News Releases

TORONTO, October 19, 2010 – AccessPoint on Danforth officially opened its doors in Crescent Town today, bringing to the community a variety of programs and services under one roof.  The project is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, United Way Toronto and Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services. Development of this community hub was supported by a generous $1.125-million gift from BMO Financial Group.

“I'm thrilled to be here today to see a dream long held by the Crescent Town community finally come to life,” said the Honourable Deb Matthews, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “AccessPoint on Danforth is a vital resource for residents of this neighbourhood. We're so proud to partner with community organizations as part of our government's commitment to providing people with access to services that help them lead healthier lives.”

AccessPoint on Danforth will provide health services and mental health supports for newcomers; counselling for women, including sexual health and family education; settlement services; support for newcomer youth; parenting, children's and life skills programs; and a resource centre including public access to computers.

The grand opening of the hub, located on the Danforth at Victoria Park, was celebrated by Minister Matthews; Susan McIsaac, President and CEO of United Way Toronto; Axelle Janczur, Executive Director of Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services; and Bill Downe, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group — as well as more than 300 people who live in the neighbourhood and will make use of the hub's services.

“This is another important step in our journey to strengthen Toronto's neighbourhoods through our Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy,” said Susan McIsaac, United Way Toronto's President and CEO. “Five years ago we identified the need to bring infrastructure to areas of our city challenged by a lack of space for community use and service delivery. We're so delighted to see a project like this one open its doors to the community, bringing renewed energy and spirit to the neighbourhood and providing opportunities for a better life for everyone.”

McIsaac thanked BMO Financial Group for their generous million-dollar gift to United Way's Community Hubs Initiative and for their additional $125,000 donation to the hub's green roof project — a first of its kind for a community hub or community health centre.

"Research has made the link between economic health and physical health abundantly clear. This should concern every Torontonian given the absence of accessible health services in parts of our city. The overwhelming need to fight poverty and the consequences of poverty — a self perpetuating cycle — is real. United Way Toronto is tackling the issue head on," said Bill Downe, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group. "BMO believes in United Way Toronto's Neighbourhood Strategy and the idea that strengthening our city's neighbourhoods begins with strengthening the people and families who live there. Community hubs address needs in underserved areas exceptionally well. All of us at BMO are extremely proud to be a partner in this innovative project — and hope others will be encouraged to step forward as a result.”         

“We are so pleased to be here today. It's taken three years of working together with key stakeholders to realize this vision for the community — one where people have access to critical services and resources under one roof, and close to their home,” said Axelle Janczur, Executive Director of Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services. “This community hub will also strengthen the sense of community felt in our neighbourhood by providing space for people to connect and get to know each other.”

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Media Contact:           

Caitlin Stidwill, United Way Toronto

Desk: 416-777-1444 ext. 396

Mobile: 416-557-8508

Email: cstidwill@uwgt.org

Ralph Marranca, BMO Financial Group

Desk: 416-867-3996

Email: ralph.marranca@bmo.com

Jenn Belleville, Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services

Desk: 416-324-8677 ext. 322

A Better Life for Everyone: AccessPoint on Danforth officially opened its doors in Crescent Town today, bringing a variety of critical community programs, resources and health services under one roof.  The grand opening was celebrated by (left to right) Axelle Janczur, Executive Director of Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services; the Honourable Deb Matthews, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care; Bill Downe, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group; and Susan McIsaac, President and CEO of United Way Toronto.