HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-06-021 - Renewal of Co-operative Agreement with Lutherwood (55 Plus Employment Services)
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Community Services
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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