On any given day you’ll find a flurry of activities at the Rexdale Women’s Centre, a longstanding community hub in north Etobicoke that seeks to improve the lives of women.
"The Rexdale Women’s Centre is a community-based organization that provides newcomer services for women and their families," said Guadalupe Herrera, director of programs at the centre. "We provide services that are in different languages, and we are very culturally and linguistically appropriate to the community that we serve."
The centre operates out of three locations; two in Thistletown and one near Finch and Kipling avenues. Their mandate embraces an inclusive programming schedule that can be offered in 20 languages, thanks to a diverse set of staff and volunteers. Services include set-up programs for newcomers to Canada, violence prevention programs, parenting support programs, employment support groups for women and language instruction programs.
There are also programs for children, such as the school readiness class and the preschool program. Seniors can take advantage of a variety of specialized opportunities: fitness classes, commuter training, excursions and social events. Everyone is encouraged to drop in Tuesdays when the centre’s community kitchen serves up free hot lunches.
Herrera describes the centre as taking a "holistic approach" to impacting women, mainly by serving all members in the family. For Herrera, the evidence of the centre’s success lies in the numbers.
"We provide services to about 10,000 people in the community each year."
The not-for-profit centre partners with various organizations and relies on funding and volunteers to continue its work. In the previous years, they have registered around 1,500 volunteers.
"I think they (participants) find that this is a very professional organization," Herrera said. "We have a very good reputation in the community. We’re recognized in the community, and we have large opportunities to grow professionally as well."
The centre, which was borne out of a local women’s group in 1978, is in the midst of strategic planning for the years ahead. Upcoming plans include a family drop-in program this summer for parents and their children ages two to seven.
To learn more about the centre and upcoming events, visit rexdalewomen.org or call 416-745-0062. Interested volunteers should call and ask to be connected to the volunteer coordinator.