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FOOD ACCESS/ DROP-IN PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Food Access/Drop-In Program is a daily program that enables people who need support, access to different avenues of assistance. The Drop-In provides free access to healthy meals, phone, fax and internet access, informative and skill-based workshops, shower and laundry facilities, volunteer opportunities and personal support for community members, especially for homeless, low-income and other vulnerable community members. The Program assisted over 5,000 people in 2005/6.

Many of the community members who participate in the Food Access/Drop-In Program are facing numerous life challenges including recent immigration, physical and mental health issues, addictions, abuse, isolation, unemployment and the lack of life skills such as financial management. As a result of the diverse and specific needs of our community members, the program provided unique opportunities such as ESL support programs, the “Community Café” (which engaged community members in constructive dialogue about current issues affecting their local neighbourhood), field trips and expressive arts activities including mask-making with Artist in Residence Pamela Schuller.

Approximately 35 percent of Drop-In participants in 2005/6 were new to Canada and experiencing isolation, unemployment and other difficulties due to linguistic or cultural barriers. Through ESL support, counseling and referrals, newcomers and their families were able to access services and navigate social systems more easily. Many people participated in volunteering for the Centre as a means of forming supportive relationships, sharing valuable life experiences, identifying with other immigrant people, becoming familiar with the English language and Canadian culture, gaining local work experience and obtaining a sense of ownership in their new community. Significant projects achieved with strong support from Drop-In volunteers during 2005/6 include The 12th Annual Christie Ossington Street Festival, daily food preparation, neighbourhood clean-ups and centre renovations.

The Food Access Program provided weekly free food items to 167 Single Parent families in 2005/6. The Sole-Support Food Bank provided weekly food including cooking essentials and fresh produce wherever possible for an often overlooked vulnerable population, many of whom are the “working poor” of our city. Food bank items were provided by The Daily Bread Food Bank, Second Harvest, Karma Co-Op, The Salvation Army and other generous community members. Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre also coordinated donations of clothing, shoes, diapers, baby food, housewares, toiletries, toys and other items for local struggling families, increasing their sense of hope and allowing them to sustain funds for essential rent, work-related costs and health-related costs.

The Community Kitchen Nutrition Program, offered year-round through the Drop-In, allows community members from diverse linguistic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds to connect, share experiences and gain new awareness. Cooking skills are shared and gained in an inclusive environment while preparing nutritious meals for Drop-In participants. The Community Kitchen is an excellent social networking opportunity and many volunteers who participate in the program do so for more than a year. The program also links participants to new volunteering opportunities within Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre. The Centre engages 750 people every year in volunteer tasks that benefit program participants and our local community while contributing valuable skills and experiences to the lives of volunteers who are often new to Canada and learning English as a second language.

Partnerships with local artists as well as local assist the Drop-In in diversifying its programming. Drop-In Staff successfully organized and coordinated community resources to be able to offer the following opportunities for program participants in 2005/6;

• Computer support & training
  
• Breakfast Program (November to April)
  
• Sole Support Parent Food Bank
  
• Arts & Recreation Activities
  
• Laundry, Shower Facilities & Haircutting
•  Special Events including Holiday Celebrations & Field Trips
•  I.D. Clinics & Legal Services
  
•  Workshops & Clinics that assist with settlement, employment, health & security issues
•  Computer, phone & fax access