|
| Current News & Events | 20 Sewells Road Project | Archived News |
|
December 2004: Wigwamen Incorporated welcomes Sarah-Jayne Kendall to the front desk as Administrative Assistant. Click here to see Sarah-Jayne's and other Wigwamen staff biographies December 1, 2004 November 2004: Wigwamen Incorporated welcomes Warren Canney as the new Counsellor of the Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. The Centre was designed to assist Aboriginal families and individuals experiencing housing difficulties, and Warren brings with him a range of Aboriginal community and programming skills and experience. Click here to see Warren's and other Wigwamen staff biographies November 1, 2004
Summer Picnic Bash!: Big winners that day included: Sheila Wyldes and Tony Recollet, who won a VCR and free move rental from Rogers Video; Dina Kanellopolous, who won a set of Moon Rays for her garden; and Tina Neshkawa, who won a brand new microwave. Another winner was Mark McLeod whose guess was best in the "Guess-the-number-of-gummy-worms" competition. The winners of the Wigwamen Kids' Colouring Contest were also announced (see below for that story, and pictures of the winning artwork). Picnic guests also had the pleasure of hearing the music of the spectacular all-female drum group Spirit Wind, accompanied by the beautiful dancing of Audrey Redmond. Those who enjoyed the music can pick up Spirit Wind's newly released CD "Awakening" by visiting www.spiritwindmusic.com or by calling Brenda McIntyre at 647-271-0893. Don't worry if you missed out on this year's picnic - we'll be holding another one next year! Click here to see photos of this year's picnic!
Congratulations to all entrants of the Wigwamen Kids' Colouring Contest! October 1, 2004 August 2004: Flower Power 2004 Winners:
Click here to see MORE pictures of the winning gardens and other entries to Flower Power 2004! August 2004:
Announcing Wigwamen's 4th Annual Tenant Picnic:
"Sweetgrass" is the name of this year's picnic, and sweetgrass will be a continuing theme throughout the event. Many of the usual crowd favourites will be returning, including the face and body air-brush painting, bingo, and traditional drumming. This year also introduces the Kids' Colouring Contest, where children 0-12 years old who are living in a Wigwamen home will have the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and win great prizes. And of course, the usual barbeque fare of hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and cake will be served. Best of all, it’s absolutely free! All Wigwamen's tenants will be receiving their personalized invitation within the next couple of weeks. Those who return the reply card before the picnic will have their name entered into the draw for one of several amazing door prizes! Click here to read about last year's picnic, and view photos of the event. August 1, 2004 April 2004:Wigwamen Incorporated is hiring a Counsellor for its Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. In general, to further develop and operate a culturally-appropriate Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. 2. To operate an outreach strategy to assist Aboriginal families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 3. To design and co-ordinate the delivery/establishment of culturally-appropriate tenant skills workshops and/or support groups to provide clients with the skills necessary to obtain and/or retain permanent housing. 4. To assess the needs of the Centre's clientele and refer them to appropriate counselling and social services as may be required. 5. To provide clients with information about how to apply for subsidized housing through Toronto Social Housing Connections. 6. To provide the Centre's clientele with information about emergency and temporary shelter options. 7. To maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive list of agencies and services in the City of Toronto for Aboriginal tenants and others at risk of homelessness. 8.
To collaborate with other organizations and service providers to enhance
supports to Aboriginal individuals and families at risk of homelessness.
9.
To ensure the Centre meets funding requirements, and to meet monthly
and/or quarterly internal and
external reporting requirements. QUALIFICATIONS: 1.
Excellent written, oral, and computer skills. 2.
Degree/diploma in social sciences, or equivalent working experience. 3.
Experience in the planning and implementation of culturally-appropriate
programs for the Aboriginal community. 4. Knowledge of issues around Aboriginal housing in an urban setting. 5. Experience in the planning and implementation of workshops and/or support groups. 6. Knowledge of the social housing sector and familiarity with the application process for social housing in Toronto. 7.
