FRED VICTOR AND CRC WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE ORGANIZATION
On January 1, 2020, the amalgamation of Fred Victor and the Toronto Christian Resource Centre (CRC) became official, after an extensive planning and implementation process that began in June 2019 and involved both Boards of Directors and senior leadership teams.
Fred Victor and CRC share a common vision in our commitment to deeply affordable housing, innovative food programs, and community building. Both organizations are very well regarded for delivering high quality services for individuals and families who are living with poverty and experiencing homelessness in downtown east Toronto. Our goal is to sustain and grow what both organizations have been so successful in building.
The integration of our affordable and supported housing programs, high-impact food security programs, skill building, employment, and community-based drop-in programs will create broader and deeper supports for the people who use our services. We believe that, by working together, programs can be enhanced, services can be delivered more efficiently, and advocacy for people living with poverty can be strengthened.
ABOUT FRED VICTOR
Fred Victor is a multi-service organization and registered charity, helping 2,000 people a day to find place and purpose. Fred Victor works with individuals and families across 20 Toronto sites. Fred Victor’s priority programs include supportive housing, transitional housing, shelter, health and mental health services, employment and training, job placement, agency-wide food access, Friends Restaurant, 24-hour Drop-In programs and community economic development initiatives – Friends Catering and Women’s Bakery. Fred Victor has a United Church legacy that is 125 years in the making.
ABOUT CRC
For over 50 years CRC has worked with people in Regent Park and the downtown east who are facing multiple barriers by providing critical resources so they can change their situations and conditions for the better. Our innovative, non-profit housing model, 40 Oaks, provides 100 tenants with supported affordable housing and access to wrap-around services. In our 5,000 square foot community hub, tenants and community members can access healthy dignified meals, housing supports, drop-in programs and peer advocacy services. Food security programs include food skills classes, culinary skills training and community gardening. As part of the Regent Park Revitalization, we offer community development programming which includes our annual Taste of Regent Park summer market festival.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Why did you decide to join together?
Fred Victor and CRC are community-based organizations that serve individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and living with poverty in the downtown east and Regent Park. Our two organizations share a common vision in our commitment to impactful housing, food security, skill building, employment and programming support. Together, we will be able to improve and expand our services for our community.
Why does it make sense for these two specific organizations to integrate?
Fred Victor and CRC are leaders in services and housing in the downtown east with a combined 180 years of experience. Fred Victor and CRC are major providers of food access programs and innovators in the food security and culinary training area. Fred Victor and CRC both have long histories of United Church support and involvement which will continue.
What will happen to the CRC name?
CRC is now part of Fred Victor, with all staff bringing their expertise to a single, expanded organization. There will be legacy branding for the 40 Oak Street site that will respect CRC’s historical importance in the community.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
All existing programs and services continue, and we are now working together to enhance and coordinate services to best meet community needs.
DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING
What happens to CRC donations?
Both organizations rely on donations to support our services, strengthen our community, and to build a sustainable future for the people we serve, and will continue to do so. Fred Victor has incorporated CRC into our Charitable Registration receipting process, and donations designated for CRC programs will continue to be allocated as per the donor’s wishes.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Marie MacCormack, Director of Fundraising & Communications, Fred Victor, 416-364-8228 ext. 1388 mmaccormack@fredvictor.org
Judy White, Director of Development, CRC at Fred Victor, 416-363-4234 ext. 238, jwhite@fredvictor.org