The programs and services of Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Toronto) Inc. are directed by a 14-member volunteer Board of Directors, elected at the Annual General Meeting.
A small, professional staff provides direct service to clients, and administrative and volunteer support. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency.
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Toronto) Inc. is a branch of Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Inc. of Canada, a national coordinating body that unites 10 UCSS branches across Canada.
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Toronto) Inc. is also a member of the Toronto Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Elected at the Annual General Meeting on March 28, 2009:
| President | George Senkiw |
| 1st Vice President | Bohdan I. Shulakewych |
| Secretary | Marta Burych |
| Treasurer | Oleg Holowaty |
| Members: | Anna Jakymiw |
| Myron Junyk | |
| Bohdan Kawun | |
| Maria Koval | |
| Raya Shadursky | |
| Irene Shlapak | |
| Roma Slobodyan | |
| Maria Tarnavskyj | |
Audit Committee:
| Chairperson | Jurij Spolsky |
| Members: | Askold Hankiwsky |
| Orest Kowalsky |
Nominating Committee:
| Chairperson | George Senkiw |
| Marika Boshyk | |
| Bohdan I Shulakewych | |
| Lesia Winnicki | |
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Toronto) has its roots in the Ukrainian
Canadian Relief Fund, a volunteer organization that was established in 1945
to assist Ukrainian refugees arriving in Canada after World War II, as well as
those still waiting to immigrate in Europe.
In October 1953, a General Meeting was held and the need for a Toronto
Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Relief Fund was re-confirmed and the
Branch's work was renewed. At that meeting a Social Service Committee was
also charged with the task of developing general social services for the
Ukrainian ethno-cultural community in Toronto, as the community need was
becoming apparent.
Over the next decade, the Ukrainian Canadian Relief Fund was re-organized
and became known as Ukrainian Canadian Welfare Services.
The 1960's:
Throughout the 1960's services expanded to include a Social Service Office
and programming for seniors. Volunteers provided all services on a part-time
basis.
In 1968, the organization was incorporated by Letters Patent as Ukrainian
Canadian Welfare Services Inc.
The 1970's:
On January 1, 1971, the organization was registered as a charity with
Revenue Canada.
In 1971, our current facility at 2445 Bloor Street West in Toronto was
purchased.
Further expansion of programs for seniors and youth in the 1970's, with
services offered on a full-time basis. Increased fundraising activities and the
receipt of government grants for programs.
The 1980's:
In 1981, approval as an Elderly Persons Centre was received from the
Provincial Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Provided immigrant settlement services and an Outreach-Day Care Program
for seniors in the 1980's.
Total building renovation was carried out in 1984-5.
The 1990's:
The organization's name was officially changed by Supplementary Letters
Patent to Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (Toronto) Inc. in 1991.
The 1990's saw the development of social and group programs for seniors
and seminars for new immigrants.
Programs offered in the late 1990's and into 2000 included: community
outreach initiatives on woman abuse, family violence and elder abuse; and a
seniors' support group program, and computer and Internet training for seniors.
The 2000's:
In 2001, support groups for abused women were offered for the first time in
the Ukrainian ethno-cultural community in Toronto.
In 2003, a Strategic Plan was developed based on a needs survey and a
visioning process.
Alzheimer's Disease information seminars took place in the community in
2004-5.
Bilingual ads highlighting the organization's services and programs appeared on the Ukrainian TV programs “Kontakt” and “Svitohliad” in 2005.
A website was created in 2006.
On February 24, 2007, the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Gala Jubilee Banquet. 300 guests attended including politicians and Ukrainian community leaders. A commemorative booklet as well as a DVD, reviewing over 50 years of community service, were produced.
A pedestrian ramp and automatic door were installed at the front entrance in 2007, making the building more accessible for visitors with disabilities. The kitchen was renovated to the current professional standard.
In 2008, among traditional fundraising events: a dinner/dance titled “An Evening of Humour with Ted Woloshyn” was held; and a community dining program called "Sharing Baba's Borscht" was offered. The dining program was sponsored by the federal government.
