November/December 2011

The 211 on Social Services in Ontario is a collection of news snippets from Ontario’s community and social service organizations and the clients they serve. This newsletter is not an endorsement of any of the organizations or services mentioned here.

Everyone is busy this season, including 211, so we wrapped up the November and December news for you in one issue. We’d also like to wish you all a happy holiday and a safe and healthy New Year!

Your Legal Rights website launched
CLEO has launched Your Legal Rights – a new online source of legal information for people across Ontario. Your Legal Rights has free, practical, and easy-to-find legal information.

If you work at a community organization, check out the Training section for a wide range of legal education webinars. And keep your clients and communities up to date on legal issues by adding content feeds from Your Legal Rights to your organization’s website.

Pan-Canadian Defeat Depression Day – Get involved
Mood Disorders Society of Canada is taking on depression and stigma in a big way! On May 27, 2012, they are holding a pan-Canadian Defeat Depression day.

Across Canada, volunteers are organizing local walks, runs, rides and other events to raise awareness about depression and help reduce the stigma often associated with a mental illness, and to help the MDSC deliver services and supports. Help encourage open dialogue and discussions about mental illness and to encourage those who are experiencing a mood disorder, to reach out for help. Visit www.defeatdepression.ca to get involved.

Adults Count! A survey on Youth and Adults with Adult Spectrum Disorders in Ontario – from Autism Ontario newsletter

It has been two decades since there has been a provincial survey on adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ontario. Since the 1990s, there have been major changes to the population of adults that are identified with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many adults seen in clinical practice report that their ASD and related symptoms provide challenges that are not addressed.

Adults Count! is a province-wide survey that will provide important information of the profiles and needs of youth and adults on the Autism Spectrum.  To receive information about Adults Count! or to participate in this survey, contact: adult.survey@redpathcentre.ca or 416-920-4999 x 0165 or visit Redpath Centre’s website.

All-new Settlement at Work site for professionals

OCASI has launched an all new Settlement At Work website to increase the capacity of and provide resources to the settlement sector. It is composed of two sites: a “wiki” and a “listings site”. The two sites work together to provide high-value content including a blog, news items, events, RFPs and job listings.

Minister Kenney announces important change for live-in caregivers
Live-in caregivers will be able to get open work permits about 18 months sooner, thanks to a processing change announced by the Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) allows Canadian families to hire workers from abroad to provide care to a child, an elderly person or an adult with disabilities when there is a demonstrated shortage of Canadians and permanent residents to fill available positions. Caregivers are obliged to work for two years, or 3,900 hours, and then become eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Minister Kenney opens nominations for Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism
Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, called on Canadians to submit nominations for the fourth annual Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism. The award pays tribute to people in Canada who have contributed to multiculturalism and the integration of new Canadians.

While a single winner of the award is chosen each year, their selection is from one of two categories: Outstanding Achievement or Lifetime Achievement. The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes an individual or group who has recently made a significant contribution to promote and embrace Canada’s rich history and shared values, held by all communities in Canada. The Lifetime Achievement Award honours an individual who has demonstrated ongoing dedication to promoting a strong, peaceful and united Canada over a period of at least ten years.

The award winner receives a certificate of honour, signed by the Minister, as well as the right to select an eligible, registered, not for profit Canadian organization to receive a $20,000 grant from the Government of Canada.

Nominations for the 2012 Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism must be postmarked by March 1, 2012. More information is available at www.cic.gc.ca/paulyuzyk.

Government of Canada Launches Next Phase of Hate Crime Prevention Program
Canada’s Ministry of Public Safety announced the launch of the next phase of the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program.

The Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program provides funding for minor security enhancements for not-for-profit community centres, provincially/territorially recognized educational institutions, and places of worship linked to a community with a demonstrated history of being victimized by hate-motivated crime. For more information about the Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program and to find out how to apply please visit: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/le/sip-eng.aspx

2011 Charities Information Webinars by Canada Revenue Agency
The Charities Directorate began scheduling webinars in 2009 as another way to deliver compliance-related education to charities. In 2011, they offered webinars on five topics. These webinars have been converted into webcasts. Online registration for the 2012 Charities Information Webinars will open in early 2012. Click here for access to the webinars: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/chrts/cmmnctn/wbnrs/menu-eng.html

For your clients

Healthy Living and Dementia: three-part online series
Join a three-part online series, co-hosted by the Canadian Dementia Resource and Knowledge Exchange (CDRAKE) and Alzheimer Knowledge Exchange (AKE). This series is designed for those interested in learning about healthy living and dementia. Each session offers a different, yet complimentary perspective on this topic including health promotion, self-management and how to live well with dementia. You may participate in 1 or all 3 sessions. Sign up here: http://www.dementiaknowledgebroker.ca/

When Dementia is in the House – new Canadian web resource
Early-onset dementia catches patients while they are still working and still parenting. This project, in collaboration with Dalhousie University, the Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network, the Young Carers Initiative, and McMaster University’s Gilbrae Centre has developed educational materials for parents and teens about caregiving for someone who has dementia. http://www.lifeandminds.ca/whendementiaisinthehouse/

Share with Us!

Show us what you do is a section for agencies to share videos, powerpoints, studies or stories about how you make an impact in your community.

Here is an example posted on the Social Media Tool blog: The powerpoint illustrates a collaborative in York Region committed to harm reduction philosophy and policy practice. Patti Bell from Blue Door Shelters and Lori Kerr from LOFT Crosslinks Street Outreach Services Network presented at the conference hosted by York Support Services Network. See blog and powerpoint click here:

http://www.socialmediatools.ca/2011/11/29/harm-reduction-coalition-of-york-region/

Want to learn of other news affecting the social services in Ontario and Canada? There a few curators pulling together Canadian content:

Other knowledge exchanges on social service news and nonprofits

Events
Every month on its blog Wild Apricot lists free webinars for nonprofits

Curators of Social Services News in Ontario

Social Policy Ontario Website – supported by Ontario Social Development Council and Laurentian University

Social service news stories in Ontario – curated content from online media by  Ontario 211

The Ontario Non Profit Network
The ONN’s mandate is to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate with nonprofit organizations working for the public benefit in Ontario. Lots of news on policy and legislation impacting the sector.

Canadian Social Research Links

Headlines from top non-profit related blogs in North America If you missed it on twitter this is a good place to likely find leads to top stories.

Connect with 211 and share your experience with other agencies

Got any great resources or tools to share with agencies across Ontario?  Share news that’s impacting your agency and your community with 211 and we’ll share in our newsletter and on social media.  Let’s learn more about each other. Email Destiny Bedwell, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, at dbedwell@211ontario.ca.