Diversifying Revenue Streams Through Innovative Program Development or Social Purpose Enterprise

Success Story YMCA Employment Services, Sudbury

“A few years ago it was identified that a group of low income senior citizens wanted to stay in their homes as long as possible but could not afford the basic maintenance of their yard in the summer and snow shoveling in winter.  Working with the manager of employment programs for the municipality we implemented a Community Helpers Program.  The municipality paid for a crew foreman and the expenses for the program.  Ontario Works participants volunteered through the Community Placement Program to help the seniors.  It was a win-win situation for all involved.”

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Food For Thought

In the process of integrating programs, it is crucial to be aware of the capacity of staff and resources to handle increased and diverse responsibilities.  There is a point where the efficiencies and effectiveness of program integration is nullified by over-extension of resources and the overwhelming of staff. A commitment to ongoing monitoring and program evaluation is necessary, and it is also important to encourage and respond to staff input and have them directly involved in program design. The primary driver of program design must be quality and impact of programs, not cost savings.

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