AGM 2003 - CIRC Report

In 1983 the Community Information & Referral Centre came into being and continues to exist because there are may people who share the principles of information and referral, and recognize the value of “connecting people to services.” During the last 20 years many individuals through active participation have demonstrated a willingness to support these values by investing time and generously sharing expertise and abilities. In the year 2002, our common values were expressed in a variety of positive ways.

Through our membership with InformOntario, two sub-contracts with Community Information Toronto were renewed:
1) Service Contract (6th year) – Victim Support Line – to provide a telephone referral service linking victims of crime to respective community resources in area code 807;
2) Service Contract - Telehealth Ontario – to lease CIRC human services database with quarterly updates for the nursing staff managing the 24-hour help line.

Partnering with various community organizations to maximize information resources was evident at CIRC in 2002. For the third consecutive year, on behalf of the Community Elder Abuse Committee, we directed calls associated with elder abuse issues, made referrals to the appropriate resources and reported statistics. In collaboration with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, the Food Action Network, we updated, provided new information, and distributed the pamphlet “Where to Find Food in Thunder Bay, a list of Food Programs and Food Banks.” Collaborating with Nishnawbe Aski Nation we started work on a poster featuring toll-free helplines that will be distributed to organizations and agencies throughout northern Ontario. In preparation for the 2002 telephone book, we were responsible for the information listings for both the “Senior’s Information Page” and “Where to Go for Help” page.

Concurrent with the above projects, we collected and organized new data and updated information for the printing of the Directory of Community Services/2003, published in October 2002. Much of our time and efforts were also directed to our principal role of responding to enquiries, (telephone, in person, correspondence, fax and email) producing specialized & customized lists, and maintaining our database of human services.

In March 2002, our proposal to house, manage, and supervise the Education Component, one of five components of the Thunder Bay Homelessness Initiative, was successful and through the Job Creation Partnership Program (HRDC) we were able to hire project staff to complete its goals. Linda Gambee, Lorrie Dundas and Keri Beerthuizen joined our staff to deliver a service plan that would ensure that those in transition were adequately informed about the services available to them; and to develop and implement a public information campaign to inform the community about the Homelessness Initiative and the needs of the homeless and those at risk in Thunder Bay. Components of the project included: the development of a web page, posters, pamphlets, billboards, newsletters, speakers’ bureau kit, and other printed materials. To revise and update the valuable publication “Hard Times Handbook, Living on a Low Income in Thunder Bay”, was included in the list of deliverables. The handbook will be available in the spring of 2003. As the sponsoring agency, CIRC granted access to its human services database to help simplify and streamline many of the tasks involved in the dissemination of the print products that were to be developed.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between LSPC/ Community Information & Referral Centre and the United Way of Thunder Bay in the summer of 2002, endorsing a plan to work together in partnership and establish a single, easy to remember three-digit telephone number, known as 2-1-1 in our community. The feasibility study delivered by Wanlin & Co. on 2-1-1 Information and Referral Services, presented a well-defined blueprint in determining preliminary plans and issues affecting readiness for 2-1-1 in Thunder Bay. The “Project 211” committee was formed whose purpose is to transform the concept of 2-1-1 into a reality. Sub-committees will be formed to examine issues around Funding and Sustainability, Service Delivery, Technology and Marketing and Evaluation. As we continue our efforts in providing access to the three-digit number for community information locally, we are optimistic that our experience and credentials as an accredited member of the provincial Information & Referral sector will be recognized and will position us soundly in the roll-out plan for our community.

Not only have there been new, multiple challenges presented to us as we continue to do more with less, but there also have been opportunities for strong community partnerships, networking, capacity building and technological advancement. As I reflect on the past year, I am amazed at how much we have accomplished. It takes a profusion of human resources to accomplish as much as we have and without the following individuals it would clearly have been impossible.

Special thanks to -
· LSPC Board of Directors
· Duncan Adams, our leader and Executive Director
· Bev Gamble, my co-worker and cheerful supporter
· Jodi Carlson, Chair, CIRC Advisory Committee, for sharing her time, talent and leadership skills
· CIRC Advisory Committee members for their input, advice, and ongoing support
· Our loyal and dedicated office volunteers – Prue Morton, Anne Becotte, Susan Landversitch, Bruce Seeton, Elizabeth Bird, Liz Caruk, who generously contribute hours of hard work,
· Our students and project staff.

Thank you to everyone who contributed over the past year, demonstrating an appreciation for the principles of information and referral. In so many unique ways you have shared in our vision.

In closing, I quote Caroline Andrew, Dean of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa and keynote speaker at the Canadian Community Information & Referral Conference “Breaking Down Barriers – Building Communities” Nov.2002.

“ Technology may provide the backbone for resource
management and call centre services, but it’s
still people who make information meaningful.
We must strive to keep the ‘human’ in human services.”

Respectfully submitted,