When we submitted our 2016 annual Tier 1 community grant application to the City of Kitchener we asked for the renewal of our community information services funding and additional support for the organization of community forums. The Community Infrastructure & Services Standing Committee accepted a City Staff recommendation to phase out of our grant for community information services. Funds would be maintained to support our involvement in the Festival of Neighbourhoods. Read more and review the appeal presentation submitted at the Council Meeting on December 14th 2015. The support letters were submitted as well and we are making available the transcript of the delegations at the Council meeting in favour of the unique value our community services bring to Kitchener.
Kitchener De-Funds Local Community Information Services
Support our Community Information Services
We need your support to maintain the annual grant for the core community information services from the City of Kitchener.
On Monday evening at 7 pm, December 14, Kitchener City Council will be meeting to decide City budget items for the coming year. As part of that meeting, they will be voting on a motion to cut our core grant for community information service support in 2016 and eliminate it entirely in 2017, based on the recommendation made by city staff stating that:
"The Corporation of the City of Kitchener (City staff) is able to satisfy our community information needs through a variety of avenues, including the Region's new database. ... Beyond the Corporation of the City of Kitchener, members of the community have a variety of ways they can access community information and that the accessibility of information has dramatically improved, including those who might be marginalized."
We appealed this recommendation at the Committee level last Monday, and lost, and have one last chance to have this motion defeated before the City Council on December 14th.
New Name, Fresh Look and Same Commitment!
We are excited to announce our new name: Social Development Centre Waterloo Region. Having been known for so long by two names, the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and the Community Information Centre of Waterloo Region, we have long wanted to make a change.
After many years of thoughtful discussion and much consultation, we have arrived at a name that says it all. First, the new name showcases our primary focus on the social development of our local community. Secondly the name reflects the integration of community information and social planning, something we have worked to achieve for many years.
Social Development Award Winners 2015
We present to you the winners of the Social Development Awards 2015, our precious partners and collaborators on a range of projects and deep-rooted community initiatives. By getting to know the people we work with, you will learn about important project in our community and about our continuous commitment to social development through education, information, engagement and research. Follow the links and learn about the good-doers among us.
Giving This 2015 Holiday Season
We offer you three end-of-the-year resources, much expected and appreciated by individuals, organizations and service providers in our community: Giving this Holiday Season - volunteer and donating opportunities in Waterloo Region (see the map); Free Holiday Meals - regular and festive meals in various locations until January 1st (see the map); and Holiday Emergency Information - crisis services and emergency shelters (the map is included in the document). The information was updated through online scanning and will be updated as we learn about more opportunities. If you have updates, corrections or suggestions for us, please contact the HelpLine at 519-579-3800 or info@waterlooregion.org. May You enjoy a safe and joyful Holiday Season!
Celebrate With Us
Everyone is invited to join with us to celebrate the milestone of our name change and presentation of the 2015 Social Development Awards. We are holding an Open House on Tuesday December 8, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm (award presentations at 6:00 pm), 3rd floor, 151 Frederick St. Kitchener. Please RSVP by Friday December 4th to sdc@waterlooregion.org or, 519-579-3800
November 2015 E-Neighbour is Out!
Don’t let the cold weather keep you from having fun in your neighbourhood! At the Festival Finale we asked: “How can neighbours come together during the winter?" Participants from all over Kitchener had some great ideas. Participate in a survey to help make organizing neighbourhood activities easier for everyone! Read more and help us spread the word about our wonderful sponsors of the2014/2015 season!
Forum: Strong Neighbourhoods to Support Decent Lives
In recognition of the 2015 United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Making meaningful change in our communities, everyone is welcome to take part in a community forum to receive the results of the 2015 Kitchen Table Talks on Strong Neighbourhoods and Decent Lives: Thursday December 3rd, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Trinity United Church Hall, 74 Frederick St. Kitchener
Help Us Celebrate - Tell Us What You Appreciate
Please help us celebrate by telling us what you appreciate about our work – we will post these messages at the Open House on December 8th. Please send a brief statement to sdc@waterlooregion.org. If you prefer, here is a web-form that you can use.
New Name & Fresh Look! Same Commitment to Community!
We are excited to announce our new name: Social Development Centre Waterloo Region.
Having been known for so long by two names, the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and the Community Information Centre of Waterloo Region, we have long wanted to make a change.