Knowledge of the Tenant Protection Act, Social Housing Reform Act, Ontario
Works, ODSP. 8. Knowledge of community organizations, services and other resources in Toronto. DEADLINE: Resumes with cover letters should be received no later than Friday May 7, 2004 at Wigwamen Incorporated, 1930 Yonge Street, Suite 1139, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1Z4. No telephone inquiries please. Meegwetch to all applicants, however, only those applicants to be interviewed will be acknowledged.October 2003: Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp. welcomes new Administrative Assistant Suzanne Shaw to its Peterborough office. Click here to see Suzanne's and other Wigwamen staff biographies October 23, 2003
Wigwamen's 3rd Annual Tenant Picnic:
As tenants arrived, they were treated to a barbeque lunch, followed by a drumming and dancing performance by the Red Spirit drum group and a team of 4 fabulous dancers. Next came the bingo game, at which a lucky Faith Roy won the grand prize VCR. Meanwhile, the children were delighted by Christine the Clown, who made balloon sculptures, and of course, the ever-popular air-brush face and body painter. As for the door prizes, Elaine Martin walked away with a microwave, Janet King won a TV set, and Ivan Toulouse took home a bagless vacuum cleaner. For their donations of prizes, Wigwamen thanks Appliance Canada, Rogers Video and Zellers. Several guests brought food to the picnic; many thanks to Phyllis Jones, Joyce Carpenter, Dolores Wolfman, Glenda Moore and Charles Rosenberg, as well as Board members Marie Rogers and Donna Niven, for their delicious contributions. Thanks also to a mysterious person who delivered the delicious chocolate cake that was enjoyed by many. Hope to see you next year!
September 2, 2003: Wigwamen Incorporated is pleased to announce that Kristen Harder has joined the Toronto staff team as Administrative Assistant in their head office. Click here to see Kristen's and other Wigwamen staff biographies
August 23, 2003: Wigwamen's third annual tenant picnic will take place September 6, 2003 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Christie Pits Park. All of Wigwamen's Toronto Family Housing and Terrace tenants are invited to join in the festivities which include the Red Spirit drum group, a barbeque lunch, variety bingo, and lots of activities for kids. "Family Trees" is the theme for this year's celebration, in recognition of the deep roots of the Aboriginal community in Toronto. A planting station at the picnic site will allow tenants to start their own "family tree" from seed. Again, like last year and the year before, tenants who send in their reply card by Friday, August 29th, will be entered into an early bird draw. Among other items, this year's prizes include a brand new vacuum cleaner and television! Need any more convincing of the fun to be had at Wigwamen's Third Annual Tenant Picnic? Click on the links below!
June 29, 2003: Wigwamen Incorporated is pleased to welcome Milroy Hoosein as the new Manager of Wigwamen Terrace, our 102-unit apartment complex for seniors. With extensive property management experience, Milroy is a sure fit at the Terrace. Click here to see Milroy's and other Wigwamen staff biographies June 4, 2003: Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp. welcomes Aleia Di Natale to the Peterborough office. As the Administrative Assistant for the Rural and Native Housing Program, her background in purchasing and office administration will be of great benefit to Wigwamen. Click here to see Aleia's and other Wigwamen staff biographies
May 5, 2003: Wigwamen Incorporated welcomes Rozella Johnston, the new Counsellor for the Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. The Centre was designed to assist Aboriginal families and individuals experiencing housing difficulties, and Rozella brings to the Counsellor position a range of Aboriginal community and organizational development experience. Click here to see Rozella's and other Wigwamen staff biographies
April 2003: Earlier this year, Wigwamen was approached
by members of the Maadookii Seniors Centre at Chippewas of Nawash First
Nation to help with the development of their senior citizens' housing
project.
