We Envision a Canada
where those with mental illness and substance use disorder get the help they need, when they need it.
People who are sick shouldn’t have to wait to get better!
Our Purpose is Treatment!
At New Start Foundation for Addiction and Mental Health, we are driven by one urgent goal: ensuring timely, life-changing access to treatment when it matters most.
Across Canada, more people than ever are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Public systems are overwhelmed, private care is unaffordable for many, and families are left navigating impossible choices. Waiting lists grow, conditions worsen, and lives are disrupted or lost.
New Start Foundation for Addiction and Mental Health is a national organization dedicated to funding treatment for those that cannot afford it through We understand that living with the challenges of mental health and addiction is overwhelming and can feel hopeless. New Start Foundation exists to restore dignity, inspire hope, and give people the chance to begin their journey toward recovery.
Every life we help represents a renewed possibility: a person rediscovering confidence, purpose, and the belief that change is possible. By providing immediate access to care, we restore hope at a critical moment, helping people see that recovery is not only achievable but within reach.
Canadians’ can’t get the mental health, addictions or substance-use disorder care they need.
Provinces and territories are only spending 6.3% of their overall health budgets on mental health when they should be spending 12%.
Canadians died from opioid poisoning in 2023
Of Indigenous Peoples reported their mental health as “poor” or “fair.
New Start is one of the few Foundations in Canada whose sole mission is to raise money for treatment.
With compassion, urgency, and a belief in positive long-term outcomes, New Start supports youth, adults, and their families as they begin recovery through funded treatment grants. Each grant provides the opportunity to attend a core inpatient program, a digital treatment program, or receive aftercare/top-up support, with one of our esteemed clinical partners.
Our process is straightforward but powerful: if someone needs and wants treatment but cannot afford it, they can apply and if approved, begin treatment without delay.Each grant provides the opportunity to attend a core inpatient program, a digital treatment program, or receive aftercare/top-up support, with one of our esteemed clinical partners.
Who we serve and why this approach matters
New Start supports motivated individuals living with substance use disorders and related mental health challenges who are ready to pursue treatment but unable to access care because of financial barriers.
We focus on an often-overlooked middle group: people who may have stable housing, family support, work experience, or employable skills, yet cannot afford private treatment and cannot wait for delayed public options. These are people at a pivotal moment, not in need of long-term institutional care, but at risk of falling through the cracks without timely help.
With the right support, they have a strong likelihood of stabilizing, completing treatment, returning to work, and rebuilding meaningful lives with their families and communities.
New Start provides that critical bridge. By removing the single barrier standing in the way of recovery, we create the opportunity for people to regain health, restore confidence, and move forward with hope, purpose, and the ability to thrive.
A gift to New Start Foundation helps motivated individuals access treatment, but unable to afford private care and unable to wait for delayed public options.
This is not a long-term handout, but a targeted hand-up that creates lasting change. Your generosity transforms lives, strengthens families, and builds healthier, more resilient communities.
Your support will ensure that every Canadian has timely access to affordable mental health and addiction programs with world-class outcomes.
Help us bridge the gap in mental health and addiction care today by making a donation.
Every donation brings us one step closer to ensuring no Canadian is left without the mental health care they deserve. Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a monthly gift, your support will have a direct and lasting impact.
Join us in creating a future where mental health care is accessible to all.