[MISSION]   [OBJECTIVES]    [VALUES]    [PHILOSOPHY]

OBJECTIVES

• Provide Direct Services
   
• Provide services which respond to the immediate needs of people in crisis.
• Provide supportive and mutual-help services as well as individual and family counseling.
• Provide consultation and support for community-based groups and organizations.
• Provide information and referrals.
   
• Coordinate services
   
• Create solid ties with other community services dealing with similar issues with the view to promote and maintain these existing services as well as to broaden the inventory of complementary services from which our clients can choose.
• Encourage the development of common policies and practices which reflect the philosophy of the LCRC among the agencies with which the LCRC has service contracts.
   
• Service Planning
   
• Identify community needs.
• Take concrete measures to develop programs and services which meet identified needs.
• Develop management policies for programs and services.
• Carry out strategic planning and establish work plans.
   
• Implement activities to raise community consciousness
   
• Formulate and carry out projects that sensitize residents about different issues.
• Encourage the participation of residents in these activities.
   
• Engage in social action
   
• Advocate with and for those affected with the view to:
  
  
  • eliminate obstacles which prevent achievement of a reasonable standard of living;
  • eliminate all forms of discrimination;
  • change social policies which do not meet the needs of poor people;
  • demand the creation of new services.
   
• Offer training and development
   
• Offer members of the Board of Directors, volunteers and staff the opportunity for training in such areas as:
  
  
  • critical analysis of one's values and ideas that may be discriminatory;
  • periodic updating of knowledge and skills;
  • furthering creativity and flexibility in the design and implementation of programs and services.
   
• Evaluation
   
• Ensure that the LCRC remains sensitive and responds appropriately to the needs of the residents of Lowertown and that it is accountable to them.
• Ensure that the LCRC remains sensitive to the needs and expectations of the staff and volunteers and that it is accountable to them.
• Ensure that the LCRC solicits the participation and views of the whole of the community.

VALUES

Equality
Social Justice
Open-mindedness
Accessibility
Sensitivity
Empowerment
Respect for Differences
Teamwork and Cooperation
Integrity
Flexibility
Honesty
Fair and Safe Work Conditions
Autonomy
Respect for Self and Others
Responsibility
Confidentiality
Mutual Support
Welcoming
Sense of Belonging
Community Spirit 

PHILOSOPHY

• Respect for human rights

• The LCRC undertakes to protect the equality rights of each individual and to eliminate all forms of discrimination, in particular that based on race, language, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation or handicap.
• The LCRC recognizes and values the differences and diversity of the community.
• The LCRC opposes all forms of oppression and believes that all forms of violence against women, children, the elderly or anyone else is a crime and a violation of human rights.

• Development of autonomy

• The LCRC believes that people who seek help can attain autonomy more quickly when they receive appropriate information, can make real choices and are treated with dignity.
• The LCRC recognizes the ability of each individual and each group to take charge of themselves and influence the evolution of their community.
• The LCRC advocates for people and groups who have difficulty in demanding and exercising their rights.
• The LCRC offers people the necessary practical and emotional support to meet their needs. 

• Egalitarian milieu

• The LCRC values support and cooperation in all aspects of the planning and delivery of services.
• The LCRC is committed to adopting and maintaining a strategy of service delivery which enhances the skills and experience of staff in an atmosphere of equity and respect. 
• The LCRC ensures that each of its activities is a learning experience by drawing on the knowledge and concrete experiences of the people and groups concerned.
• The LCRC encourages partnerships between community-based groups.