Region making changes to serve vulnerable clients better
Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is making changes to ensure vulnerable people have easier access to all of the services and supports they need.
Starting this month, staff from different service areas: Ontario Works, child care subsidy, social work, and community housing are now working on the same teams so that they can provide more fulsome support to people.
“Many people come to one of our locations for one service, not knowing that there are many services and programs available to help improve their quality of life,” said Douglas Bartholomew-Saunders, Commissioner of Community Services.
“Even for people who do know the services are available, having to travel to many locations and submit documents many times is a deterrent for anyone who is already under a lot of stress and feeling anxious about the situation they are in.”
All services provided through Children’s Services, Housing Services, and Employment and Income Support can now be accessed at each of the Region’s three main locations: 99 Regina St. S. in Waterloo, 235 King St. E. in Kitchener, and 150 Main St. in Cambridge. With consent, each service area can also share files so that clients only have to tell their story once.
Clients who experienced this team setting as a pilot before it launched felt that it had a positive impact. “They described how staff was able to provide them with service that was tailored to what they needed at the time, reducing stress and anxiety,” said Arran Rowles, Director of Strategy and Quality Initiatives in Community Services.
For an interview, please contact:
Sherry Morley
Communications Coordinator
Community Services, Region of Waterloo
Cell: 226-750-6972
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