under Employment Ontario that assists people in Huron and Perth counties to find and keep employment, as well as supports employers to find workers who match their needs.
The Salvation Army administers programs that support vulnerable people with food, shelter, clothing and rehabilitation.
Shelterlink offers shelter to youth (age 16 - 24) at risk. Support and advocacy is also provided to help youth make positive lifestyle choices, stay in school, find employment or attend counselling.
Learning Support
GCF Learn Free offers over 750 free lessons about technology, math, and everyday life skills. You can learn about computers, email, the Internet, social media and other digital topics. There are also free online lessons with videos about Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
The Independent Learning Centre is the exclusive provider of the GED test in Ontario.
The Learning Hub offers free online learning in the form of independent study, live classes or short courses. You can complete the courses at home or visit Adult Learning's office and complete the courses using our computer services. Courses include reading, writing, math, GED prep and so much more. Some popular live classes include Understanding Fractions, Punctuation, Spelling and Using E-mail in the Workplace.
Literacy Support
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills. It connects and mobilizes business, unions, government, communities and individuals to support lifelong learning and achieve their goals through leadership in programs, communications and partnerships.
Community Literacy of Ontario is a provincial literacy network of 100 community-based literacy agencies across Ontario. It provides many services to Ontario’s literacy community such as: creating and sharing information via e-bulletins, newsletters, resource guides, their website, and via online and face-to-face training events.
Laubach Literacy Ontario is a volunteer-driven, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to increasing literacy in Ontario, guided by the principle of “Each one Teach One”. It provides training, resources and services to meet the changing needs of its members.
QUILL Learning Network is one of 16 regional literacy networks in Ontario funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities to support literacy and basic skills programs that deliver free upgrading opportunities to adults.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
15 Church St. N., P.O. Box 700, St. Marys, ON, N4X 1B4
Tel: 519-284-4408
Email Adult Learning
Contact Us
Town of St. Marys (general contact)
Town Hall: 175 Queen Street East
Mail: P.O Box 998
St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6