Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold
12 North Street, Box 575,
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 6W8
PH: (905) 685-1349 Fax: (905) 685-3938




Overview:
Committed to assisting people through programs addressing a range of basic needs, such as food, clothing, household goods, and medical, dental and vision emergencies. Provides a bridge between dependency and self-sufficiency by helping people to support themselves and their families with renewed independence, dignity and purpose.

Program Investment by United Way:
1. Food Program
Low-income families are provided 3-5 days of food that they select from the supply available. This service is available to them six times a year. Clients are encouraged to select items that are nutritious and supplement their existing food supplies. Samples of nutritional and economical meals are offered, and clients can take home the ingredients, with recipe included, to duplicate the meal at home. Not only does the program temporarily sustain people in need, but also it educates clients on appropriate food choice so they can obtain as adequate a supply as possible.
 
2. Thorold Branch
Lack of transportation prevents low-income Thorold residents from receiving assistance through the St. Catharines office. The Thorold branch provides access to those in need of food, clothing and household goods in the community.

3. Special Fund
Emergency expenses, which fall outside the established mandate of Community Care, are considered for persons in the St. Catharines and Thorold area on a referral basis from other social service agencies. In special cases recipients are afforded funds to avert a crisis. Examples of special cases are utility bills, rent, and unmet legal fees. Vouchers are issued to help clients pay for prescriptions, dental emergencies and specific medical needs such as corrective lenses, which are not covered by social assistance. In special circumstances financial aid is provided to pay for larger bills. For example, in 2003, several families were given emergency utility assistance, allowing them to prevent eviction.

4. Surplus Share
Delivers large household goods and furniture to people in need. Clients include people leaving shelters, fire victims, and newly arrived immigrants. Unlike other similar services, all donations are kept in the community.

Testimonial:
“When my wife Linda became ill, I had to leave my job to care for her.  Christmas was looking bleak for my family until we learned about Community Care. I was able to choose toys for my daughters and get help with food and other supplies for Christmas dinner.  While I was at Community Care, I also learned of the United Way Special Fund.  They helped with the transportation costs to Hamilton where my wife received her treatment. It wasn’t much, but it was a big help.
 
Things are better now.  Linda is back on her feet and doing well and I am back at work.  I will never forget the support my family received during this difficult time.”