Historical Background

Community Volunteer Connections was formed in 1985, under the auspices of the Dryden & District Association for Community Living.  In 1990, the Centre became incorporated as an entity onto itself.

The primary purpose of the Centre is to provide volunteer based direct services to the community when possible and deemed appropriate.  Current services include the Community Integration Service, the Volunteer Income Tax Service, and Christmas Cheer.  Each service provides direct assistance to consumers.
 

Community Integration Service
 

The Community Integration Service (CIS) is a program which connects adults with a developmental disability to the community via volunteers with common interests.  Currently, we serve 52 clients and have a pool of 35 volunteers who assist with various activities. Individuals who have a disability have traditionally been excluded from community work places, preferred living situations, social / leisure settings and having the opportunity to make real friends.  CIS provides support to clients wishing to participate in community activities of their choice.  The program offers support in the following: friendship matches, supported volunteer placements, vacations and day trips, participation in community clubs / courses, recreational activities and Special Olympics.  Organized group activities are also offered for clients wishing to take part.  These activities are craft classes, gym nights, cooking classes and a hip club.

Volunteer Income Tax Program

The Volunteer Income Tax Program assists people with limited financial resources, people with special needs, and new Canadians complete their income tax free of charge.  The program functions solely by volunteers and is dependent on public donations.

Christmas Cheer

The purpose of Christmas Cheer is to make Christmas special for all.  The program accomplishes this by providing individuals with restricted finances with everything necessary for a turkey dinner, presents for children 16 and under, and extra food items to assist them over the holidays.  Each year Christmas Cheer distributes between 250 and 300 hampers to people in need.  This program receives no funding.  Volunteers organize community fundraisers to secure monies to purchase the necessary food and presents.  Volunteers assist in looking after Christmas Cheer headquarters, delivering and handing out the hampers and other tasks as needed.

The Centre employs five part time staff.  These hours are used to run the Community Integration Service, and to implement purchased services for client specific programming.  Other programs are operated solely by volunteers.  Our pool of volunteers is anywhere between 100 and 150 depending on the need.