City
“Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in…” (Isaiah 58:12)
To read the whole of this chapter from the prophet Isaiah, click here.
Rosedale United Church is situated within one specific neighbourhood, but we also understand that we live connected to the many neighbourhoods of the city of Toronto, and that we will look for ways to take part in the life of our neighbours.
Please click on any of the logos below to go the websites of these partner organizations, or link to any of the co-coordinators we identify.
Out Of The Cold
2006 marks the tenth year in which this congregation will have brought together a team of volunteers to work each Tuesday from November to April providing a hot lunch to the men and women who come in off the street needing food, shelter, and support. We offer this lunch at the community hall at Metropolitan United Church, at Queen and Victoria. We are grateful to the many private and corporate donors and volunteers who keep this ministry possible.
Click here to contact the co-ordinator Sandra Watson-Greaves.
Christian Resource Centre (Regent Park)
Our longest standing relationship is with the United Church outreach ministry in Regent Park, begun and funded by this congregation in 1965. We remain connected with this work, and both help fund the operations, and provide volunteers for various aspects, from the Board to serving meals. The CRC is in the process of re-inventing itself in the context of the Regent Park Revitalization project. To learn more click here
The Massey Centre for Women
The Massey Centre for Women is an award-winning, non-profit, community agency located in Toronto, that provides housing and resources for pregnant teens, young single mothers, and their babies. Many of the programs are also open to community families. The programs and services at Massey Centre have evolved over this past century into an integrated and comprehensive model of service delivery known for its standards of excellence around the world.
We provide some funding, along with a part time chaplain to serve the staff and residents.
Habitat For Humanity
Established in 1988, Habitat For Humanity Toronto (HFHT) is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada (HFHC). HFHT works with corporate, faith and individual donors and volunteers to build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with families in need of adequate shelter. We welcome, without discrimination, everyone who shares Habitat’s goal to end substandard housing in our own community and around the world.
We have begun to develop a team of volunteers who will take part in the building activities of this remarkable organization.
To learn about our next trip – please contact Doug Norris.
Agency Funding
We provide funding for a number of agencies operating within the city, all aiming to improve the lives of the people and neighbourhoods of the city.
Here are some of those agencies.
Eva’s Phoenix
An innovative new transitional housing and training facility for homeless youth age 16-24. 50 homeless youth may live there for up to one year in townhouse-style units. They, and 160 non-resident youth, participate in intensive employment and life skills training, as well as mentoring/counselling programs with community volunteers. Eva’s Phoenix is one partner project of the ‘Raising The Roof‘ organization.
Regent Park School of Music
Regent Park School of Music is one of Toronto’s foremost independent non-profit community music schools with a mandate to provide a safe and secure environment where inner-city young people can participate in an affordable after-school music program.
Blake Boultbee Youth Outreach Service
BBYOS provides a variety of services to high-risk youth and families in Blake-Boultbee, a high-density low-income area of east Toronto. BBYOS is a key agency in the area directly serving the 12-25 year-old children and youth, unique in providing long-term and intensive counselling, therapy and life skills training.
Art City
A creative program located in the St James Town neighbourhood, offering community development through the development of the creative arts.
EMPOWERING KIDS THROUGH CREATIVITY
Art City is all about bringing out the best in kids, kids who need a helping hand to get ahead. It’s not about turning them into little Picassos. The art is a tool, a means to allow them to explore their world and express themselves.
What we are creating here is a safe environment, both physically and emotionally. With art, anything goes and there are no rules. Here kids are able to use their imagination and here they are encouraged to think creatively, outside of the box, to express themselves through the medium.
It’s empowering and it’s freeing. There are no mistakes in art and no judgements.
Camp Cucumber
Camp Cucumber, a small organization started by two moms who saw the benefit from their own children’s experience of going to camp, started a program whereby single, inner city moms in stressful situations could be given the opportunity to go to camp for week with their children. Launched in 1992, this charity is entirely volunteer driven.
At Camp Cucumber, while enjoying the experience of swimming, boating, crafts and even fishing, the moms and their children come together in an environment free from their daily stress which offers the opportunity for these moms to connect in a positive way with their children. Further, the moms themselves enjoy time on their own with other moms and are given the opportunity thanks to specialists who volunteer their time, to gain a better understanding of how to cope with what is often an ongoing stressful situation in their city lives.
The Children’s Book Bank is a charitable organization designed to support children’s literacy by providing free books and literacy support to children in lower income neighbourhoods.
The Children’s Book Bank
presently operates one location at 350 Berkeley Street in Toronto, and offers a range of gently used and new books secured through donation, school and community book drives. Staffed by volunteers and working within the community, The Children’s Book Bank focuses on the literacy needs of children aged 2-12 and works to support and develop each child’s interest in and success with reading. In addition to providing books, The Children’s Book Bank offers literacy support and programming.
A visit to The Children’s Book Bank is much like a visit to a familiar and well loved children’s book store. The space is safe, warm and inviting and is intended to create a wonderful oasis for the children; a place where they can relax and experience the magic of books and enjoy reading.