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Community Social Services

The Community Social Services Section works cooperatively with other agencies in the development of networks, programs and processes that promote social interaction and cultural enrichment, protect our vulnerable citizens, respect social diversity, and ensure that we put priority on developing our social capital. The goal is to act as a catalyst to build capacity within our organization and community to address social service issues in a more focused, coordinated, effective and productive manner.

The Community Social Services Section is organized around five functional areas, as follows: 

Youth Services
Youth Services is responsible for working with other City and external partners in developing plans and strategies to address priority recreational, social and cultural needs of youth. In accordance with the Youth Services Plan (adopted in 2008), staff seek to create environments that generate opportunities for Richmond’s youth to have a safe and healthy journey into adulthood. The focus is on assets – presenting a positive image of youth in the community and intentionally building on our young people’s assets to develop appropriate programs, services and opportunities for participation. Find more information on Youth Services


Diversity Services
Diversity Services is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to eliminate barriers and ensure appealing, liveable and well-managed recreation and cultural services for all Richmond residents. Diversity Services works with the Richmond Committee on Disability and other community agencies to identify and improve services to the special needs populations, including people with disabilities, people living in poverty and others who are at a disadvantage when trying to access or participate in the community. Diversity Services staff are also responsible for coordinating implementation of the Intercultural Strategic Plan. Find more information on Diversity Services.

Social Planning
Social Planning is responsible for conducting research, identifying needs, preparing reports, developing policy recommendations, and liaising with community groups and partners to promote the social well being of the Richmond community. Examples of topics addressed include child care, gaming, City Grants, City advisory committee support, community capacity building, social impact assessment, and community amenity planning. Find more information on Social Planning.

Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Richmond Affordable Housing Strategy – a Strategy that was adopted in 2007 which contains recommendations, policies, directions, priorities, definitions and annual targets for affordable housing in the city. The City is working with other levels of government, the non-profit sector, and the private sector, and the community in pursuit of the Strategy’s goals. View the Affordable Housing Strategy.

Senior Services
Seniors Services, in conjunction with community partners, is responsible for planning and offering a variety of recreational, cultural, educational and social opportunities for residents aged 55 years and over. The work of Seniors Services is guided by the Older Adults Service Plan. The staff work out of Minoru Place Activity Centre, which has a full-service cafeteria, games room, woodworking shop, computer work stations, multi-purpose rooms and casual seating space for reading, cards or socializing. The centre also offers wellness programs and provides a variety of daytime out trips by bus, boat or train to special attractions, events and restaurants. Find more information on Seniors Services.

Contacts: Community Social Services

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