Executive Director
Note from the Executive Director (Dec. 2011)
The year of 2010-2011 holds special significance for me as we completed work on Edmond Place and watched the looks on the faces of the people moving into the freshly painted, newly furnished, apartments. I cannot adequately express my admiration for the members, staff and partners who worked tirelessly to make Edmond Place the home that it is. Tenant after tenant express genuine appreciation for the look, design and feel of Edmond Place which is largely due to the fantastic gifts from Public Displays of Affection, the design by Charles Rosenberg of Hilditch Architect, the surface finishing by our very own Silver Brush, the guidance of the PARC Ambassadors, the incredible support by our board of directors, the endless hours of setting up rooms by a number of staff and the courageous taking on the operation of Edmond Place by the Director of Housing & Outreach. All of these activities were generously supported by hundreds of donors who took our vision of housing and community to heart – thank you all.
Of course, Edmond Place wasn’t the only thing we did last year… the Drop-In continued to be open every day serving thousands of meals each month; the POP team continued to provide one-to-one support to many members; small groups met; the Peer Outreach Project was initiated with our partners The Ontario Council of Alternative Businesses, Sistering, and St. Christopher House through one -time funding from the Toronto Central LHIN; member artists participated in a variety of art related events; drummers drummed and PARC continued to offer a daily hub of activity and refuge.
PARC continues to be a place of engagement and renewal because of the staff who come to work day in and day out ready to assist, support and encourage the people who come through our doors who are often at the mercy of a system that ignores their needs at best or worse victimizes the already harmed. Each day PARC opens its doors and welcomes people in, soothing some, advocating for others while partnering with all to envision what rebuilding means to each member individually. The courage, passion and inspiration that the members exhibit on a daily basis confirms that the human spirit is remarkable.
The coming year offers opportunity for PARC to improve its ability to be an accessible and accommodating place as we embark on an exploration of Anti-Oppression in our day to day work while at the same time reviewing our accessibility through an Accessibility Review Committee. PARC will be engaging our partners on how to best address the new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act so that our practices and policies reflect the best possible means of resource for today, tomorrow and into the future.
I must express my gratitude to the members, staff and board for their support and belief in our ability to make a difference.
Victor Willis, PARC Executive Director
