In the heart of Waterloo Region, Ray of Hope embodies the love of Christ by investing in people, inspiring hope, and transforming lives. We hold a firm belief that every individual deserves dignity, respect, and an opportunity for change, regardless of their unique circumstances.

For over five decades, Ray of Hope has been a steadfast source of care and support for those facing challenges related to crime, addiction, unemployment, or homelessness in the region. Our work centers around four key program areas:

Community Centre and Marketplace

The Ray of Hope Community Centre is located in Downtown Kitchener and serves as a sanctuary for people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Kitchener -Waterloo. The Community Centre offers a warm welcome, nourishing food, and essential support. We provide various programs and resources to meet diverse needs, such as our Marketplace food hamper program, hot meals, shower and laundry facilities, haircuts, clothing, hygiene items, chaplaincy, nursing care, outreach support and a variety of other supports and services.

The Ray of Hope Community Centre welcomes up to 300 people daily and relies on the dedication of volunteers and generous donations from individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations.

Youth Support Services

Understanding the unique struggles faced by young people dealing with addiction, mental health issues, or family conflicts, we offer a continuum of care ranging from Community Treatment to Day Treatment  for youth struggling with addictions. Caregiver Support is also provided to assist parents and guardians in managing the complexities of raising a teen or young adult with complex needs. We also offer NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback – Advanced Brain Training for anyone looking to optimize their wellbeing.

Our Youth Support Services are grounded in a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe and nurturing environment for youth to heal and develop essential life, academic, vocational, and social skills.

Ray of Hope Secure Custody

Our Secure Custody facility houses young men aged 12 to 18 involved with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. It is not just a place of detention but also a center for rehabilitation. We provide a range of programs and services to help youth address their behaviors, needs, and reduce the risk of reoffending, including case management, anger management, substance abuse prevention, education, life skills, spiritual care, and more.

We are committed to ensuring fair and appropriate treatment for youth during their time in custody and supporting a smooth transition back into the community upon their release.

Employment Services

We believe that employment is not merely a source of income, but a wellspring of dignity, purpose, and belonging. Our Employment Services team offers training and support for individuals seeking meaningful work, including job readiness workshops, resume assistance, interview skills training, job search assistance, and more. We collaborate with community partners to create additional employment opportunities for our clients.

At Ray of Hope, we are more than an organization; we are a caring community with a shared vision of hope and transformation. Together, we can make a significant difference, not only in our city but also beyond, spreading love, hope, and transformation to those who need it most.