West Neighbourhood House (Formerly St. Christopher House)

West Neighbourhood House (West NH) is recruiting volunteers for our tax clinic. If you are passionate about helping people of diverse backgrounds, including seniors, newcomers and low-income individuals, apply to be a volunteer today! An idea candidate will have some prior experience filing taxes, including their own and be willing to learn about the tax filing issues affecting low-income earners. Volunteers will be supported every step of the way by staff from the Financial Empowerment and Problem-solving (FEPS) program at West NH. Training sessions will be held during weekday and evening hours in February. Must successfully complete the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Registration and applies for EFILE and RepID#. Inquiry for more details. A Vulnerable Sector Check must be completed before the start date. A second language is an asset, especially: Hungarian, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Urdu, Mandarin, Tibetan, Tamil, Vietnamese, Turkish and Spanish. The volunteer position includes both in-person and hybrid. 3 hours per week (minimum) from March 1 to April 30, 2025. Please call 416-532-4828, ext 171 or email volunteers@westnh.org for more information. You can apply to be a volunteer by completing this application form: https://lnkd.in/g7WFA6M2

Today is #GivingTuesday. It’s an annual, worldwide event where people are encouraged to donate to causes that help transform their communities and the world. West Neighbourhood House has launched its Winter Appeal campaign. By giving to the House, your donation will help support programs such as the After-School Program, which provides snacks, homework help and activities for children to develop new skills and also have fun. The ongoing Canada Post strike has impacted the way we can collect donations. However, there is always the option to donate to the House online at westnh.org/donate or drop off a cheque during business hours at our 248 Ossington location. Message us if you have any questions. By giving to the House, you can help change the conditions that drive social inequities. Join us in strengthening our community—by donating at westnh.org/donate Read the full Winter Appeal letter on the website: https://lnkd.in/gdeFFMGz

Dear Friends, West Neighbourhood House has been heart at work building inclusive neighbourhoods! This time of the year, we ask for your financial support to sustain the community-building work of the House. West Neighbourhood House (West NH) formerly St. Christopher House, has been a multi-service neighbourhood centre serving all age groups in downtown west Toronto since 1912. Since its beginning, the organization has always been about fostering caring relationships and building bridges between people with differing views are the best long-term strategies for building a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone. By giving to the House, you can help change the conditions that drive social inequities. Join us in strengthening our community—by donating at westnh.org/donate Read the full Winter Appeal letter on the website: https://lnkd.in/gdeFFMGz

Frank has been a volunteer runner in our Meals on Wheels program since 2015. He says volunteering has allowed him to connect with members of the community. “Personally, volunteering checks a few boxes for me. I love helping people. It’s close to where I live too. It allows me to do what I love doing," he says. “I learn about how their day is going. And, how they feel about the service. Seeing how they look in the picture.” Learn more about Frank's experience as a volunteer on our website: https://lnkd.in/eVAbD6Jz West Neighbourhood House is looking for drivers and runners to join our team of volunteers. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at West Neighbourhood House and to apply, please visit: westnh.org/volunteer. You could also call our volunteer coordinator at 416-532-4828, ext. 171 or email volunteers@westnh.org for more information.

Rebekah Smylie, (she/her), Manager of Financial Empowerment at West Neighbourhood House, was honoured to give the closing speech at the recent Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE-ACAF) event. She spoke on the importance of person-centred interventions in the financial empowerment space.

If you missed it the first time, read about Amanda's journey as a friendly visitor. Amanda began volunteering while she was still in university, in order to get more involved in the community. https://lnkd.in/gf_inuJt West Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteers to support the Visiting, Social and Safety program. Volunteers promote more engagement and social interaction, through one-on-one home visits and/or regular phone calls to vulnerable members of the community. For more information about the opportunity and to apply, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gaZZ4Q-u

Amanda began volunteering as a friendly visitor at West Neighbourhood House when she was in university, as a way to connect with her community. “It was pretty close to where I used to live and close to university. I thought that I would just give it a try. And, because I’m away from my family as well. Going to visit an elderly person sounded like a good idea to find a little piece of home,” she says. Six years have passed, and Amanda continues to see the same program participant. She says volunteering has enriched her life. “I feel relief just going to visit them, talking to them and listening to what they have to say. They also give me some advice on my life. They have experienced a lot more than I have.” “I don’t really think of it as a task. I think that’s the point of volunteering. Doing something that makes you feel good about what you’re doing. It makes you feel happier." Read more about Amanda's story here: https://lnkd.in/eqiKKjHU The Visiting, Social and Safety program provides seniors and people living with disabilities, who have limited social contacts, with regular visits from volunteers, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and promote healthier, more independent living. For more information and to apply to be a volunteer, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eSiFde-m

Ric Amis and Kelly Foote are the 2024 recipients of the Sir James Woods Award for Community Development. Through their work with the Parkdale Residents Association, Ric and Kelly keep community members updated on issues impacting their daily lives, while also advocating for more inclusive local arts, better public spaces and other community benefits. Read more about the recipients on our website: https://lnkd.in/gm9NFcqK The Sir James Woods Award for Community Development is presented annually by West Neighbourhood House to recognize individuals who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to their community. For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gDydc3ts Photo: Kelly Foote and Ric Amis, with Board member Sean Meagher.

Thank you to Michael Scheianu for designing another excellent Annual Report. The wonderful graphics and layout really enhance the stories we tell.

It's a great team!