2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

The end of 2008 marked many historic events. In Canada we saw attempts at forming a coalition government to address the needs of a slumping economy. In the United States, history was made when that country elected a Black president to lead them out of an economic melt-down that rivals the depression years. On the world stage we saw countries falter as their financial sector failed. Yet, in the midst of all this, Labour Community Services continued to rise to meet the needs of many through a number of coalition building and partnership activities. We completed our 2009-2012 Strategic Plan and produced the findings of the equity survey.

Equally, Labour Community Services’ work with the United Way of Toronto and the United Way of York Region made tremendous strides. In York Region, Labour Community Services (LCS) established a formal partnership with the United Way. As a result the agency expanded in staffing and service provision. With the new partnership LCS welcomed aboard Fatemeh Akdari as the Labour Staff Representative in York Region. We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship as we grow labour’s participation in the United Way York Region Fundraising Campaign. In the Toronto area we have worked diligently to keep campaign contributions up during this time of job loss and economic uncertainty.

Of significance, Special Projects undertook working with the Good Jobs for All Coalition, a group that brought together the assets of labour, community agencies, grassroots community groups, academics, media and individuals to put forward a collective vision of what it takes and what it means for all Torontonians to have a good job. The summit, held on November 22nd 2008 met expectations when over 1000 people from all sectors of the city came together to endorse the Good Jobs for All Declaration.

On the Union Counseling front, we have seen requests for the program grow as individual unions seek to train their members on how to access social services. It is no mystery that during difficult times the need for social services grows as these services are vitally important in addressing complex social and emotional needs of many people.

Labour Community Services’ relationship with the United Steelworkers remains strong in the hosting of Lifeline. The program continues to provide services not only to the membership of the United Steelworkers but to several other unions as well.

As a labour based organization, we continue to work and meet the challenges that many will face in an unpredictable economy, all the time keeping our gaze fixed on providing the best service possible.

In Solidarity

Faduma Mohamed