April 10, 2003: Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp. requires a full-time Administrative Assistant for their small, active office. Must have strong computer, keyboarding, communication and organizational skills, and be able to work independently with a diverse clientele.Resumes should be received no later than Monday, April 21, 2003 at: Wigwamen
Non-Profit Residential Corp. No telephone inquiries please. March 7, 2003: Wigwamen is hiring an Administrative
Assistant at its Toronto office. The preferred candidate
will have the following qualifications: 1. A minimum two years
office experience and/or relevant education or training. 2. Computer literacy
including but not limited to the use of MS Word and MS Excel. 3. A typing speed of at
least 55 words per minute. 4. Previous experience as
a receptionist, preferably using a Meridian phone system. 5. Demonstrated
experience in, and familiarity with, the Aboriginal community generally,
and a knowledge of issues surrounding Aboriginal housing in an urban
context specifically. Resumes should be
received no later than Wednesday March 26, 2003 at Wigwamen
Incorporated, 1930 Yonge Street, Suite 1139, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1Z4.
No telephone inquiries please. Meegwetch to all
applicants, however only those applicants to be interviewed will be
acknowledged. March 7, 2003: Wigwamen
is hiring a Property Manager for Wigwamen
Terrace, its 102 unit senior citizen's building on Spadina Road in
Toronto. RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities
include but are not limited to: A.
Office Administration and Corporate Reporting: 1.
Provide the General Manager on a monthly basis with written
financial reports, rent reports, property management/operational
service reports, and project reports on issues relevant to the
operation of Wigwamen Terrace, hereinafter referred to as the
“portfolio.” 2.
Set up and maintain the portfolio's office. 3.
Purchase office supplies, equipment, and furnishings as required. 4.
Set up and maintain an appropriate filing system. 5.
Carry out such administrative responsibilities as typing, filing and
photocopying as are required for the successful operation of the
portfolio. 6.
Receive incoming and post outgoing mail. 7.
Attend all meetings as required, act as a resource, and assist with
planning, goal-setting and evaluation. 8.
Provide information and advice to the General Manager to assist in
fulfilling the corporate and legal obligations related to the
portfolio. 9.
Provide the General Manager with a Management report at least one
week in advance of Board meetings. B.
Financial Management: 1.
Provide the Corporation's Financial Controller with information
required to maintain appropriate books of account and financial
records with respect to the operation of the portfolio. 2.
Collect all rent payments and other sums required to be paid and
arrange for the prompt delivery of same to the Corporation's head
office. 3.
Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budget for the
portfolio. 4.
Assist the Corporation's Collections Officer in the preparation of
monthly arrears reports. 5.
Monitor the portfolio’s operating budget and report on budget
performance as and when required. 6.
Review and process all invoices on a timely basis. C.
Tenant Administration: 1.
During open office hours, respond to inquiries from the tenants and
the general public. 2.
Receive, record, and process all applications for rental and
maintain an up-to-date waiting list. 3.
Take all necessary steps to maintain full occupancy of the
portfolio. 4.
Conduct landlord, credit checks, and interviews of all applicants. 5.
Prepare tenant move-in and move-out reports. 6.
Be fully knowledgeable about the requirements of Toronto Social
Housing Connections as they relate to the portfolio. 7.
Be fully knowledgeable of the requirements of the Social Housing
Reform Act 2000 as they relate to the operation of the portfolio. 8.
Prepare and submit to the General Manager all necessary tenant
leases. 9.
Calculate geared-to-income rents in conformity with the requirements
of the City of Toronto and other bodies having jurisdiction. 10.
Provide written notices to tenants for any rent changes as required
by provincial legislation. D.
Property Maintenance: 1.
Supervise cleaning staff and ensure that the portfolio is kept in a
reasonable state of cleanliness. 2.
Ensure that contracts are in place annually to attend to the
landscape and snow removal needs of the portfolio. 3.
Carry out regular physical inspections of the portfolio. 4.
Provide an annual written confirmation of all of the portfolio's
equipment. 5.
Work in co-operation with the corporation's maintenance staff to
ensure that all necessary repairs or alterations are made to the
building, grounds and equipment, including any and all requirements
of police, fire departments, or other bodies having jurisdiction. 6.
Arrange for and keep the portfolio heated to a reasonable
temperature. 7.
Negotiate and administer maintenance service contracts as required. 8.
Keep records of property maintenance current and in an acceptable
form. 9.
Administer warranty inspections and claims. 10.
