FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2010
United Way, Province, and Partners Open First Community Hub
First of eight Community Hubs will improve access to services and strengthen community connections in priority neighbourhood
TORONTO—Today, the first of eight Community Hubs opened in Scarborough—the result of a partnership between The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, United Way Toronto, and West Hill Community Services. The Hub - mid Scarborough will lay the foundation for strengthening the community by providing various programs and services under one roof—including community health and dental services, career planning and employment counselling, addiction and mental health services, as well as diabetes education, health promotion and services for seniors.
“Good health is about more than treating illness, it's also about healthy living and healthy communities,” said Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care. “Community Health Centres, like this one, are a valuable resource for local residents.”
The grand opening of the hub, located in the Eglinton East/Kennedy Park community, was attended by Matthews, Frances Lankin, President and CEO, United Way Toronto and Jeanie Joaquin, Executive Director, West Hill Community Services.
“Today, we've reached a milestone in our efforts to create vibrant, livable neighbourhoods for everyone, regardless of who you are or where you come from,” said Frances Lankin, President and CEO, United Way Toronto. “We know that neighbourhoods are stronger and more resilient when people have access to the support they need. The Hub - mid Scarborough will be an important focal point at the heart of the community for people to come together and access services under one roof.”
Toronto's priority neighbourhoods are challenged by a lack of space for community use and service delivery, which limits the skill-building, recreational, cultural, and social opportunities of the people who live there. In response, as part of United Way's Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy, United Way has partnered with West Hill Community Services, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and the Central East Local Heath Integration Network to bring the first of eight planned Community Hubs to the Eglinton East/Kennedy Park neighbourhood.
“We believe that thriving communities rely on places where people can connect, have opportunity to participate in meaningful activities and have access to quality health care, education, and social programmes,” said Jeanie Joaquin, Executive Director, West Hill Community Services. “The Hub - mid Scarborough is an important community resource that will enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in the community.”
Media contact:
Caitlin Stidwill
United Way Toronto
Desk - 416 777 1444 ex 396
Mobile - 416-557-8505
cstidwill@uwgt.org
See photos from the launch.
