June 6, 2019 A Special Announcement to our partners, supporters and community members.
Fred Victor Centre and the CRC announce their intention to amalgamate under a single corporation
We are pleased to announce that the Boards of Directors of Fred Victor Centre (Fred Victor) and Toronto Christian Resource Centre (CRC) have unanimously agreed to a planning process leading to a voluntary amalgamation aimed at improving our services to those most in need.
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.
The two organizations have signed a Letter of Understanding that sets out the core principles for proceeding, with the amalgamation date scheduled for July 1, 2019 (subject to all necessary approvals). The process for a full integration will continue throughout 2019.
Fred Victor and CRC are committed to open and transparent communications. As such, information and updates about the amalgamation will be available on our respective websites: www.fredvictor.org and www.tcrc.ca.
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 19 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
The CRC is an innovative, mid-sized, multi-service not-for-profit agency that proudly serves Regent Park and the downtown east. For over 50 years, CRC has worked with low-income community members and families facing barriers to help them build capacity to change situations and conditions for the better. The CRC building at 40 Oak Street has a 5,000 square foot community hub where we provide free healthy delicious community meals, housing supports, drop-in programs and our Regent Park Community Food Centre’s food skills, gardening, culinary skills training, advocacy, and community social development programs, and our weekly Taste of Regent Park summer food festival. CRC’s innovative housing model, 40 Oaks, provides 100 tenants with supported, affordable housing and access to wrap-around services.
NEXT STEPS AND TIMELINES
The target date for the amalgamation of Fred Victor and CRC is July 1, 2019 at midnight (subject to all necessary approvals).
IMPACT OF AMALGAMATION ON STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
- All staff will have continued positions within the amalgamated organization
- All volunteers are highly valued and will continue in their roles – the amalgamation may provide additional opportunities for volunteers
EXT STEPS AND TIMEL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Why join together now?
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 their 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 179 years of experience. Fred Victor and CRC are major providers of food programs, and we are also innovators in the food security and culinary training area with the Regent Park Community Food Centre, Women’s Bakery and Friends Catering. Fred Victor and CRC both have long histories of United Church support and involvement which will continue.
Are you doing this to save money?
Although we will find efficiencies as we progress with the amalgamation process, this is not the primary reason for the amalgamation. Together, we can effectively enhance our programs by combining our services and expertise. Our goal is to provide additional, integrated and cost-effective solutions to the people we serve in Toronto.
What will happen to the CRC name?
CRC will become part of Fred Victor, with CRC staff bringing their expertise to the new organization. There will be legacy branding for the 40 Oak Street site that will respect CRC’s historical importance in the community.
How long will it take CRC and Fred Victor to become fully integrated?
Although the amalgamation date is July 1, 2019, the process of fully integrating will continue throughout 2019.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
All existing programs and services will continue without interruption as the integration takes place. Over time and the coming months, the Integration Team will work towards enhancing and coordinating services to best meet community needs.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND STAFFING
How many employees will the new organization have?
Fred Victor currently employs approximately 350 staff and CRC employs approximately 45 staff, so the new organization will have approximately 395 staff.
How will the amalgamation affect staff?
All Fred Victor and CRC staff will remain employed.
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. For the time being, CRC donors can continue to donate to CRC. In the coming months Fred Victor will incorporate CRC into our Charitable Registration receipting process, and donations designated for CRC programs will continue to be allocated as per the donor’s wishes.
COMMUNICATIONS
Fred Victor Centre and the CRC announce their intention to amalgamate under a single corporation
How will amalgamation changes be communicated?
Information about our progress and further plans will be available on the Fred Victor and CRC websites over the next few months.
Janet Mason Andrew Gray
Board Chair Board Chair
Fred Victor Centre CRC
For further enquiries, please contact:
Jane Truemner, Director of Communications and Capital Fundraising, Fred Victor, 416-364-8228 ext. 134 jtruemner@fredvictor.org
Judy White, Director of Development, CRC, 416-363-4234 ext. 238, judyw@tcrc.ca
