Friday, January 25, 2008

Storefront's New Vision


Unique to West Hill, the East Scarborough Storefront has been providing assistance to residents for over five years. Begun as a pilot project funded largely by the federal government, Storefront could be found in the old Library location on the third level of the old Morningside Mall. When the Mall was slated for demolition Storefront moved to the vacant Police substation on Lawrence which has been its home for the past year.

With its first 5 year plan coming to a close, Storefront Manager, Anne Gloger, decided it was time time for a new vision and a reassessment of Storefront's role in the West Hill community.
About 100 people, including community members, agencies, City Councilor Paul Ainslie, Coronation Community Association of West Hill representatives, West Hill Community Services, Toronto Police and other Storefront supporters, met from 4-8 pm on January 23rd at St Margaret’s-in-the-Pines church, in order to shape the vision of the Storefront in the years to come.

As Ms. Gloger promised, it was a fun and interactive event…with good food! Numerous exciting ideas were generated by the process and it will take a while to sort through them all. But out of the wealth of material will come a new vision and a new direction for this vigorous community support.

Storefront currently provides - Settlement services in 12 languages- Health services (blood pressure checks, vaccines and more)- Legal advice lawyer- Safety tips and police information- Employment services- Senior fitness- Computer use & computer training- Homework clubs- Mental health supports- Youth services and groups and more.

For additional information on Storefront visit their website at: http://www.thestorefront.org/

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