Assist the maintenance staff in the development of long-term plans
to address the portfolio's maintenance, repair, and replacement
needs. QUALIFICATIONS: The
preferred candidate will have the following qualifications: 1.
A minimum three years property management experience in the
non-profit housing sector. 2.
Demonstrated knowledge of non-profit housing legal and regulatory
requirements. 3.
Demonstrated experience in, and familiarity with, the Aboriginal
community generally, and a knowledge of issues surrounding
Aboriginal housing in an urban context specifically. 4.
Experience working with senior citizens. 5.
Excellent verbal communication, report writing, and facilitation
skills. 6. Computer literacy including but not
limited to the use of MS Word and MS Excel. DEADLINE: Resumes should be received no later than
Friday March 21, 2003 at Wigwamen Incorporated, 1930 Yonge Street,
Suite 1139, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1Z4. No
telephone inquiries please. Meegwetch to all applicants, however only those applicants to be interviewed will be acknowledged. March 7, 2003: Wigwamen is hiring a Counsellor for its Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. In general, to further develop and operate a culturally-appropriate Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. 2. To design and
implement an outreach program to homeless Aboriginal families and
individuals, and Aboriginal families and individuals at risk of
homelessness. 3. To provide
clients with information about how to apply for social housing
through Toronto Social Housing Connections. 4. To provide the
Centre's clientele with information about emergency and temporary
shelter options. 5. To assess the
needs of the Centre's clientele and refer them to appropriate
counselling and social services as required. 6. To design and
co-ordinate the delivery/establishment of culturally- appropriate
tenant skills workshops/support groups to provide Aboriginal
families and individuals at risk of becoming homeless with the
skills necessary to obtain and/or retain permanent housing. 7. To compile an
up-to-date and comprehensive list of agencies and services in the
City of Toronto for Aboriginal tenants and others at risk of
homelessness. 8. To collaborate
with other service providers to enhance supports to Aboriginal
families at risk of homelessness. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Knowledge of
issues surrounding Aboriginal housing in an urban context. 2. Broad knowledge
of community organizations and resources available in Toronto. 3. Knowledge of the
social housing sector and familiarity with the application process
for social housing. 4. Knowledge of the
Tenant Protection Act. 5. Experience in
the design and delivery of culturally appropriate programs for the
Aboriginal community. 6. Excellent
written, oral, and computer skills. DEADLINE: Resumes should be received no later than
Monday March 24, 2003 at Wigwamen Incorporated, 1930 Yonge Street,
Suite 1139, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1Z4. Meegwetch to all applicants, however only those applicants to be interviewed will be acknowledged. January 2003: Rick Bratkowski: 1937 - 2003 It is with great regret that we announce that former Manager of Wigwamen Terrace, Rick Bratkowski, passed away January 7, 2003 as a result of a snowmobile accident in the Parry Sound area. Rick managed the Terrace for almost twenty years, contributing enormously to both its growth and prosperity, and to the development of Wigwamen Incorporated. He will be greatly missed by his family, and by his many friends both here at Wigwamen and throughout the community. November 3, 2002: Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential Corp. is now hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant for its downtown Peterborough office. The successful candidate will be responsible for the administration of the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program. Responsibilities in the position will include:
telephone reception; initial determination of client eligibility; coordination of client portfolios for RRAP Inspectors; outreach and advertising;
budget monitoring.
Strong computer, keyboarding, communication and organization skills,
and the ability to work independently with a diverse clientele, are
required. Mail resumes to: Resumes should be received no later than Monday, November 11,
2002. Thank you to all applicants, but only those considered for an
interview will be contacted.
