Support our Community Information Services

Dec 10 2015

We need your support to maintain the annual grant for the core community information services from the City of Kitchener. 

On Monday evening at 7 pm, December 14, Kitchener City Council will be meeting to decide City budget items for the coming year. As part of that meeting, they will be voting on a motion to cut our core grant for community information service support in 2016 and eliminate it entirely in 2017, based on the recommendation made by city staff stating that:

"The Corporation of the City of Kitchener (City staff) is able to satisfy our community information needs through a variety of avenues, including the Region's new database. ... Beyond the Corporation of the City of Kitchener, members of the community have a variety of ways they can access community information and that the accessibility of information has dramatically improved, including those who might be marginalized."

We appealed this recommendation at the Committee level last Monday, and lost, and have one last chance to have this motion defeated before the City Council on December 14th.

New Name, Fresh Look and Same Commitment!

We are excited to announce our new name: Social Development Centre Waterloo Region. Having been known for so long by two names, the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and the Community Information Centre of Waterloo Region, we have long wanted to make a change.

After many years of thoughtful discussion and much consultation, we have arrived at a name that says it all. First, the new name showcases our primary focus on the social development of our local community. Secondly the name reflects the integration of community information and social planning, something we have worked to achieve for many years.

Social Development Award Winners 2015

Dec 9 2015

Social Development Award Winners 2015We present to you the winners of the Social Development Awards 2015, our precious partners and collaborators on a range of projects and deep-rooted community initiatives. By getting to know the people we work with, you will learn about important project in our community and about our continuous commitment to social development through education, information, engagement and research. Follow the links and learn about the good-doers among us.

Giving This 2015 Holiday Season

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Dec 4 2015

Giving this Holiday SeasonWe offer you three end-of-the-year resources, much expected and appreciated by individuals, organizations and service providers in our community: Giving this Holiday Season - volunteer and donating opportunities in Waterloo Region (see the map); Free Holiday Meals - regular and festive meals in various locations until January 1st (see the map); and Holiday Emergency Information - crisis services and emergency shelters (the map is included in the document).  The information was updated through online scanning and will be updated as we learn about more opportunities. If you have updates, corrections or suggestions for us, please contact the HelpLine at 519-579-3800 or info@waterlooregion.org. May You enjoy a safe and joyful Holiday Season!

Celebrate With Us

Dec 3 2015

Open House of the Social Development Centre WREveryone is invited to join with us to celebrate the milestone of our name change and presentation of the 2015 Social Development Awards. We are holding an Open House on Tuesday December 8, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm (award presentations at 6:00 pm), 3rd floor, 151 Frederick St. Kitchener. Please RSVP by Friday December 4th to sdc@waterlooregion.org or, 519-579-3800

November 2015 E-Neighbour is Out!

Nov 20 2015

Don’t let the cold weather keep you from having fun in your neighbourhood! At the Festival Finale we asked: “How can neighbours come together during the winter?" Participants from all over Kitchener had some great ideas. Participate in a survey to help make organizing neighbourhood activities easier for everyone! Read more and help us spread the word about our wonderful sponsors of the2014/2015 season!

Forum: Strong Neighbourhoods to Support Decent Lives

Nov 18 2015

Decent Lives Forum December 3 2015In recognition of the 2015 United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Making meaningful change in our communities, everyone is welcome to take part in a community forum to receive the results of the 2015 Kitchen Table Talks on Strong Neighbourhoods and Decent Lives: Thursday December 3rd, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Trinity United Church Hall, 74 Frederick St. Kitchener

Help Us Celebrate - Tell Us What You Appreciate

Nov 18 2015

Please help us celebrate by telling us what you appreciate about our work – we will post these messages at the Open House on December 8th. Please send a brief statement to sdc@waterlooregion.org. If you prefer, here is a web-form that you can use.

New Name & Fresh Look! Same Commitment to Community!

Nov 16 2015

We are excited to announce our new name: Social Development Centre Waterloo Region.

Having been known for so long by two names, the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and the Community Information Centre of Waterloo Region, we have long wanted to make a change.

Pedestrian Access and Sidewalk Safety

Nov 9 2015

Sidewalks can be dangerous places for those who experience any degree or type of mobility challenge, be it balance or strength, using a walker or other mobility device or a having a sensory limitation such as a visual impairment. There is significant construction happening right now across Waterloo Region, especially in the central areas of Kitchener and Waterloo. The amount of construction and number of detours are making it a much greater challenge than usual at this time for anyone who travels by car but especially for those who must get around on foot, cycle or public transit. Please read the guidelines for property owners, service providers and the community as a whole.