Helping more than 22,530 people
in our community each year.

Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that provides mental health, employment, and housing services in Waterloo Region and Wellington County. 

Our Services

Mental Health Services
Help for children, youth and families
Employment Services
Connect with training, funding and jobs
Housing Services
Find safe, permanent housing
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Read our 2026 Community Report!

We invite you to explore the report and celebrate how, together with our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners, we're strengthening lives today and building a more resilient community for generations to come.
Building Foundations that Last
Help victims of human trafficking2
Safe Haven is Where Healing Begins
At Safe Haven, a program of Starling Community Services, we meet youth after they've been exploited, after their safety and innocence have been stolen. Some are as young as 12. Most arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. No one to call. Nowhere to feel safe. Your donation today can be the turning point. Help a young person in our community feel safe, seen, and supported.
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Your 2024 Impact Report
Through community support in 2024, we expanded our day camp for kids in our day treatment program, Safe Haven Youth Services increased their Life Launch capacity by an additional 66% allowing even more youth access to launch successfully independent living. Starling’s Child and Parent Place program space in Cambridge was renovated to provide a welcoming space for children.
Find Out More
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Thank You for Stepping up for Kids!
Whether you walked, fundraised, donated, volunteered, sponsored or cheered others on — you made a real difference at this year’s Steps for Kids, raising more than $98,300 for Starling's vital mental health programs. From all of us at Starling Child and Family Foundation, thank you for showing up, stepping up, and standing with kids.
Find Out More

Latest Announcements

Aug 13, 2026

2026 Community Report: Building Foundations that Last

At Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood), we know that lasting change begins with a strong foundation. Our 2026 Community Report: Building Foundations that Last reflects what we see every day. 

Apr 20, 2026

Mental Health Matters: Community Walk Raises Support for Children and Youth in Crisis

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Starling Community Services invites the community to come together for Steps for Kids, a fun, family‑friendly walk in support of children and youth facing mental health challenges right here in Waterloo Region.

Feb 9, 2026

Community Comes Together to Support Starling Families

A powerful wave of community generosity, boosted by TW Properties’ Double the Impact food drive, helped support hundreds of Starling children and families across Waterloo Region this Holiday Season.

Aug 12, 2025

2025 Community Report: Moving Forward With Confidence

Our 2025 Community Report: Moving Forward with Confidence showcases how we’ve embraced innovation, launched new programs, and deepened collaboration to meet the evolving community needs in mental health, employment, and housing.

Jun 18, 2025

Walking Together for Brighter Futures: $100,000 Raised for Kids’ Mental Health

This spring, a beautiful display of community spirit unfolded at Starling’s Children’s Mental Health Centre, as more than 380 participants came together for our 17th annual Steps for Kids walk in support of children’s mental health.

Apr 30, 2025

Little Steps, Big Impact: Walk for Kids’ Mental Health on May 4th 

WATERLOO REGION, ON — Lace up your shoes and make every step count! On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) invites the community to come together for Steps for Kids – a fun, family-friendly walk that supports children and youth facing mental health challenges right here in Waterloo Region. 

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Here To Help

Please note, if you or a loved one are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others, please call 911. We do not offer a 24 hour emergency response service.
Contact Us Today

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Starling Employment Consultant Tylor has been connecting with local businesses to uncover hiring tips straight from employers. Most recently, he met with Kinnari, Owner and Manager of Kitchener's GUAC Mexi Grill, to learn what makes a candidate stand out and what she looks for when growing her team. Stay tuned for more valuable insights to help you land your next opportunity!
We're proud to share our 2026 Community Report: Building Foundations That Last 💜✨ Every day, we see how the right support at the right time can help people move forward with confidence, stability, and hope. Inside the report, you'll meet individuals and families in our community whose uplifting stories bring this impact to life. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who help make this work possible. Together, we're building stronger foundations for generations to come. ✨ 📖 Read the report through the link in our bio. #StarlingCommunityServices #BuildingFoundationsThatLast #CommunityImpact #NonProfit #WaterlooRegion
As we wrap up our Steps for Kids Sponsor thank you's, we have to say a big thank you to all of the amazing In-Kind Sponsors. Their generous support of helped bring the community together to support children's mental health care in Waterloo Region. Thank you! 💛 #StJacobsPrintery #ArrowMarketing @stjacobsmarket @vandelconstruction1974 @heyculligan @dare.foods #MentalHealthMatters #StepsforKids #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildrensMentalHealth #WaterlooRegion
✨ Sponsor Spotlight ✨Thank you to our Steps for Kids Sponsors! Your generosity helped us reach our fundraising goal, creating brighter futures for kids in our community. 💛 @pwccanada @serenialife #BizLink #StepsForKids2026 #ChildrensMentalHealth #KidsMentalHealth #LittleStepsBigImpact
Swipe for some healthy summer habit tips for parents and caregivers. ☀️ Summer is a wonderful time for relaxation, but keeping some routines can make a big difference in your child or teen's mental health and wellbeing! Don’t forget to check out our blog for more Healthy Summer Habits: Tips for Parents and Caregivers. 💜 Link in bio. #ChildrensMentalHealth #SummerRoutines #MentalHealthMatters #WaterlooRegion #ParentingTips #KidsMentalHealth #TeensMentalHealth
Our foundation team has been connecting with our Steps for Kids sponsors to share our gratitude! With their generous help, we were able to reach our fundraising goal all in support of programming at Starling Children's Mental Health Centre and Safe Haven Youth Services. Thank you for making a difference for children and youth in our community!💛 @heffner.ca @steedandevans @we.are.cowan @staeblerlife @millerthomsonllp #MentalHealthMatters #StepsforKids #MentalHealthAwareness #ChildrensMentalHealth #WaterlooRegion
Congratulations Starling Grads! 🎓💛💜 This week we came together to celebrate our Junior and Senior students at our year-end recognition ceremonies at our Children’s Mental Health Centre. From laughter to reflection, every moment showed just how much confidence these kids have built and the strong connections they’ve made. Congratulations to each and every one of you and remember: keep going, keep growing, because your strength and confidence will continue to carry you ahead! ✨ #StarlingCommunityServices #StarlingMentalHealthServices #WaterlooRegion #KidsMentalHealth
Downtown Guelph might be under construction, but Starling Employment Services is still open and ready to welcome you! Need support or have questions? Come see us, we’re here to help. Plan your visit + parking: https://guelph.ca/living/getting-around/drive/parking/downtown-parking/ #GuelphJobs #GuelphOntario #CareerHelp #StarlingEmployment #EmploymentServices
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