In the past fiscal year, the Community Resource Centre (CRC) played a pivotal role as the initial point of contact within the Jane/Finch Centre, with a central focus on capacity building. Throughout this timeframe, the CRC provided an array of essential services to our community and aided other departments in triaging service delivery, making an impact both within the organization and the community.

During this period, CRC staff engaged with a growing number of clients seeking access to affordable housing, assistance in obtaining government benefits, or dealing with landlord-related issues. In response, the staff extended support to residents by disseminating information, aiding in form completion, document interpretation and ensuring they remained well-informed about resources and opportunities available to them. Furthermore, CRC staff also offered assistance with resume writing, access to computers, computer literacy training, and various administrative supports. An additional highlight of our department's efforts was volunteer engagement. Through the CRC, volunteers had the chance to apply their administrative skills with the ultimate goal of securing permanent employment.

Lastly, the CRC has advocated for residents and their access to government benefits and services. This advocacy has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for many in our community.

Looking ahead to the 2023-24 year, the CRC aims to prioritize digital literacy tutoring, which is designed to elevate digital literacy and enhance neighborhood livability. Through this program, residents will gain the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively navigate and utilize digital technologies. Resident input will be actively solicited and integrated throughout the program's development and implementation. Additionally, the team will focus on providing housing and tenancy supports, including referrals to legal aid services, assistance with navigating the housing application process, quarterly information sessions to educate residents about their rights as tenants, housing options and available support services and liaising with tenant representatives in local buildings to understand specific housing and tenancy issues.