Community Organizations Programs and Services
Community organizations are an important part of our community. 
Many are not-for-profit and are formally incorporated. Others are more informal groups of people. They include:
- Community Information Centres
- Libraries
- Community Centers and Neighbourhood Organizations
- Public Computer Access Sites
- Family Services and Assistance Programs
Community organizations offer many programs and services, from fun programs to giving out food hampers, from children’s programs to seniors’ groups, from supports for people with disabilities to help in starting your own small business.
Community organizations are also a great way to get involved and get to know other people in your community.
Waterloo Region has hundreds of community organizations. Community Information Centres keep a list of these communtiy organizations. Contact them for more information.
Libraries are great places to find out about Waterloo Region and more. They have many books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and other resources. You can borrow most of these things. Most libraries have some books in other languages and free use of the internet.
There are local libraries in each of the cities in Waterloo Region with over 20 library branches:
Many areas have community centres or groups that offer programs and services for their neighbourhood. They are great places to get to know your neighbours and get help.
For a list of community centres and neighbourhood organizations visit:
All libraries and some community organizations let you use the internet for free. You may be able to use the computers for other things like making a resume or doing school work.
For a list of some of these places, go to the Community Access Program websites:
Family services and assistance programs help families in times of need and keep children safe and healthy. The following are a few helpful programs.
- Region of Waterloo Social Services offers many employment and financial assistance programs.
- offers outreach services and help with basic needs for low income families with children. The program is a partnership between the Region of Waterloo and 14 community organizations. Outreach workers help to meet basic needs and build on the strengths in each neighbourhood.
- Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region protects children, and has programs to support all children, strengthen families, and to develop a caring environment for children. If you think that a child is being neglected or abused contact Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region.
- Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) takes calls from young people who want to ask a question. The call is free and you don’t have to give your name when you call.
- Access Waterloo Region provides information about local resources for people living, working, or supporting someone with a disability.
For more information about other local services see the Waterloo Region Basic Needs Guide. The guide will tell you where to go for basic needs like housing, food, or health. Most of the services are free.
For more information...