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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-06-021 - Renewal of Co-operative Agreement with Lutherwood (55 Plus Employment Services) ) ~ Community Services ~ Report To: Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s) Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: Subject: Community Services Committee February 20, 2006 Christiane Sadeler, Interim Director Community Programs and Services Lynda Stewart, District Facilitator (ext. 2511) All January 31, 2006 CSD-06-021 RENEWAL OF CO-OPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH LUTHERWOOD (55 PLUS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES) RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Co-operative Agreement with Lutherwood (55 Plus Employment Services) as set out in Report CSD-021, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor. BACKGROUND: The 55 Plus Employment Services program has operated at the Rockway Centre since 1980. Until 1998, a Seniors Employment Bureau Grant from Human Resources Development Canada for the operation of the service was administered by the City of Kitchener. Since then, the program has been administered through a Co-operative Agreement with Lutherwood, which must be considered for renewal annually. REPORT: The mandate of 55 Plus Employment Services is to assist unemployed workers older than age 55 to enter or re-enter the workforce. To be eligible, individuals must be referred from recognized Employment Assessment Centres funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Services include: · Customized job search assistance and self-directed resources · Individual and group support and counselling, information and networking sessions · Links to the local labour market including employer panels and job fairs · Referrals to community services and programs In the past year, 55 Plus Employment Services delivered 175 workshops; responded to 2,976 requests for information and service; and served 242 new clients. The partnership with Lutherwood benefits the Rockway Centre in a variety of ways. The clients of 55 Plus are introduced to the programs and services offered at Rockway Centre; 55 Plus staff and clients regularly use the food services available at Rockway Centre; and rental revenue helps to offset operating expenses at the centre. Employment services are an additional support offered to Kitchener residents and are consistent with the community resource centre model. The agreement with Lutherwood will have similar provisions to the 2005 agreement, with the exception of a 3% increase added to the fee paid by Lutherwood. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This agreement will generate $10,890 in revenue and will offset the costs of participating in this cooperative agreement. COMMUNICATIONS: N/A Christiane Sadeler Interim Director Community Programs & Services