OUTREACH SERVICES AT PICKERING, AJAX LIBRARIES

Thanks to Ajax and Pickering libraries partnering with the Region of Durham, an outreach worker will be on site once a week at both locations.

WHEN AND WHERE

As of May 11, an outreach worker will be onsite at the Pickering central library, One The Esplanade, on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Beginning on May 17, the outreach worker is available on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ajax main branch, 55 Harwood Ave. S.

No appointments are necessary.

Outreach workers can connect residents to a variety of social services supports, including financial resources, housing, food security, counselling, children's services referrals, assistance to replace government-issued identification and more.

The worker also communicates with community agencies on behalf of residents, assists with online government application forms and helps clients navigate the paths to accessing resources.

OBJECTIVES

• Reducing transportation barriers for residents seeking access to an outreach worker.

• Removing technological barriers for residents applying for social assistance or obtaining a replacement for governmentissued identification.

• Providing a familiar, accessible, safe and private space for the outreach worker to meet with clients to discuss and assess resource needs.

• Resolving any questions or uncertainties for clients who may not be familiar with eligibility criteria and the process for accessing resources.

• Increasing access to resources for those who are eligible.

For more information for the Pickering library, call 905-831-6265 or 1-888831-6266 or pickeringlibrary.ca.

For Ajax, visit www.ajaxlibrary.ca or call 905683-4000, ext. 8813.