New Member Spotlight

Our Coalition is a membership-driven organization, and our members are the WHY and HOW of everything we do.

We value our community and want to continually improve and provide space to network, learn about each other, share ideas and celebrate your achievements!

That is why we are launching our new “Member Spotlight”.

We want to share your latest news and innovative, collaborative projects and programs.

Send us a summary and let us know what makes your organization unique, and how you are making an impact in your community.

this month's member spotlight is on...

Better Libraries | Better World

The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library has grown over the years from a traditional small library system to a bustling and innovative community hub. As an early adopter of the makerspace trend, we were one of the first libraries in Ontario to open up a makerspace, and became an industry leader in bringing new technologies into our community. We provide opportunities to build and improve literacy, technological skills, and creativity in an environment that seeks to unite the community, connect them with rich cultural experiences, and inspire them to uncover infinite possibilities.

Programs Offered

The Library provides no- and low-cost programs, activities and supports for young children, families and seniors.  

We offer: traditional services such as collections, reference and readers advisory services; public access internet and computer stations; trans-literacy and STEAM focused programming for all ages; programs designed to develop early literacy skills; basic technology assistance; a MediaLAB with a green screen, recording studio and photo and video creation software and hardware; a HackLAB featuring a laser cutter, vinyl cutter, 3D printers, and opportunities for delving into coding and robotics.   Assessments, and Digital
Devices.

Building Capacity in our Community

We actively partner with a number of community groups and services and Community-Led groups are encouraged to grow in the space, celebrate their passions and find their niche.

Importantly, the Library fosters reading and school readiness for children, and acts as a community centre for family engagement and helping to connect parents, families and caregivers with services and resources they need to thrive.

The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library helps build capacity in the community by connecting users not only to resources, but more importantly, to each other.

For more information about Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, please contact [email protected]

January's member spotlight

Disrupting the cycle of poverty by empowering children and youth to realize their full potential.

Glowing Hearts Charity’s mission is to disrupt the cycle of poverty by empowering children and youth to realize their full potential. We are a new and growing charity, which was founded in 2016 initially as a Give and Get centre, but which needed to pivot during COVID to become the grassroots organization that we are today. Our vision is to enable children and youth vulnerable to poverty to access resources and opportunities that support their growth, confidence and self-determination.

Programs Offered

Our current initiatives include Backpacks for Youth, which provides backpacks primarily in the summer for back-to-school, however we do serve children and youth who are new to the area throughout the year; Food that Fuels, which provides Good Food boxes to our client families when schools are not in session; Music Programs, including lessons in ukulele, guitar, early music, piano, and a community youth choir; Community Care Kits; Mental Health Counselling; Financial Support for Psycho-educational Assessments, and Digital Devices.

For more information about Glowing Hearts Charity or to discuss opportunities to partner with us, please contact [email protected]

Board member involved with the coalition - Judy Cathcart, Director and Fund Development Chair [email protected]