Abstract

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT

Lynn Randall

Over the past few years, the Region of Waterloo has had considerable economic growth. Although the region has been prosperous, the problem of poverty remains; almost one in five children in the lives in poverty and the gap between the very rich and the poor is wider than the national average.

The Community Outreach Project was developed and launched by the Region of Waterloo in 1999. Currently workers are located at 23 neighbourhood sites. Through active outreach and engagement, workers connect those in need with appropriate supports and services within their own community. A subsidy fund makes additional supports available to individuals and families when needs cannot be met through existing services. While each outreach worker is an employee of a neighbourhood association or sponsor organization, supports are provided by the Region staff. The Region also oversees program and outcome evaluation, research and development.

Based on two evaluations, we know that the Project is clearly responding to community needs in a wide range of ways and is functioning very much as originally envisioned. Outreach workers are working within an approach that meets basic needs while building the capacity of those families. On an individual level the Project has allowed more effective referrals to services and attracted new families to the community centres. Crisis intervention and prevention play a crucial role in the attempt to combat child poverty. Outreach workers attempt to conquer families' initial relationship of dependence by building self-esteem and a sense of self-reliance and personal responsibility. On a system level the Project has made a difference in the services offered by other formal organizations; helped to develop increased appreciation for the complexity of families' needs, coupled with a heightened ability to recognize and deal with multiple issues; and has multiplied or enhanced the connections between social services.

Bio

Lynn Randall has been the Director of Social Planning, Policy and Program Administration with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo since 1999. Prior to joining the Region Lynn working for 15 years in the health and social service sectors in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia as an administrator, planner and program & policy developer.

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