In 2021, Steve Borisenko lost his son to an accidental overdose. This website came about from that tragic day, and is intended to help kids and families find the solutions that Steve and Jacob couldn’t.
Jig, looking back on the time I got to have with you I feel guilt. All the time I spent away from you at work when you were small I tried to make up with money and presents. I felt such guilt about not being with you, I thought supporting you with things would somehow make-up for not being there. There is no rule book when it comes to being a parent. You would smile so big every time I would come home with a hockey Jersey from Moscow or a new phone for you to play with. What I missed was that being a parent is about time, not things. As you got older I didn’t make you come for family dinners or birthday parties. I let you make that decision. It shouldn’t have been a choice. I was always there when you thought you needed something, but I didn’t show the most important things in life, time with the people you love. You were a lost 19 year old when the trouble really started and I couldn’t see why. Those nights we would just drive around and talk about the why’s and how’s trying to find a solution. We were both lost. The problems we faced were much larger than either one of us knew how to handle. June 11, 2021 will forever be the moment I lost everything.
On June 11, 2021, Jacob Borisenko lost his life to an accidental overdose. This website came about from that tragic day and is intended to help kids and family find those solutions that Jacob and I couldn’t.
- Steve Borisenko / Jacob's Dad
Local organizations have come together to create a service for anyone seeking help. Here, you can find all the programs around the region that can provide the support you or your loved ones may need.
Pathstone Mental Health
Pathstone Crisis Support Line is an intervention service providing immediate telephone counselling. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those up to 18 and their families.
Canadian Mental Health Association
COAST is a mobile crisis outreach and intervention service that offers immediate telephone counselling and on-site crisis outreach intervention as needed.
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French.
Distress Centre Niagara
Access Line works with and refers people to mental health and addictions agencies which provide up to 100 programs access the region.
CASON
For children and youth with a person in their life who is dealing with an addiction issue to learn more effective ways of coping with the experience.
CASON
Counselling for DSBN/NCDSB students struggling with addiction/ substance abuse disorders.
CASON
Counsellors help to support your recovery by helping you set goals, identify triggers and develop healthy coping strategies.
CASON
Individual counselling and weekly workshops surrounding mental health, substance/alcohol and overall wellness relating to student life.
CASON
Youth Outreach counsellors work directly with clients to achieve their personal recovery goals.
CASON
SMART is an evidence-based program that aims to build practical, proven, self-management, and recovery skills.
CASON
Support for individuals through solution-based substance counselling. CASON counsellors work collaboratively with clients to develop a individualized plan of care.
CASON
Family counselling offered either individually, or to a group of family members.
CASON
A four week, group facilitated program for individuals who are motivated to make changes regarding their alcohol and/or substance use.
CASON
Counselling and strategies for coping with the effects of a gambling/gaming problem.
Niagara Region Public Health
The service provides assessment, treatment plan and counselling for young people experiencing emerging mental health and addictions.
Positive Living Niagara
Access to a variety of harm reduction supplies and education
Positive Living Niagara
A space to use pre-obtained substances under supervision of harm reduction workers and paramedics. Injection, nasal, and oral consumption permitted.
Positive Living Niagara
For needs outside of harm reduction supplies, system advocates are available to assist people navigating the social services and medical system.
Positive Living Niagara
Learn about opioid overdose prevention and response, including the administration of narcan. Take-home kits available.
Positive Living Niagara
Get involved! Various opportunities available including outreach, community cleanups, and kit making. Participants are given honorariums.
Niagara Health
The RAAM (Rapid Access Addictions Medicine) Clinic is a clinic for people looking for help with substance use (alcohol and /or other drugs).
Niagara Health
Withdrawal Management Services is a twenty-bed program that includes phone support, safe withdrawal management, supportive counselling, access, and referrals to community services.
Canadian Mental Health Association
CMHA Niagara provides a continuum of mental health services, assisting those with early signs of mild-to-moderate unwellness, those with more severe impacts and those recovering.
Pathstone Mental Health
Feel like talking? We are here to listen and support you. Pathstone has 9 Walk-In Clinics across Niagara, open Monday to Friday.
Niagara Regional Native Centre
Dedicated to empowering Indigenous children and youth in discovering and honouring all aspects of their mental well-being while promoting resiliency and positive self-efficacy.
Hope for Wellness
Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For indigenous people across Canada.
Niagara College HWAS
Providing confidential professional counselling and health services to support students to achieve academic success and navigate post secondary student life.
Niagara Region Public Health
Program for the early treatment of psychosis.
Distress Centre Niagara
Skilled responders supporting the safety and emotional wellness of those in need.
Distress Centre Niagara
Online & Text Crisis Services are available from your computer, mobile device. For text support, text SUPPORT to 258258.
Niagara Sexual Assault Centre
There is someone for you to talk to if you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence either recently or in the past.
RAFT
Along with providing access to secure stable housing, we work with teens and teachers to make it possible for them to continue their education.
RAFT
Secure, safe and appropriate housing – so that youth don’t find themselves in emergency situations.
RAFT
We work with youth to develop their personal plans so that they grow into adulthood with a stable home, secure livelihood, the right supports – and self-esteem.
RAFT
We work with youth to reconnect them to their extended family where they can be supported and respected.
RAFT
Friendly, supportive social connections, having fun, learning new things and exploring opportunities – after school, and during the summer.
RAFT
The RAFT Hostel is open 24/7 for everyone 16-24. Clean warm beds, hot showers, healthy food, friendliness – and personalized support.
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario
YWHO is a one-stop-shop for youth ages 12-25 to access mental health, substance use, primary care, peer support, housing, education, employment supports and wellness activities.