Community Matters Toronto is a neighbourhood organization in St. James Town counting more than twenty cultures among our participants - our friends and neighbours. We support their energy, their hopes and their desire to realize their aspirations and in so doing contribute to Canada.

Over the last ten years, through our focus on “NEIGHBOURS HELPING NEIGHBOURS” we have developed the idea of Community Assistants familiar and trusted community residents from many cultures trained to help their neighbours and to respond to questions raised in the community.

Our idea began in 1999 when two mothers volunteered in a program which identified hearing, speech, vision and/or behavioural issues in pre-school children. These first 'Parent Assistants' helped prepare snack and maintained the space and supplies. It quickly became clear that they had far more to offer through their cultural understanding, familiarity with participants and the neighbourhood and their personal desire to learn and make a meaningful contribution.

They then provided translation, helped families understand and use the professionals' recommendations about speech, behavioural and social issues. They identified families who would not have come to the attention of schools and other services and lobbied in the neighbourhood to help families understand what 'assessments' and 'special needs' meant and how Canadian services could help their children.

The Parent Assistants identified areas where they required increased knowledge. In 2004, training was arranged through an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. Another newcomer grant through the United Way helped to expand the idea in our Job Club, using 'Employment Assistants'

As local neighbours increasingly participated in our programs, the quality improved. We now use the term Community Assistant to refer to those neighbours who are key to the delivery of all our neighbourhood programs. Training is provided to enhance existing skills and continues when issues and new programs are identified. Community Assistants volunteer a considerable amount of their time and are paid a small stipend reflecting their contribution.

Today, all Community Matters programs are run by Community Assistants. They identify a need in the community, participate in the design of the program response and often in budget preparation and fund raising. They deliver the program and participate in its evaluation. Over 500 newcomer families annually are assisted with housing, financial and social assistance, employment assistance, citizenship classes, language assistance, parent workshops, an autism support group, a music program, homework club, tutoring, a summer literacy camp, as well as helping families and preschool children with developmental issues.

The Community Assistant idea is based on the belief and our experience over eight years in St James Town, that the majority (80%) of the knowledge and resources required to resolve an issue exist in the community. The remaining 20% is provided by working with professionals and services to obtain specialized knowledge, services, training and consultation.

Neighbours helping neighbours strengthen and build the confidence of both individuals and the community as a whole. The Community Assistant role has expanded beyond that of providing translation and outreach to program planning, delivery, administration and fund raising. The Core Skills outlined later on this page that have been defined by the Community Assistant.

The community is listened to by Community Assistants who have similar cultural backgrounds as well as knowledge of the support available in Canada. They are a conduit, able to “interpret” the issue, the suggested course of action, and the necessary follow through. They are readily available with practical suggestions. Based in their neighbourhood, Community Assistants work is precise and relevant, reducing the demand for already limited resources and improving the quality of local programs.

The inclusion of a broad range of interested neighbours working in support of their community ensures the sustainability of initiatives identified by the community. They have an inherent interest in the issues and even in a community of transient newcomers remain longer in the community than many staff from local services.

Community Matters Toronto is a registered name of St. James Town Family Literacy Services, a registered charity. Registration Number 85629 8005 RR0001. Current charitable information is available.

You can find us at 260 Wellesley St. East unit 102. Something is happening every day of the week so please check our calendar for hours we are open.

 

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