October 2002: New Staff: Wigwamen welcomes Nicholas Mercredi, the new Manager of Wigwamen Terrace, and Paula Pelletier, as Counsellor for the Aboriginal Housing Support Centre. A Perfect Day for a Picnic! Once again, the Wigwamen Tenant Picnic was a smashing success! On Saturday September 7th, over 200 people gathered at Christie Pits Park in sunny 30 degree weather for the Second Annual Tenant Picnic. The afternoon began with a scrumptious barbeque lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs. After lunch, tenants were treated to a beautiful performance of traditional Native drumming and dancing. But the fun didn't stop there! Afterwards, enthusiasts of all ages enjoyed many rounds of good, old-fashioned bingo, and children lined up for air-brush face and body painting (back from this last year by popular demand!) Three lucky people walked away with door prizes: a colour television set, a deep fryer, and a $50 gift certificate from the Bay/Zellers. In addition, all the children were given a goodie bag to take home, and everyone received a souvenir Wigwamen pen. Special thanks go out to Mike Dimauro, the Terrace Seniors' Club and Yvonne Beaucage who donated prizes. But most of all, we would like to thank everyone who attended, because it's no fun without you! Melanie Brown August 7, 2002: Wigwamen's 2nd Annual Tenant Picnic: Wigwamen is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Tenant Picnic! All of our tenants are invited to join in the festivities on Saturday, September 7th, 2002 from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Just like last year's picnic, there will be a free barbeque lunch, variety bingo and door prizes, as well as crafts and face-painting for the kids. This year will also feature traditional Native storytelling and drumming. Tenants will receive their personal invitation to the picnic in the mail and should be sure to respond by August 30th to have their names entered into the door prize draw! We're looking forward to seeing you there! August 7, 2002: Wigwamen Incorporated is now hiring an Aboriginal Housing Support Centre Counsellor to have the following responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Resumes should be received no later than Friday August 23, 2002, at Wigwamen Incorporated, 1930 Yonge Street, Suite 1139, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1Z4. Meegwetch to all applicants. However, only those applicants to be interviewed will be acknowledged. July 2002:
New Staff: Wigwamen Non-Profit Residential
Corp. welcomes Karyn Drew,
Questionnaire Draws
Overwhelming Response!
A big thank you goes
out to all of our Rural and Native Housing tenants and homeowners who
completed and returned the RNH questionnaire. We received a tremendous
response: 275 replies for 415 surveys mailed out. Thanks to you, we have
been able to compile many important statistics that will be used by the
provincial government in their assessment of the RNH program.
Congratulations to Kevin and Jennifer Moore of Lions Head, Ontario,
who won the draw for a $50 cash prize!
New Staff:
Wigwamen welcomes Maintenance
Manager Brian Taheny.
Wigwamen Non-Profit
Residential Corp is now hiring a
Maintenance Manager to work out of its branch office
in Peterborough, Ontario.
Responsibilities
GENERAL:
Maintenance management of approximately 370 rental and owned units
funded under CMHC's Rural and Native Housing Program in the counties
of Peterborough, Northumberland, and Haliburton, and the City of Kawartha
Lakes.
SPECIFIC:
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Regular Maintenance:
1) develop and implement a schedule of cyclical maintenance; Emergency Maintenance:
1) ensure that there is an emergency after-hours contractor available
to address client needs after hours; Modernization and Improvements:
1) inspect units to determine required repairs; Vacant Unit Protection:
1) arrange for locks of vacant units to be promptly changed; Tendering and Administration of Service Contracts:
1) prepare tenders for service contracts; Cyclical Inspection Review:
1) establish an inspection schedule to ensure that each and every
one of the portfolio's units is inspected at least once every five years; Fire Insurance Claims:
1) arrange for the repair or replacement of unit where it has been
confirmed that the client is not criminally responsible for the loss;
and Client Move-in and other Counselling:
1) review with clients their maintenance responsibilities and provide
them with information on warranties.
Progress Advancing/Contract administration:
1) ensure that applicable contract security and insurance is in place
for each and every contract awarded; and Office Administration:
1) share responsibilities in general administration duties of office
with Client Relations Officer and administrative support staff.
Communication:
1) share information regarding maintenance files and issues with Client
Relations Officer pertaining to filling of vacant units, client selection,
and recycling of vacant units under administration.
Other:
1) such other responsibilities as are assigned from time-to-time by
the Corporation's General Manager.
