TORONTO — An innovative model of service delivery to the Jewish community, 1 Open Door, received an award for community partnership about a month before its June 4 official opening.
The award recognizes extraordinary contributions made by the staff at United Way Toronto funded agencies.
The four UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s agencies involved – JIAS Toronto, JVS Toronto, Circle of Care and Jewish Family & Child – received the Bhayana Family Foundation Award in recognition of their coming together under one roof on the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus in Vaughan, Ont.
The four agencies work together to address the social, educational, vocational, settlement, mental health, home care, safety and emotional needs of the community.
The goal is to deliver co-ordinated services wherever possible so that the experience is as seamless as possible for clients.
Sandy Pelly, federation’s director of capacity building for the social services, said by providing integrated services, they are looking at a new model that addresses the whole person.
“The concept is that if we share one space, one door, one receptionist, then if someone needs a job [for example], home care and an educational consultation, it can be done at one place.
“We are breaking new ground here, and we hope to replicate it in other communities.”
The fact that 1 Open Door has already won an award, she said, “speaks volumes about how our agencies work collaboratively.
“The Jewish population in York Region is about 80,000, and services have not grown to meet its needs. We are hoping this will improve both the access and the way services are delivered.”
She said that federation’s role is more than that of a landlord. “We have helped develop the model, and have developed new ideas for the marketing and promotion of the space.”
An open house was held on June 4 to showcase 1 Open Door.
