AGM 2006 CIRC Report
Program Manager’s Report
   “Bringing People & Services Together”

In 2005, the Community Information & Referral Centre (CIRC) continued its work in connecting people to essential services, with hundreds of needs addressed by our trained staff. Possible solutions to enquiries were offered through our telephone help line, in person, by email and regular mail. The most frequent reasons for contacting us were to find out general information about community services and for the following need categories:
• emergency food
• affordable housing
• legal assistance
• employment and income
• individual and family counselling (low/no cost)
• mental health issues, and
• financial assistance.

In 2005, an increased number of callers relied on CIRC to link them to services for themselves, a friend, family member, or client. Our goal is to:
connect people to services by providing a source of information that is professional, well-organized, community-based and up-to-date.

Overview of Information & Referral Services in 2005:
• responded to 15,000 information enquiries; provided over 6,500 referrals
• updated, verified and edited 1,400 Human Services database records; added 155 new records
• produced the Directory of Community Services 2005 edition (800 copies sold out)
• commenced updating information for the Hard Times Handbook - to be published in 2006
• provided on-demand print lists i.e. lodges & service clubs, faith groups, women’s organizations, emergency food providers, self help groups, label lists
• increased broadcast/email service for clients announcing events, workshops, etc.
• converted CIRC database to a web-based format (CIOC), allowing for greater efficiencies in data maintenance, better statistical analysis and a more flexible regional set-up, among other improvements.

Projects and Partnerships in 2005:
• responded to calls for the Thunder Bay Community Elder Abuse Committee, providing confidential, anonymous help and referrals to seniors being emotionally, financially, or physically abused or to their caregivers
• facilitated mediated telephone access to resources for new mothers for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit
• updated & verified data for the following telephone book pages “Seniors Information Page” and “Where To Go For Help” for Thunder Bay Telephone
• renewed memberships with Inform Ontario, Inform Canada, and the Community Information Online Consortium (CIOC)
• participated as a member of the Thunder Bay “211” Steering Committee
• participated as a member of the provincial “211” reference committee
• renewed database contracts with Findhelp Toronto (Community Info Toronto)
• housed and facilitated the Income Tax Clinic for low income clients in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency (March – May)
• hosted the Good Food Box Program offering many of the 380 participants a place to purchase and collect their low cost produce on a monthly basis
• joined 4 partners in the provincial Non Profit Library Network, established by Imagine Canada – John Hodgson Library, to provide digital and print access to practice-based information and knowledge exchange for our community
• offered computer and internet access to over 100 individuals per week through the Community Access Program (CAP), funded by Industry Canada
• contracted with Service Canada (HRSDC) to coordinate information services for homeless individuals providing access to information about housing and employment - Phase 2 of the National Homelessness Initiative.

Project 211 – Thunder BayOn November 2, 2005, “211” was launched for residents of Niagara Region and Simcoe County, uniting with Toronto Findhelp in providing services to over 29% of Ontarians.

In Thunder Bay we continue to work with our principal partner the United Way of Thunder Bay and the “211” Steering Committee, to bring “211” – the easy to recall, 3-digit number that ensures a live voice response and single point of access to health, social, community and related government services information. Our participation in the provincial Phase 3 roll out, along with Windsor, Ottawa and Halton will augment the overall provincial model of “211 for all Ontario”.

A successful proposal for 2 year funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, has allowed the United Way and LSPC/CIRC to hire a Project Manager to help lead the process. Implementation of 211 locally will require an assurance of start up and ongoing financial resources for the first year of operation and sustainable funding for ongoing future service. Fostering partnerships with all levels of government remains a critical step in realizing long-term, sustainable funding for the “211” initiative in Thunder Bay, across Ontario and Canada. We thank United Way of Thunder Bay for their financial support and ongoing commitment to “211”.

In summary, it has been another year of challenges, achievements and growth. We look forward to 2006 as we strengthen our capacity through the accreditation and certification process. The Phase 3 Project furthers the long-term vision and growth of 211 and builds on the advancements made to date and capacity of existing organizations. This will better position us to deliver an effective and valuable service for our community and Northwestern Ontario.

Respectfully submitted,

Marie Klassen
Program Manager
Community Information & Referral Centre

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