those we serve...

Community Care 

• Community Care is assisitng  an average of 1850 households per month in St. Catharines and Thorold. 53% are children.
• New clients registering are on the increase.
• We are distributing 4,000 pounds of food daily, PER DAY, 5 days a week. The value applied would be approximately $10,000 per day.
• Food is distributed on a bi-monthly basis however no request is denied and emergency bags are provided as needed.

how we respond...

VISION: OUR VISION IS FOR A HEALTHY, CARING COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE LIVES WITH DIGNITY AND PURPOSE.

Food Security

Food Bank: Through our St. Catharines and Thorold locations we acquire and distribute food to individuals and families facing hardships in St. Catharines and Thorold. Every client served by Community Care must be assessed for need according to LICO Poverty Lines (Low Income Cut Off). Once registered, clients may access food, clothing and household goods every other month or six times per year however no emergency is denied.

Savoury Samples: Samples are offered each Thursday morning, with clients tasting a recipe that is both nutritious and easy to prepare, utilizing food bank items and lovingly prepared by volunteers. Everything is then provided to the client to replicate the recipe at home.

Community Gardens: Thirty garden plots located at Torosian Park in St. Catharines are supported in partnership with Niagara Regional Housing and the City of St. Catharines. Clients have the ability, and support, to grow their own produce.

Additional Programs

Medical/Dental/Vision Care:  Limited basic assistance is provided in partnership with community practitioners.

Clothing & Household Goods:  Gently used clothing and small household goods are distributed on a bimonthly basis to registered clients.  Referrals to access larger furnishings are available.

ID: Niagara for Access and Identification (NAID) Assists with applications & replacement of vital certificates.

Layette Program: Layettes contain hand crafted items donated by various faith groups in our community along with supplies and toiletries for new babies.

Snacks & Sneakers Program: Community Care acquires and distributes back to school supplies including new sneakers, healthy snacks, back packs and, or school supplies.

Birthday Program:  The parents or guardians of registered children have access to an age appropriate birthday gift with the help of community partners.

Christmas: Community Care acquires and distributes food vouchers to over 3000 individuals and families as well as toys and age appropriate gifts to children, teens and seniors with the help of community partners.

Jumpstart: Financial support to children, who would otherwise be denied the opportunity to participate in recreational activities, is provided through the Canadian Tire JumpStart Program.

Income Tax Clinics:  Income tax clinics to low income persons are supported by trained income tax volunteers.

Niagara Nutrition Partners: Niagara Nutrition Partners supports student nutrition programs at both elementary and secondary schools throughout the Niagara region. Volunteers and staff distributed snacks, breakfast or lunch to 13,000 students each school day in 2011.