Our Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
“To provide immediate support, listening and connections.”
Vision
“A caring responsive community for all.”
Values
Empowerment – assisting people to find the strength and courage to make decisions and find their own solutions
Empathy – understanding and validating the thoughts, feelings and experiences of all people
Confidentiality – creating an atmosphere of trust, respect and confidentiality, where everyone may feel safe in openly sharing their thoughts, feelings and experiences
Caring – demonstrating care and concern through befriending, understanding and unconditional compassion
Listening – actively listening with dedication and respect, giving meaning and value to what people say
Diversity – recognizing, appreciating and supporting the diversities that exist within our community
Non-Judgmental – building relationships based on respect, empathy and acceptance, without judgment or imposing personal values on others
Availability – offering support, listening and connections 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
What does TorchLight do?
TorchLight offers confidential support and referral to individuals who live within Guelph, Wellington County, Orangeville and Dufferin County.
We are involved in many partnerships within local mental health & addictions, health & wellness, and crisis systems across both the Waterloo-Wellington and Central West Local Health Integration Network.
Are your services confidential?
Yes. Our services are completely confidential. Callers to our lines are NOT required to identify themselves (although they may wish to), nor to give information which might identify their location. One of the strengths of our service is that people feel free to share personal problems anonymously. In addition, we do NOT have Caller ID on any of our phone lines. When calling the Distress Lines, if you are in need of immediate and/or emergency services we will request your information.
Where is Torchlight located?
The physical address of Torchlight’s main office is confidential. Our administrative phone number is 519-821-3761.
This number is for non-crisis and non-distress related calls only.
Our Mailing Address is as follows:
Torchlight P.O. Box 1027 GUELPH, ON N1H 6N1 Canada Our TeleCheck ~ Dufferin office is located in Orangeville with the following contact information:TeleCheck ~ Dufferin
Edelbrock Centre
30 Centre Street, Level 1
Orangeville, ON
Phone: 519.415.3764
Why should I volunteer with TorchLight?
Volunteering with our agency is an important way that you can give back, supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community. Read more to see why you should consider volunteering with us.
Our volunteer training and opportunities provide you with skills development, practical experience and personal insights. Join our volunteer group and demonstrate to potential employers that you are a team player and are able to work well with minimal supervision. Add real content to your résumé!
How do I volunteer with Torchlight?
Primary volunteer opportunities with our agency are as a Distress Line listener, a TeleCheck ~ Dufferin volunteer or a member of our Board of Directors. We also welcome individuals who would like to volunteer in an administrative or fundraising capacity.
Distress Line volunteers complete 32-hours of in-class training, followed by an additional 8-16 hours of mentoring before going on the lines solo. Volunteers receive ongoing training and supervision for further development of their skills.
TeleCheck ~ Dufferin volunteers complete 12 hours of training followed by mentoring shifts with a seasoned volunteer. Volunteers receive ongoing training and supervision for further development of their skills.
Please visit the Volunteering section of our website for volunteer application process description and online forms.
For additional information on any or all of these opportunities, please .
Where does TorchLight get its funding and support?
View our 2013-2014 annual report publication.
Distress Line: United Way of Guelph/Wellington, Navacrek Community Foundation, City of Guelph, Hammond Power Solutions, Lakeside Church, Larry Pearson Foundation, Ray Scapinello
Crisis Line: Ministry of Health & Long Term Care; Waterloo-Wellington Local Health Integration Network, Trellis Mental Health & Developmental Services
TeleCheck ~ Dufferin: Ministry of Health & Long Term Care; Central West Local Health Integration Network, Alzheimers Society of Dufferin County
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to numerous individuals who contribute through financial or in-kind donations, assisting us to deliver quality services.
Are the services confidential?
Yes. Our services are completely confidential. Callers to our lines are NOT required to identify themselves (although they may wish to), nor to give information which might identify their location. One of the strengths of our service is that people feel free to share personal problems anonymously. In addition, we do NOT have Caller ID on any of our phone lines. When calling the Distress Lines, if you are in need of immediate and/or emergency services we will request your information.
What kind of calls do you get?
The types of calls which come into our lines are varied. They can range from relationship issues to loneliness, grief, depression, crisis and suicide to name a few.
To find Crisis Services call 24/7 1.844.437.3247
Our Distress Line receives call from people who are reaching out:
- About interpersonal relationships
- For connection
- In loneliness and isolation
- Coping with physical & mental health concerns
- In recovery with addictions
- Coping with trauma
- Moving through anxiety, depression & self-harm
- … And other real life experiences!
Daily Check-in call through CONNECT & TeleCheck ~ Dufferin Support:
- Social connection
- Safety & security
- Reminders bolstering healthy routines
- Caregiver reassurance
- Community agencies concerns for their clients
- … And much more!
Do you require temporary shelter?
Call us toll free 1-888-821-3760
The service will not be able to help find a permanent housing solution. For housing referrals, or to discuss other confidential issues with a trained volunteer you may call the Distress Line at 821-3760.
Local Emergency Shelter Providers:
- Wyndham House (Guelph: Men/Women)
- The Stepping Stone (Guelph: Men)
- Elizabeth’s Place (Guelph: Women)
- Marianne’s Place (Guelph: Women)
- CHOICES Youth Shelter (Orangeville)
- Family Transition Place (Orangeville)
- Cambridge Shelter (Cambridge)