Groups and Events Calendar

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Events in July 2024

  • Strength and Stability Class

    Strength and Stability Class


    July 3, 2024

    The class will safely focus on the muscle groups that encourage mobility and support daily living to help promote physical independence. Balance, flexibility and endurance will be incorporated into many of the exercises inherently.

    Four Villages Community Health Centre Bloor West
    1700 Bloor Street West
    Toronto, Ontario M6P 4C3
    Canada
  • Stay Safe! A Comprehensive Self-Defense Class with Chris James

    Stay Safe! A Comprehensive Self-Defense Class with Chris James


    July 4, 2024

    What images or concepts come to mind when you think of self-defense? Perhaps Mixed Martial Arts? Kicking and punching? Do you associate it with a particular experience? Or perhaps it conjures feelings of fear, apprehension, empowerment or confidence? For many of us, self-defense is not a part of everyday life, and is a concept or experience that can be shrouded in misconceptions. Wikipedia defines self-defense as a “counter measure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm”. As such, it is a broad concept and in our course, we intend to cover and convey its value both physically and emotionally.

    BALANCE is excited to once again offer self-defense! This time, the classes will be taught by our new instructor Chris James. This self-defense program is rooted in a martial art called Commando Krav Maga. It's a mixed martial art based on real life scenarios. The techniques are real, simple, and practical and are useful on day one of learning them. Chris has been immersed in martial arts and volunteering for the last 13 years. He merged these two passions ten years ago when he started his charity initiative to share his knowledge of self-defense with his community. Alongside his incredible volunteers, he has taught self-defense all over the GTA as well as internationally. Chris is thrilled to partner with BALANCE, expanding this initiative to our community.

    This course will encourage honest discussions about personal safety and violence, and teach self-defense techniques, in a safe space. Space is limited so register SOON! To register, please e-mail info@balancefba.org or call (416) 236 1796 ext. 0

    Note: You are encouraged to bring your own yoga mat. If you cannot attend all 5 classes, you may request to be waitlisted for future workshops.

    West Neighbourhood House
    248 Ossington Avenue
    Toronto, Ontario M6J 3A2
    Canada
  • Strength and Stability Class

    Strength and Stability Class


    July 10, 2024

    The class will safely focus on the muscle groups that encourage mobility and support daily living to help promote physical independence. Balance, flexibility and endurance will be incorporated into many of the exercises inherently.

    Four Villages Community Health Centre Bloor West
    1700 Bloor Street West
    Toronto, Ontario M6P 4C3
    Canada
  • Stay Safe! A Comprehensive Self-Defense Class with Chris James

    Stay Safe! A Comprehensive Self-Defense Class with Chris James


    July 11, 2024

    What images or concepts come to mind when you think of self-defense? Perhaps Mixed Martial Arts? Kicking and punching? Do you associate it with a particular experience? Or perhaps it conjures feelings of fear, apprehension, empowerment or confidence? For many of us, self-defense is not a part of everyday life, and is a concept or experience that can be shrouded in misconceptions. Wikipedia defines self-defense as a “counter measure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm”. As such, it is a broad concept and in our course, we intend to cover and convey its value both physically and emotionally.

    BALANCE is excited to once again offer self-defense! This time, the classes will be taught by our new instructor Chris James. This self-defense program is rooted in a martial art called Commando Krav Maga. It's a mixed martial art based on real life scenarios. The techniques are real, simple, and practical and are useful on day one of learning them. Chris has been immersed in martial arts and volunteering for the last 13 years. He merged these two passions ten years ago when he started his charity initiative to share his knowledge of self-defense with his community. Alongside his incredible volunteers, he has taught self-defense all over the GTA as well as internationally. Chris is thrilled to partner with BALANCE, expanding this initiative to our community.

    This course will encourage honest discussions about personal safety and violence, and teach self-defense techniques, in a safe space. Space is limited so register SOON! To register, please e-mail info@balancefba.org or call (416) 236 1796 ext. 0

    Note: You are encouraged to bring your own yoga mat. If you cannot attend all 5 classes, you may request to be waitlisted for future workshops.

    West Neighbourhood House
    248 Ossington Avenue
    Toronto, Ontario M6J 3A2
    Canada
    Mental Health Pop-Up Session: "What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?"

    Mental Health Pop-Up Session: "What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?"


    July 11, 2024

    Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. This summer BALANCE is pleased to provide a special series of online mental health support pop-up sessions. Open to all persons living with a visual disability, these workshops provide a safe, welcoming space to explore effective strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

    Title: What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

    This educational workshop will provide an overview on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and outline various coping strategies. Delivered by Social Worker and BALANCE Counsellor Melanie Marsden, the objective of this workshop is to leave attendees feeling empowered with a strong understanding of how PTSD impacts and interacts with their visual impairment, so that they can better advocate for their service needs. Identifying triggers is a key step in building awareness and determining the ways in which one may need support.

    You may also contact the BALANCE office at 416-236-1796 or email us at info@balancefba.org for more information.

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  • Strength and Stability Class

    Strength and Stability Class


    July 17, 2024

    The class will safely focus on the muscle groups that encourage mobility and support daily living to help promote physical independence. Balance, flexibility and endurance will be incorporated into many of the exercises inherently.

    Four Villages Community Health Centre Bloor West
    1700 Bloor Street West
    Toronto, Ontario M6P 4C3
    Canada
  • Strength and Stability Class

    Strength and Stability Class


    July 24, 2024

    The class will safely focus on the muscle groups that encourage mobility and support daily living to help promote physical independence. Balance, flexibility and endurance will be incorporated into many of the exercises inherently.

    Four Villages Community Health Centre Bloor West
    1700 Bloor Street West
    Toronto, Ontario M6P 4C3
    Canada
    Mental Health Pop-Up Session: "International Day of Self Care"

    Mental Health Pop-Up Session: "International Day of Self Care"


    July 24, 2024

    Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health. This summer BALANCE is pleased to provide a special series of online mental health support pop-up sessions. Open to all persons living with a visual disability, these workshops provide a safe, welcoming space to explore effective strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

    Event: International Day of Self Care

    Description: This workshop will define self-care holistically, in mind, body, and spirit. Expand your self-care vocabulary to respond to different situations, develop a personalized intentional self-care plan, and have fun trying out different types of self-care. BALANCE counsellor Lisa Derencinovic, MSW, has lived experience of blindness and will be leading the group.

    You may contact the BALANCE office at 416-236-1796 or email us at info@balancefba.org for more information.

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    More information

  • Strength and Stability Class

    Strength and Stability Class


    July 31, 2024

    The class will safely focus on the muscle groups that encourage mobility and support daily living to help promote physical independence. Balance, flexibility and endurance will be incorporated into many of the exercises inherently.

    Four Villages Community Health Centre Bloor West
    1700 Bloor Street West
    Toronto, Ontario M6P 4C3
    Canada