NowIRL

In Real Life – Focus on building independent life management skills, such as kitchen and household skills, such as meal planning, shopping and cooking, planning your time and budgeting. There will be occasional ‘guest stars’ for special skills and events.  We’ll be working on skills such as:

• Budgeting, banking and financial literacy
• Meal planning, shopping, and prep
• Cooking simple meals and snacks, baking, and general kitchen skills
• Organizing time and building ‘life support systems’ to support school and home life
• Building and maintaining positive peer relationships

Who is NowIRL for?

• Teens 13+ looking for support to build independence in life management skills and learn real-life practical skills

Where does NowIRL meet?

• 144 Wilson Street East, Ancaster
• Outings from the clinic based on program-specific learning experiences

When is NowIRL running?

*NEW* The first session of each term will be a virtual session for parents (no kids or teens) with our Neurodivergence specialist and co-founder Rina Rodak

• Fall Term
  Mondays  4.30-6.30pm, September 14 – December 21, 2026
  Note: no session on Mon Oct 12, Thanksgiving Day
  (14 weeks – up to 2 flex sessions* can be credited to another program/service if missed)
• Winter Term
  Mondays  4.30-6.30pm, January 4 – March 15, 2027
  Note: no session on Mon Feb 15, Family Day
  (10weeks – 1 flex session* can be credited to another program/service if missed)
• Spring Term
  Mondays  4.30-6.30pm, March 22 – June 28, 2027
  Note: no session on Mon May 24, Victoria Day
  (14 weeks – up to 2 flex sessions* can be credited to another program/service if missed)

How much does NowIRL cost?

• NowIRL Program is $220/week, registered by the term; payment is due in full on registration and will be held on credit in your account
  • Fall Term total cost is $3080
  • Winter Term total cost is $2200
  • Spring Term total cost is $3080

Covered by benefits and OAP funding under social work.  Come and be part of this inclusive, affirming, laughter-filled, and practical space with our specialized therapeutic team.

How is NowIRL billed, and what are flex sessions?

• *Flex Sessions: Programs are registered by the term. For programs that are running longer than 8 weeks, we are offering a specific number of “flex sessions,” depending on the length of the term.
  
  Read More

  Spaces are limited and your child/teen’s spot is held for the full length of the term (term length varies by season).  We want to be as flexible as possible for families – we completely understand that life happens, and over the length of the term, you may have to miss a session or two. At the same time, we need to protect the therapeutic integrity of the program, and be able to plan and staff professionally in advance for low-ratio support.
  
  Hence the ‘flex sessions’ – if you make your prepayment in full by the start date of the program, your child/teen can be absent for a certain number of sessions without being financially penalized. You will still be required to credit your account upfront for the full length of the program, but flexible sessions will not be charged, and the credit will remain on your account for use in any future program or service (please note there are still no refunds for program registrations unless there is a therapeutic decision made to shift services for your child/teen’s well-being). Our usual process is to apply flex session credits towards the next term’s services (i.e. if a flex session credit is from the fall, it will be applied towards winter services). However, if you would like the credit applied sooner towards a service in the same term, please notify either the camp registration or accounting team by email and we’ll be happy to apply the credit towards the service you wish. The credit must be used within 12 months – credit will be forfeited if not used within one year of the flex session being taken. Any missed sessions that occur over and above the allowed number of flexible sessions per term will still be charged as usual. (in some cases you may be able to enter a program mid-term as a new client; in that case your commitment is to the remainder of the term). Please note that payment plans do not qualify for flex sessions, and are billed regardless of attendance. 
• Please note that while we offer some flexibility (see above), we do not provide refunds for program registrations. Refunds are only available if a therapeutic decision is made to change the services for your child or teen’s well-being.
• Each week you will be sent a paid receipt for the weekly rate via email (usually within 24-48hrs of each session) billed under the supervising social worker Maureen Pangan.
• Any missed sessions that occur over and above the allowed number of flexible sessions per term will still be charged as ‘Late Cancel’ or ‘No Show’ as usual.
• Missed group sessions may not be covered by your insurer; please note that families are responsible for the cost of the program regardless of attendance
• This program can be covered by many private benefit plans under social work. OAP funds can also be used.
• If you have any questions about funding or billing or would like help interpreting your benefit plan, please email your questions to our accounts specialist at  accounts@nowwhatsupports.ca 
• Please talk to Karen in accounts if you require alternate billing arrangements such as a staggered payment plan
• Questions about using your insurance at NowWhat?  Check out our Insurance FAQs
• Prices are subject to change

How do I register?

• Give us a call at 289 678 0581 or send us an email at info@nowwhatsupports.ca
• If you are brand new to NowWhat, our intake team will reach out to support you and book your child/family an Initial Appointment (required before our team can place a child in any therapeutic program)
• The teen Mini-Group programs are limited in size and specialized in nature – those who will benefit most from these mini-group programs will be offered placements, and if the therapeutic team feels this program or peer group is not the right fit, you’ll be offered alternatives that may suit your needs better. We curate groups carefully to optimize the experience and meet the unique needs of each participant. Feel free to call in and have a chat with the front desk to ask questions and work out the best option for your family! We have lots going on, and we will help you find the best fit for your needs, budget and availability.