CONTACT Community Services, a registered charity, has supported the people living in the communities of South Simcoe for over 40 years.
Mission
Our mission is to support the communities of South Simcoe by providing quality services through sustainable, creative solutions to community needs.
Values
-
Transparency
-
Fiscal Responsibility
-
Confidentiality and Privacy
-
Accessible Services for all
-
Caring for the Community
-
Relevancy to the Community
Responding to local needs with local solutions…
Our mandate is to listen to community needs and respond accordingly. We are a local, grassroots organization with a proven track-record of helping those most in need. In 2016, we helped more than 3,000 people find safe, affordable housing, sustainable employment, and connect to vital services in our communities. In September 2017, our Housing Resource Centre provided Emergency Support Services to 47 individuals and families, 70 percent of whom were women, half of whom have children. Women account for 68 percent of our one-on-one
Employment Services client base. Of the 15 women supported each month, 75 percent secure employment, and an additional 13 percent enroll in training to help build their careers.
Our services help people fulfill their basic needs—shelter, safety, and belonging. When someone is housed, employed and engaged in their community, they are better able to face life’s challenges and build a more positive future. CONTACT continues to work tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to a HOME, EMPLOYMENT, and a FUTURE!
Check out our 2018-2019 Annual Report to learn more about how CONTACT is making our communities healthier!
Our Service Areas
CONTACT Community Services offers five main services:
-
Our EMPLOYMENT ONTARIO office, bradford WORKS, connects people seeking to obtain meaningful work to employers, provides resume and skills training, and second career-specific upgrades and certifications.
-
Our VOLUNTEER CENTRE, Volunteer South Simcoe, connects people to opportunities to strengthen their skill-sets and give back to local organizations that rely on volunteers to make their work possible.
-
Our COMMUNITY INFORMATION database connects people to resources that assist them with finding and navigating community resources.
-
Our HOUSING RESOURCE CENTRE provides support services to people who are experiencing, or who are at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness to help them secure and sustain safe housing.
-
Our COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE, The Clothes Line, provides free and affordable items to South Simcoe’s residents, as well as volunteer opportunities for people from all walks of life.
Our Funders
CONTACT Community Services relies on the following funders to be able to deliver its services.
-
County of Simcoe
-
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade
-
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
-
The Town of New Tecumseth
-
Employment and Social Development Canada
-
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
-
Ontario Trillium Foundation
-
The Town of Bradford West-Gwillimbury
The above funding sources leave approximately 25% of our service delivery costs uncovered. Individual and community donors, fundraising initiatives, and The Clothes Line revenue are critical to ensuring that CONTACT can help our clients have a HOME, EMPLOYMENT and a FUTURE!
Click here to learn more about how you can invest in your community!
Board of Directors
Our Staff
CONTACT Staff
Housing Resource Centre
bradford WORKS
The Clothes Line
Our Customer Service Standards
Providing you with high quality service is of the utmost importance to us. We will make sure that our services and offices are accessible to you and promote equality, dignity, and respect for everyone. We will ensure that you enjoy the highest possible standards of service at all times.
Visit CONTACT Community Services Customer Service Plan for more details.
Our History
1977 – A community survey reported a high incidence of suicide, alcoholism and marriage breakdowns and profound lack of support agencies within the South Simcoe communities. In response to the survey, a small group of dedicated community members establishes CONTACT in October 1977. They provide free information and referrals; friendly call services to isolated seniors and an informal listening ear/distress line for anyone needing help.
1979 – CONTACT is incorporated as a registered charity. A walk-in Community Information Centre is opened in downtown Alliston to complement the already recognized phone services. In addition, a job board and resume collection service is established for local employers. The Clothes Line, a community thrift store, is opened by staff and volunteers to raise funds to support the organization and provide affordable clothing and small household goods to the community.
1990 – CONTACT opens an Employment Resource Centre in Alliston.
2003 – CONTACT opens a Housing Resource Centre, one of five in the County of Simcoe, to provide people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness with housing supports.
2007 – CONTACT opens a Volunteer Centre, to provide residents of South Simcoe communities with support finding ways to meaningfully contribute to their community.
2010 – CONTACT opens a new full service Employment Ontario office, bradford WORKS, in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Today – After 40 years, CONTACT Community Services continues to provide, community information, employment resources, housing supports and volunteer services. The Clothes Line continues to support the agency's mission, while continuing to assist the most vulnerable people in South Simcoe.
Awards
2017 – Simcoe County District School Board's Cooperative Education Employers Character Recognition Award was presented to The Clothes Line.
2016 – Bradford Board of Trade's Business Excellence Community Award was presented to bradford WORKS.
2015 – Alliston & District Chamber of Commerce Community Development Award.
2010 – Kids in the Community Kitchen (KICK) Program was the national winner of the Dietitians of Canada and Kraft Canada’s ‘Speaking of Food and Healthy Living Award’.
2008 – CONTACT’s Community Kitchen was awarded the Wellesley Institute’s Award for contributing to healthy communities.
Testimonials
-
"I believe that the support I received from the wonderful team at bradford WORKS had a great impact on potential employers noticing me. It made my job search so much easier! I highly recommend using bradford WORKS friendly services!"
Robert S -
"I now find myself a student again, learning to cook, so I can do what I have always wanted to do as a career. I went through some ups and downs, but thanks to bradford WORKS, The Ministry of Training Colleges and University and Liaison College I am on my way to becoming a chef"
Richard M -
"Lisa at bradford WORKS became my “go to girl”. Her great recommendations on updating my resume, helping me prepare for job interviews, talking me through my fears, and her wonderful advice, helped me land a wonderful opportunity. This support is the reason I received work within 2 months of being laid off."
Rachel A -
"The consultant made me realize that I can do something with my life. I have a lot of respect for him and already trust him. Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words.”
BW Client Comment -
"With bradford WORKS professional training curriculum and supportive staff, I was able to obtain my ACZ License and will be starting full time employment with a large well established local transportation company . Without the help from Heather and the bradford WORKS team, I feel this outcome would not have been possible. Thank you."
Ray K -
"Without the help and caring support from Lisa of bradford WORKS and family/friend supports, I would still be wondering “can I really do this?” I would recommend bradford WORKS to anyone looking for work and wanting to find out information on government programs available to you."
Angie H -
"My experience with bradford WORKS was very positive and supportive. I would recommend bradford WORKS to anyone who needs help with their future career."
Barbara S -
"I want to encourage all of the internationally trained people in Canada to keep trying and believing that their ideal job is out there. With the right help and persistence on their part, they too can find their dream job. Thank you so much Lisa for the effort you put in for me. Thank you Bradford WORKS."
Maria O
Get Directions