Jane Finch Community Ministry
The Community Ministry in conjunction with various different networks and in partnership with community residents have and continue to make a difference in the Jane Finch community. It is a ministry of presence, walking in solidarity with the culturally diverse, low income community of Jane and Finch and seeking ways to address the problems in ways that that honour the strengths, assets and riches of the community.
Although the neighbourhood is considered a low-income community with a high ratio of public housing developments, Jane and Finch is rich with cultural diversity and a caring spirit. In the community there are over 70 different languages and dialects spoken and representation from over 110 different countries. The Jane Finch Community Ministry is situated in the public housing community of Firgrove and works closely with the local tenant’s association. Although this public housing community of 380 households is the immediate catchment area of the Community Ministry, the ministry provides support and is also involved in initiatives taking place in the larger area of Jane and Finch. The role of the ministry is to provide community development and community organizing support, some pastoral care and advocacy through coalitions and networks.
Through partnerships, the ministry has been able to provide many meaningful programs and initiatives such as: recreation programs for youth, arts and crafts, community & cultural festivals, educational upgrading and employment programs, income tax clinics, a monthly food bank, community kitchens, student nutrition programs, individual and group support, community organizing and exploration of community economic initiatives. The Ministry has taken an active role with the Black Creek Community Capacity Project in developing a micro-credit program for small business development. With resident organizing and with the support of the Painters and Allied Trades Union the ministry was able to provide 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies and five $1,000 scholarships last fall. In October 2009, Barry Rieder the community minister was granted a Honourary Doctorate degree of Sacred Letters from the Huntington University in Sudbury for his years of community service.
For more information or to find out ways that you can support the ministry you contact Barry Rieder, Jane Finch Community Minister at 416-747-5616 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Or check out the combined Ministry website www.twpcommunityministry.org
Davenport Perth Community Ministry
Davenport Perth Community Ministry is situated in what was once a major industrial area of West Toronto, and within blocks of two public housing communities. Although it is not considered one of the thirteen priority neighbourhoods, the 2008 census demonstrates that the majority of people with whom we walk live with pressures of higher unemployment and/or precarious employment, lower family income, lack of access to post-secondary education, racialized discrimination, and problems finding safe and affordable housing. Still, this neighbourhood is gifted with its cultural diversity, and the passion and wisdom of many residents who are collectively working together. We work in partnership with residents of the neighbourhood, grassroots citizen groups (i.e. Bread and Bricks Social Justice Group); and other organizations including: Trinity Square Video, Pelham Youth Resource Centre, Toronto Community Housing Corporation and Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre. Together, we seek to make a difference in our neighbourhood by seeking to address both the root causes of poverty (i.e. unemployment and low rates of social assistance) and to create community-based alternatives which both acknowledge the social, physical and emotional effects of poverty and oppression AND build on the wisdom and passion that residents bring to these collective efforts.
Together we expanded our Reading Circle and JUMP Math program, which has attracted up to 40 children on any given day. Neighbourhood residents and church members are invited to bring their musical, artistic, storytelling, and dramatic abilities to enhance our program. We offer an arts, literacy, and math program which includes yoga, drama, chess, drumming, improv, JUMP Math, and poetry slamming. Parents continue as members of the steering committee, and community agencies are joining us to ensure that we take seriously the notion that it takes a strong and engaged ‘village’ to raise a child. Other programs and ongoing work this year: a) East of the Tracks Neighbourhood Action in response to resident complaints to the use of excessively loud pile-drivers by GO Transit/Metrolinx; b) Voting Matters: Davenport Peer Educators, a non-partisan program; c) Inspiring Youth Day Camp; and d) advocacy and pastoral care.
If you wish to make a financial contribution or donate your time to this ministry or a particular program, please contact: Karen Williams, Davenport Perth Community Minister at (416) 657-1558 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
