The two organizations will offer employment and workforce-development services programming jointly under the WoodGreen banner starting on July 1.
(Toronto, Ont.) – Today, WoodGreen Community Services and JobStart have announced that they have agreed to voluntarily integrate services starting on July 1, 2021. The move will allow for the development and delivery of stronger employment, settlement, and workforce-development programs to more clients across Toronto.
“WoodGreen and JobStart align in many areas, including our mission and values,” said Anne Babcock, President and CEO of WoodGreen Community Services. “By integrating our operations, we can leverage our joint expertise and better prepare clients for the future of work — especially now when so many people have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19.”
Working together, JobStart and WoodGreen will benefit from an increase in expertise, regional diversity across Toronto, and a greater breadth of programming with which to support clients. Both organizations have a long history of operating in the city. WoodGreen is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, serving 37,000 people each year and has been in operation for more than 80 years. Meanwhile, JobStart is a community-based, not-for-profit organization connecting job seekers with employers, operating primarily in the west end of Toronto since 1980. The organization serves 5,000 clients across 15 different programs.
“Combining JobStart’s more than 40 years of community-partnering and leadership with WoodGreen’s many years of experience and expertise will greatly benefit the greater Toronto community and the clients we serve,” said Patricia Salmon, Chief Executive Officer of JobStart. “By coming together, we will better enhance the experience of our clients and provide more holistic services — which are especially needed right now during the pandemic,”
Both organizations are committed to a smooth integration, providing all staff, clients, and partners with consistent and reliable services.
ABOUT WOODGREEN COMMUNITY SERVICES (woodgreen.org) – WoodGreen is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, serving 37,000 people each year. We offer over 75 programs and services tackling the social determinants that affect the health and well-being of individuals in our community.
ABOUT JOBSTART (jobstart.org) – JobStart, incorporated in 1980, is a community-based, not-for-profit organization connecting job seekers with employers, operating primarily in the west-end of Toronto, and serving 5000 clients across 15 different programs. JobStart’s mission is to empower clients and employers to maximize their potential through participation in a variety of career and personal growth programs and services, including mentorship, recruitment, and more.
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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jen Mayville, Marketing & Communications Manager; [email protected]; (437) 226-8091 (cell)