Programs & Services
Information Dundas
This service provides an information and referral service for Dundas
and adjacent communities by linking people with human services, community
organizations, businesses and Ontario tourism information. Clients
have diverse needs; often of a crisis nature which are complex or
not articulated in a way that is easily matched with programs available
to their geographic location. The service is designed to provide
such clients with counselling, advocacy and personal assistance they
require together with the information itself. A summer youth employment
program is provided; publications include a Map of Dundas, Directories
of business, organizations and professional groups; and scheduling
the community sign. The services has ten volunteer information counsellors
who also act as the reception for all other agency programs.
Services for Seniors and persons with disabilities
This comprehensive service provides seniors and people with disabilities with the following home support/ community services: volunteer friendly visiting services; volunteer-assisted transportation to medical appointments; Canada post alert program which provides an added measure of security for the elderly, disabled and infirm living alone in private residences; community education of caregivers; and intervention and assistance service providing counselling, support and crisis intervention.
This service is targeted to seniors, persons with disabilities and persons with chronic or prolonged illness in the community.
Volunteer service
This service provides recruitment, interviewing, referral and placement of volunteers in the local community. An up to date profile of volunteer opportunities is kept to provide assistance in the placement of volunteers. Volunteers are placed in a variety of settings including nursing homes, children's programs, health related services, sports groups and other local community services. The service has identified an emphasis on the placement of volunteers with disabilities, both physical and mental. The service promotes volunteerism, organizes the recognition of Dundas volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
Community Development and Planning
This service is designed to assist and facilitate the target population with professional resources and support providing them with the skills that will enable them to establish reach and maintain their goals. These resources include assistance in writing proposals, developing programs, compiling research data, help in obtaining resources and recruiting volunteers.
- In 1991 the agency initiated Turning Points, an educational, emotional and social support group for men or women who are without their partners due to separation, divorce or death of a spouse. The agency continues to assist the group by arranging speakers for their programs.
- The identification in 1995 of the need for emergency temporary housing for youth in Dundas resulted in the initiation of a community committee facilitated by this agency to develop a teen-link program with the Wentworth County Board of Education and Association of Dundas Churches.
- In 1995 the community Christmas Toy Drive for children and teens in need was spearheaded by this organization.
- In 1996, it initiated the community Food Drive in co-operation with service clubs, churches and high schools.
Family and Individual Counselling
This service provides an instrumental counselling program including assessment, referral and advocacy. Clients range from families requiring advocacy from the Welfare department to individuals with marital difficulties and young people in abusive situations. If long term therapy is deemed appropriate, referrals are made to other service providers.
Co-ordinated services
This program provides such specific services as a legal aid clinic
available to everyone in the community and an income tax service
for persons on limited incomes. In addition, a team of professionals
from health, education and social services meet regularly to identify
and develop community programs and co-ordinate services and case
conference. As well, a social worker from Catholic Family Services,
Hamilton provides direct service to clients at Dundas Community Services.
Meals on Wheels
The purpose of this Meals on Wheels program is to meet the nutritional needs of seniors or those with health problems, in Dundas, who cannot, for any reason, prepare meals themselves or otherwise arrange for them.
To register for this program, please call Dundas Community Services at 905-627-5461
For full details about this program, please visit our Meals on Wheels page.