PROGRAM
Q. Do you serve children or adults?
A. Our organization provides supports to individuals of all ages as well as their families. In Barrie and surrounding townships, we provide services for all ages. In Orillia, our supports are available to teens and adults who have an intellectual disability.
Q. What kinds of programs do you have?
A. We provide a whole range of program supports. Programs and Services.
Q. Do you provide residential care?
A. Yes we do. Accommodation supports may be in Group Homes, Family Homes or Supported Independent Living. You need to make application to the Intake Committee of Simcoe Community Services. Call 726-9082 for more details.
Q. Is there any cost to your services?
A. The majority of our programs are free of charge. Some programs such as nursery school, youth programs where youth participate in community based events such as going to the movies or playing mini-golf; and the Resource Program where people are assisted to access community resources such as attending plays etc. have a fee attached that is comparable to someone else in the community using these amenities.
Q. Do you have wait lists?
A. Yes, there are wait lists for a number of our programs. The length of the wait list varies with each program, and service is provided based on a variety of factors, including the need of the individual and the availability of appropriate supports. Call 726-9082 for more information.
Q. My family member will be leaving school in the next few years. How can I find out about services?
A. Please visit Transition Services.
Q. Do you provide transportation to day supports?
A. It is the responsibility of the individual and/or his parent or guardian to provide transportation to day program.
FUNDING
Q. Are you a government agency?
A. No. We are a transfer payment agency. While we receive a large portion of our funding from Ministry of Community and Social Services, we are not a government agency.
Q. Where do you get your funding from?
A. As mentioned above, the majority of our funding comes from the provincial government. We also receive funds from the County of Simcoe, The United Way of Greater Simcoe County, the Trillium Foundation and donations from fundraising campaigns conducted by the Simcoe Community Services Foundation.
MEMBERSHIP
Q. How do I become a member?
A. If you are interested in becoming a member of Simcoe Community Services, please fill out a Membership Application and mail to Simcoe Community Services.
FOUNDATION
Q. What is the Foundation?
A. The Simcoe Community Services Foundation is a separate, charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. It is responsible for fundraising on behalf of Simcoe Community Services.
Q. How do I get involved?
A. Find out how you can be of assistance. Simcoe Community Services Foundation.
EMPLOYMENT
Q. How many staff do you employ?
A. We employ more than 550 staff in a variety of capacities. Approximately half of those positions are full-time, while the others are part-time.
Q. What qualifications do I need to work at Simcoe Community Services?
A. Each program has its own educational and experience requirements. The majority of positions within Simcoe Community Services are front-line positions within Accommodations Services. A Developmental Service Worker diploma is the recommended background for these positions. For positions within the Pre-School Services Division, an Early Childhood Education diploma is recommended. Other programs may require a degree or other specialized training.
Q. Do you have any openings?
A. Please visit Job Opportunities.
VOLUNTEERING
Q. Do you use volunteers?
A. Yes! Our agency was founded by a volunteer Board of Directors and we are always looking to recruit volunteers. Please visit Volunteer Opportunities.