Commentary, Opinion

Monthly Message: CONTACT Community Services shares story of transformation

June 13, 2025   ·   0 Comments

When I took on the role of community engagement and development manager at CONTACT Community Services, I had a lot to learn.  

I had no idea of the impact that CONTACT was making in our community.  I quickly conducted an impromptu (and informal) survey of friends, local businesses and acquaintances. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one. I discovered that the role CONTACT plays in our community is one of the best-kept secrets!

Here‘s what I now know.

In 1977, in response to a survey that revealed a profound lack of support agencies in the area, a small group of dedicated South Simcoe community members established CONTACT Community Services, providing free information and referrals, friendly call services to isolated seniors, and an informal listening ear for anyone needing help.

Over the next few years, CONTACT gained momentum, establishing a walk-in Community Information Centre in downtown Alliston. It also launched a job board and resume collection service, and opened The Clothes Line, an affordable community thrift store.

Here we are, 48 years later, and the need for support of our most vulnerable community members has skyrocketed. Today, CONTACT provides in-depth personal support to over 3,500 people annually through our award-winning Employment Services in Bradford, our Housing Support team throughout South Simcoe, the Clothes Line stores in Allison and Bradford, and our free community programming for seniors.

Last year, with the support of the County of Simcoe, CONTACT took the lead in providing 24/7 wraparound services to unhoused seniors, providing a home and a path to a brighter future at our Supportive Rapid Rehousing Program in Collingwood.

This story isn’t about us though. It’s about our community coming together to care for our neighbours when they need it most.

Rodger’s Story

When we met Rodger, he was nearly 60 and living in a tent in Innisfil during the coldest months of winter. He called it a “living hell” — sleeping in the snow, going days without food, and sharing scraps with his only companions, two raccoons and a skunk.

Then, he met a Housing Access Worker from CONTACT Community Services.

Thanks to support from our community, CONTACT helped Rodger connect with support services and reconnect with family.

Later, he was brought into our Supportive Rapid Rehousing Program (SRRP) in Collingwood. 

Just days after arriving, he was rushed to the hospital with a serious heart condition — one that would have taken his life if he were still out in the cold.

Today, with CONTACT’s support, Rodger is rebuilding – he is safe, healing, and living in his own apartment in Simcoe County. He says the team at CONTACT “literally saved my life.”

Thanks to the support of the New Tecumseth Times, Rodger’s is just one of many transformational stories we will be sharing with you monthly. They are testaments to resiliency, strength, and perseverance, but they’re also powerful demonstrations of love from a community that refuses to leave its most vulnerable behind.

As I continue on this journey with CONTACT Community Services, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for living in a compassionate community;  Gratitude for having the opportunity to learn –– and continue learning –– how we can help families and individuals who have fallen on hard times; And gratitude for the small group of dedicated community members who saw the need in 1977 and did something about it.

To learn more about CONTACT Community Services and how you can support the need, please visit our website contactcommunityservices.ca, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @contactcommunityservices.

Until next month.

This monthly submission for our “Community Voice” column was written by Brenda Pufek, manager of Community Engagement and Development at CONTACT Community Services.

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