Atlohsa Family Healing Services

About Atlohsa Family Healing Services

Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a non-profit, charitable Indigenous organization located in the Downtown area on Richmond St in London, Ontario. It serves individuals and families across Southwestern Ontario and beyond, specifically focusing on the Indigenous community. The organization provides low-barrier wraparound services for community members with complex needs, including mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, domestic violence, and trauma. The organization offers a wide range of Indigenous-led programs and services centered on holistic healing and wellness. Specific offerings include the Zhaawanong 24-Hr Emergency Women’s Shelter, the Kizhaay Anishinabe Niin: I am a Kind Man program, and Mino Bimaadiziwin Childrens' Support. Other services include Youth Diversion & Cultural Support, the Wiigiwaaminaan Lodge Indigenous-led Hub, and the Yakhiya'take'nhas Yukwahwatsilay^tu Supportive Housing. They also provide a Street Outreach & Drop-in Centre, the Wiiji’wewin Housing Allowance Program, Biigajiiskaan: Pathways to Mental Wellness, and the Okaadenige Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Additional supports include The Journey Together for Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness, the Ndakiimnaan Healing Lodge, Release From Custody Support, the Zhaawenjigewag Justice Program, Giwetashkad: Indigenous Homelessness Strategy, and Giiwitaabiwag Cultural Safety Training. Founded in 1989 as an outgrowth of a Needs Assessment Survey, the organization was established to address a severe need for family violence services for First Nations communities. Their approach to holistic wellness is rooted in the sacred seven Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel Teachings. The organization describes its philosophy as being based on values of acceptance, safety, family, empowerment, and integrity, utilizing trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches. They aim to be a catalyst for Mino Bimaadiziwin, or The Good Way of Life, by providing access to Knowledge Keepers and land-based healing.