At Woolwich Community Services we strive to connect people with the programs and services that suit your needs on an individual basis. Serving Woolwich Township and the northern part of Wellesley Township we are the place to go if you need information, support or assistance.


Our Programs and Services:
-Application Forms and Brochures
-Back-Pack Program
-Birthday Cupboard
-Care-Ring Service(Transportation)
-Community Gardens
-Community Information Centre
-Community Support Program 
-Christmas Goodwill
-Employment Services
-Family Violence Prevention Program
-Food Bank
-Income Tax Clinic
-Kids and I Resource Centre(Preschool Drop In)
-Mobility Loan Cupboard(Crutches, Walkers and Wheelchairs)
-St.Jacobs Family Support Centre(Low German Support)
-Thrift Shop
-Youth Centre

Community Information:

The WCS Information Centre has staff and trained volunteers who can answer almost any question the general public may have. Information ranges from all levels of government services, health and social services to local activities and events in the community.

We also keep application forms for Birth Certificates, Social Insurance Numbers, Ontario Health Insurance, Canada Pensions and Old Age Security, Unemployment Insurance, Passports and Non Profit Housing. Staff are available to assist you with the completion of forms both online or by paper copy.  Appointments available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

For More Information contact Woolwich Community Services.  
                73 Arthur St. South
                Elmira, ON N3B 2M8
                T:(519)-669-5139
                F: (519)-669-4210
                E: wcs@execulink.com

Employment Services:

WCS offers a variety of options to those seeking employment.  A job board is available which lists local jobs,  computers for the general public to use when job searching and free faxing and photocopying services for job purposes. 

An Employment Facilitator from Employment Ontario is available once a week for job seekers looking for additional assistance writing resumes and cover letters. Computer assistance is provided for online applications.

If you would like more information on meeting with the Employment Facilitator (or would like information regarding available jobs in the area) please contact us at (519) 669-5139   

Income Tax Clinic:

Trained Volunteers are available to complete simple income tax (filing) for persons with low income free of charge. The program begins March 1 to April 30 each year. Call (519) 669-5139.

Community Support:

Community Assistance

Staff are available to offer individual referrals and assistance to persons seeking support with personal, financial and housing needs.  If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call or stop by the Information Centre and a staff  member would be happy to set up an appointment with you.


Back-Pack Program

Each year as parents get ready to send children back to school, WCS offers a Back-pack Program. The program is  designed to assist families of low-income who are in need of backpacks and school supplies for their children and youth.

The program runs out of WCS Information Centre the last 2 weeks in August. To qualify for the Back-pack Program you must be a resident of Woolwich Township or the north part of Wellesley Township.


Birthday Cupboard

The Birthday Cupboard  offers a place for parents of low-income who have children with upcoming birthdays  to come and get a gift. Parents are also welcome to come in with their children to chose a gift for upcoming birthday parties their children have been invited to.


The Community Garden

 Garden plots  are available for a minimal fee to those who wish to grow their own vegetables.  In the spring, the garden is ploughed and tilled.  The gardens are divided among the families taking part that year, and  each family plants and looks after their own garden plot.  If you are interested in taking part in the garden, call our office late winter to find out the time of our spring meeting.
(519) 669-5139

 
Food Bank:

Our Food Bank provides a food hamper to suit the size and needs of your family. 
Participants can come for a food shop, and select food items the whole family will enjoy. Items available for selection include non-perishable food items along with fresh milk, vegetables, fruit, eggs, margarine and meat. Infant needs including diapers and formula are provided. Additional support services are also available to participants as needed.

If you are in need of a Food Hamper please call  WCS Information Centre. Eligible participants must meet two criteria; be of low-income and live in Woolwich Township or the north part of Wellesley Township. (519) 669-5139

 Kids and I Resource Centre: 


Kids and I is a place for parents and caregivers to go with pre-school child(ren) to play and meet with others from the community in a fun and safe environment. The Centre operates as an Ontario Early Years site at Birdland Plaza in Elmira and in the village of St. Jacobs.
 
Kids and I offers games, crafts, and toys for both parent and child to play and enjoy. Kids and I has a toy-lending library, offers a babysitting course and many parent resources.  

For more information please contact Kids and I:
112 Oriole Parkway
Elmira ON, N3B 1C5
Tel: (519) 669-3043

Elmira Hours:
Mon: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tues & Wed: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Thurs: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fri-Sun: CLOSED

WCS Thrift Shop:

Located in downtown Elmira, the Thrift Shop offers quality used clothing and household items at low prices. The Thrift Shop is a fundraising initiative for WCS with all proceeds going towards supporting the agency's many programs and services. The Thrift Shop welcomes donations of used clothing, household items , small furniture, toys, books and beyond.

The Thrift Shop is always looking for volunteers to join our team. CLICK HERE to fill out an application form.

Stop by the Thrift Shop today and check out our weekly sales and quality used goods.

48  Arthur St. South
Elmira ON, N3B 2M7
Tel: (519) 669-1129

Hours 
Mon-Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Our Public Educator also provides information to schools and community groups in Woolwich Township and the north part of Wellesley Township. Three lessons are taught to each class, in each school in an age-appropriate way on a yearly basis. Topics include conflict resolution, preventing harassment, emotions, healthy relationships, peer pressure etc.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance please contact WCS between 9:oo a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
                73 Arthur St. South
                Elmira, ON N3B 2M8
                T:(519)-669-5139
                
If you are calling  after hours and are in crisis please call a representative at:

Women's Crisis Services: (519) 742-5894

Crisis Line: (519) 745-1166

Christmas Goodwill:

The Christmas Goodwill program is (operated), coordinated and implemented by dedicated volunteers who shop, wrap and pack Christmas Hampers for low-income families in Woolwich Township into the north part of Wellesley Township. Each year the community comes together to donate new toys, clothing and food items to ensure families can celebrate the holidays. Donors include churches, service clubs, businesses and individuals.
Call about how you can volunteer, donate, or sponsor a family.
(519) 669-5139

St. Jacobs Family Support Centre:

The St. Jacobs Family Support Centre provides support for Low-German speaking people from Latin America in accessing community  programs and services.

Staff who speak Low-German are available for translation and interpretation. They are experienced in assisting families to communicate  with community programs and services.

Support includes assisting new families settling into the area, ensuring health, social service, education, and financial needs are addressed.  ESL classes for adults and a pre-school for children are provided at the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church Thursdays  October to June each year from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.


73 Arthur St. S.
Elmira, ON N3B 2M8
Tel: (519) 669-9323
Email: sjfsc@execulink.com

Hours:
Please note the office may not be staffed at all times. Please call ahead.
Mon-Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

                         Woolwich Community Services 
                                                  73 Arthur St. South
                                                          Elmira, ON
                                                  Tel: (519) 669-5139
                                                  Fax: (519) 669-4210
                                           Email: wcs@execulink.com