The mayors of Brantford and the County of Brant officially opened on Thursday the community services and social development space at the newly-built Cowan Health Hub in Paris.
“Brantford and Brant County are growing rapidly and with that growth comes increased demand for social supports,” said a media release issued by the municipalities.
“With the negative impacts of ongoing economic pressures, social division, and the global pandemic still being felt, the long-term vision comes at a time when the services provided by the commission are needed more than ever.”
Space on the second floor of the hub will offer local residents access to social support services, minimizing the need to travel to other communities. It currently services Ontario Works clients with plans to develop the site into an access point for other community and social services, including housing supports and homelessness and childcare subsidy.
“Joining the primary health, mental health and specialized physical health services at the new Cowan Community Health Hub will benefit Community Services and Social Development clients as staff will now be able to connect and support clients with convenient access to a range of health services, all in the same location, said the media release.
Brant Mayor David Bailey called it a good day for county residents.
“This is a big step for convenience for the people of the County of Brant and, while the City of Brantford has always had a presence here to offer social services, this new place offers consistency in where to access these services here in the county. ”
Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis said the hub is going to provide a “much better level of service to Brant County residents.”
“It shows what we can achieve as a city and county when we work together as partners in a collaborative way to improve the lives of residents.”
Improved access to services is one of the ways clients in both municipalities will benefit from a joint service agreement approved by the city and county earlier this year.
Single mother Lorrie Wolf told those at the hub’s official opening that it was hard getting in and out of Brantford without a car.
“Now the office is right around the corner and there are lots of other things I can access here, such as the pharmacy.”
With the support of Community Services and Social Development services, Wolf recently completed the Grand Erie Learning Alternative adult education program and will be starting a post-secondary social work program in September.
“It’s wonderful to have the dignity of service in place here in Brant,” said Marc Laferriere, chair of the social services committee. “This collaboration develops actual tangible benefits for people. By having services in place, it not only helps people in this place but it helps the service providers understand and address the different issues that exist.”
The Community Services and Social Development suite is located at 25 Curtis Ave. North in Paris. For information, go to brant.ca/healthhub .