CONTACT Community Services is a registered charity, that has supported the communities of South Simcoe for over 40 years.
Vision
Healthy communities where everyone has access to supports and the opportunity to thrive.
Mission
CONTACT Community Services is a proactive leader in South Simcoe providing responsive services in housing, employment, and community support.
Values
Inclusive
We welcome and value all persons, without judgment, and provide integral supports and services that meet people’s unique needs.
Person-centered
We celebrate individuality by recognizing no two people are alike in their needs and goals.
Compassionate
We are impassioned with empathy for all, recognizing a person’s situation is often affected by circumstances beyond their control.
Advocacy
We prioritize community wellness by sharing ways to address systemic barriers and serving as proactive agents for positive social change in our communities.
Collaborative
We work cohesively with our team and community partners to ensure a holistic approach to supporting members of our communities.
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 2018-19, our Housing Services provided help to over 600 individuals or families and helped 33 homeless individuals move into permanent housing.
Employment Services assisted over 850 individuals with their job search through the Resource Center, Workshops, and Assisted Services.
Our free Income Tax Clinics run by a dedicated team of 10 volunteers helped 174 clients file 182 tax returns.
The New Horizons Senior's Program engaged over 80 isolated seniors in free wellness programs and activities in Beeton, Bradford, and Alliston.
The New Tecumseth Crafting program provided social interaction and creative outlets for low-income seniors through a free arts program offering painting, pottery, and much more!
The Clothes Line provided 63 families with free winter clothing and 100 individuals or families received free clothing or household items to help them deal with crisis situations.
Our services help people fulfill their basic needs - employment, 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!
Annual Report – 2021-2022
Tap on the image below to view our 2021-2022 annual report.
Our Service Areas
CONTACT Community Services offers five main services:
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EMPLOYMENT SERVICES connects people seeking to obtain meaningful work to employers, provides resume and skills training, and second career-specific upgrades and certifications.
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HOUSING SERVICES 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.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS include the "New Horizons" social wellness program for isolated Seniors, and the Needle Exchange Program, to help keep those who use substances safe.
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VOLUNTEER SERVICES connects people to opportunities to strengthen their skill-sets and give back to local organizations that rely on volunteers to make their work possible.
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THE CLOTHES LINE, our community thrift store, 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.
- The County of Simcoe
- Town of New Tecumseth
- The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
- Employment and Social Development Canada
The above funding sources leave approximately 30% 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
Community Support
Housing Resource Centre
Employment Services
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, (formerly 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
2018 - County of Simcoe Certificate of Appreciation 2018 Newcomer Recognition Awards -2018 Marketing and Outreach
2018 - County of Simcoe Certificate of Appreciation 2018 Newcomer Recognition Awards Culturally Diverse Workforce presented to Employment Services
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
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"What ChangeTheWorld did for me is it really gave me a chance to help with some great events in my community! It allowed me to get out, make a difference in a positive way and feel like I did something good!"
Scott R -
“ChangeTheWorld has helped me reach out to the community, earn volunteer hours and make good friends!”
Julia M -
"ChangeTheWorld allowed me to devote my time to volunteering for a variety of events in my community. It also gave me the opportunity to promote volunteering for youth in a fun and exciting way"
Venezia P -
“ChangeTheWorld not only helped me gain community service hours, but let me walk away with knowledge of leadership and how to be a youth ambassador.”
Emily M -
"Volunteering through CONTACT helped me to build my confidence and gain Canadian work experience within my profession. Through CONTACT I was able to secure a job with a local law firm. Everyone was wonderful and helped me so much."
Claudia B
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