Qualifications
The preferred candidate will possess four or more years experience
in a residential maintenance management position. Training and experience
in specification writing and cost estimating, a demonstrated thorough
knowledge of the O.B.C., knowledge of landlord/tenant law, familiarity
with the Construction Lien Act and construction law generally, and professional
accreditations including but not limited to C.B.C.O. and/or O.A.P.S.O.
all considered assets.
Resumes should be received no later than Friday, January 18,
2002 No telephone or other inquiries please.
We would like to extend our thanks in advance to all applicants, however
only those applicants to be interviewed will be acknowledged.
New Staff at Wigwamen
Incorporated:
Wigwamen welcomes Administrative
Assistants Yvonne Katcheech
and Melanie Brown to its Toronto office.
A
30th Anniversary
Bash!:
Note: Check out
the October 2001 edition of Wigwam to Wigwam for
photos
of the event!
For the 170 tenants,
staff and board members who gathered in High Park at Wigwamen’s 30th anniversary
celebrations, Saturday, September 15th proved to be a perfectly sunny
and warm, late summer day. While some guests stopped in just for a visit,
others stayed for the whole afternoon. For all however, it was an afternoon
of fun and food - and what more would you want at a birthday party picnic?!
Hula hoops, helium balloons, and games such as the plank walk race
and the egg-on-spoon race (a sometimes messy event!), kept the kids
busy. They were also entertained by a magician and had the opportunity
to have their face, arms or hands decorated by a body painting artist.
For the adults, variety bingo was one of the afternoon’s highlights.
And everyone received a 30th anniversary souvenir pin to take home.
A constant and seemingly endless supply of drinks and barbequed hotdogs
and hamburgers kept everyone fed. Before topping the meal off with some
delicious birthday cake, there was a short speech by City Councilor
and Chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Jane Pitfield. Next,
a few words from long-standing Board member and President of Wigwamen,
Bill Kinoshameg. Following this, four very happy door prize winners
walked off with a new microwave, VCR, coffee maker and gift certificates
from Swiss Chalet!
Several photo albums showing some of the highlights of Wigwamen’s
30 years of providing non-profit housing for Aboriginal people in Toronto,
were on display at the welcome table. Perusing the pages, tenants could
get a sense of the construction of Wigwamen Terrace in 1979, as well
as look through three years worth of beautiful Flower Power garden photos,
mementos of the Toronto 2000 Urban Native Housing Conference, and pictures
of a number of the family housing units.
As photographer of the event, I had the opportunity to wander about
and capture some special moments on camera. I am sure that I speak for
all in pronouncing the 30th anniversary picnic a success!
Adene Kuchera
New Staff at Wigwamen
Incorporated:
Wigwamen welcomes Maintenance
Manager Ryan Reynolds
and Administrative Assistant Sarah Howden
to its Toronto office, and RRAP Administrative Assistant Elizabeth
Else to its Peterborough office.
30th Anniversary
Picnic!: In celebration of
30 years of providing non-profit housing for Aboriginal people in Toronto,
Wigwamen Incorporated is hosting a picnic at High Park on Saturday,
September 15th. Every one of our family housing and Terrace tenants
have been invited, as well as all current staff and board directors.
Invitations have also gone out to former directors and we are looking
forward to appearances from some of those who helped to build Wigwamen
over the past 3 decades.
November
4, 2000:
Toronto 2000!
Between October 31 -
November 3, 2000, over 100 staff and Board members from 33 urban Native
housing organizations across Ontario gathered together for the "Toronto
2000 Urban Native Housing Conference." Sponsored by the Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
the conference is held in a different city each year. This fall it was
held at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto, and was hosted by
Wigwamen Incorporated. Adene Kuchera Aboriginal Housing Support Centre Link to Aboriginal Housing Support Centre website Serving as a central
agency for the provision of counselling and referral services to Aboriginal
individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless, Wigwamen's Aboriginal
Housing Support Centre officially opened on Monday, April 24, 2000.
In January of 2001, the City of Toronto, through the Homelessness Initiatives
Fund, awarded Wigwamen Incorporated with funding to continue the services
of the Centre for another year.
|
||||||
Wigwamen
Incorporated