About Us

Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 16,000 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County. We are expanding our services to meet the needs of our diverse community particularly BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by discrimination.

Our Services

Since 1970, children, youth, and their families have trusted our accredited Children's Mental Health Services to support them as they cope with serious emotional and behavioural challenges. We provide preventative and supportive services in a variety of settings and use proven practices to help families cope with life’s challenges. In 2014, Lutherwood (now Starling Community Services) was selected as Lead Agency responsible for planning, access, and the quality of children's mental health services across Waterloo Region.

As a leader in Employment Services, we offer a range of programs that help individuals find and maintain jobs, newcomers adjust to the Canadian workplace, and employers recruit and train employees. We also provide customized outplacement and adjustment services to help employers and workers manage workplace downsizing.

Since 1989, Starling's Housing Services have helped individuals find and maintain permanent, safe, and affordable housing including assistance with loans for rental arrears and deposits where qualified, service resolution support, and housing information. We also operate Safe Haven Youth Services for 12–18-year-olds at risk of living on the street.

Starling Child and Family Foundation works with donors to direct their donations to areas of greatest need such as operating a shelter for youth, supporting children struggling with their world, and helping young parents cope with newborns.

As an extension of its work, Starling Community Services operates Luther Village on the Park in Waterloo. This retirement community offers an active lifestyle where residents can maintain independence and receive extra support when needed. Residents pay market value knowing profits are used to support Starling's community work.

Caring Staff

We carefully select and train our staff to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and respond to your needs. And it shows as Starling Community Services has earned a 50-year reputation for improving the quality of life of people in our community – people just like you and your family.