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.