The Community & Family Services is a unique ministry of The Salvation Army Community Church, Woodstock.  Its sole purpose is to be the loving and compassionate “Hands of Christ” to hurting and needy people who are struggling in a world that is sometimes unloving, apathetic and unjust.

To work with other agencies to bring about the independence of our clients through a community support system.

Food Bank	Did your budget not get you through to the end of the month?  Maybe you have an unexpected expense this month.  Food assistance can be accessed by appointment once a month if required.
Clothing	An emergency clothing allowance is available for you and your family from our adequate thrift store.  Clothing will be made available for transients and emergency situations upon eligibility.
Furniture	Emergency assistance is available for certain items of furniture upon eligibility, upon availability of all items.  We can also provide a written estimate of items available from The Salvation Army Store for applying for an Ontario Works start up.
Bread Program	Each day, Monday to Friday, we have a selection of breads and baked goods available – bread, rolls, donuts, muffins, bagels and assorted baked goods.  Most days we also have a selection of outdated or damaged canned goods and packaged foods.

Emergency Response	The Salvation Army is an emergency agency, willing and able to meet crisis situations whenever they hit.  We have access to a Canteen Truck, but even before it arrives we are on site with beverages and foods as required.  You may find us set up at a fire scene, a multi-vehicle accident on a highway, involved in tornado clean up, ice storms causing major damage, floods, etc.  We are part of the Oxford County Emergency Plan with duties in the following areas: assist with evacuations co-ordinate and provide feeding of personnel at the disaster site and reception centre provide bedding and clothing provide and co-ordinate clergy assistance if designated, we will operate reception area
Family Tracing	Are you trying to locate a family member?  Our main purpose is to reunite family members who wish to find each other.  Searching for a person can be a lengthy process, sometimes even up to a year or more.  To begin your search you are required to fill out the Family Tracing Service Inquiry Form available at our office.
Volunteer Program	Do you require hours for Ontario Works Workfare? 40 hours for school? Community Service Hours?  Do you just want to get out of the house and do something useful? We may have a position for you.  Just drop off your resume or complete The Salvation Army Volunteer Registration Form available at our office.
Spiritual Guidance	As mature Christians, the Family Services staff are available to help people through a holistic approach where we can guide them spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Through this approach we can help them to make the necessary changes in their lives to lead a satisfying, productive life. We learn to leave old habits and develop new ones with Bible principles on how to improve ourselves.  We are here for you with a listening ear.  God’s Word, the Bible, is the best source of self-help.
Budgeting Advice	Are you struggling with income and bills? We can help you with a budget sheet and recommendations on money management.  We can also refer you for further advice and financial counselling.
Fruit & Vegetable Box	Quality, fresh, nutritious foods.  Cheap! (bulk prices)   NO MEMBERSHIP FEES!!  Available monthly.  Only $15.00 per box.    Contact Bonnie for more information and to register for this program.

Camp Sonshine

A Day Camp for children ages 4 – 12 years.  Includes recreation, campfires, swimming, crafts, trips, and music, Bible stories and so much more.  Spending time with God has never been so fun.  We have Godly teaching with caring staff in a safe environment.  Camp Sonshine operates out of The Salvation Army Community Church on Juliana Drive from 9am – 4pm for 9 weeks during the summer months.

Summer Adventure Camp

Every year The Salvation Army holds a 6 day holiday camp for children ages 7 – 12 who may not other wise have a holiday.  The program consists of a wide variety of activities including swimming, hiking, games and recreation, crafts, campfires and chapel services. For more information on this camp, contact the Family Services office.  Applications are usually at our office starting in March.  Spaces are limited.

Are you concerned that you will not be able to meet your family’s needs at Christmas?  We may be able to help out with our Christmas Hamper Program.  This consists of a food hamper, adequate for Christmas, plus gifts for children 15 years and under. This is not only available for those on Social Assistance.  Anyone who is in need at Christmas time may apply.

To apply for A Christmas Hamper you need to fill out an application form at The Family Services office.  Watch the newspaper and notices around town for the dates and times.  Those who have a genuine problem with transportation, please contact Bonnie or Vanessa at the office.  REMEMBER: A completed application submitted by the deadline enables us a better opportunity to fill your children’s gift requests.

You never know what you'll find at the thrift store:

Books & Magazines
Clothing	Child and Adult Sizes
Furniture	Tables, Chairs, Sofas, Beds, Televisions, Radios, Lamps, and Microwave Ovens
Small Appliances	Toasters, Irons, Blenders, Mixers and Kettles
Large Appliances	Stoves, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers and Dryers
Sports Equipment	Golf Clubs, Skiis, Skates, Bikes, Exercise Bikes and Equipment
Misc. Items	China, Glassware, Cooking Utensils, Jewellery, and Toys

Our truck can pick up your donated articles. Call us to schedule an appointment.

190 Huron Street
Woodstock, ON
Phone: (519) 539-6166

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18 Main Street
Norwich, ON
Phone: (519) 863-6375

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Attention Tenants...

Are you experiencing any of the following?

• Loss of your home due to fire
• Facing possible eviction
• Unable to meet your rent payments
• Problems with other tenants
• Disputes with your landlord
• Problems finding suitable and affordable housing
• Problems accessing a current housing registry
• Poor upkeep of your units
• Not knowing your rights under the Tenant Protection Act

We can help!

Attention Landlords...

Are you experiencing any of the following?

• Tenants not paying their rent
• Tenants disturbing other tenants
• Possibly having to evict
• Destructive tenants
• Disputes with tenants
• Not knowing your rights under the Tenant Protection Act
• Not registered on a current housing registry

We can help!

Our services include...

• A housing advocate trained to deal with your particular concerns
• Temporary emergency housing to eligible families
• Assistance to find permanent housing
• Interest free loans for first or last month’s rent
• Liaison between tenants and landlords in settling disputes and attempting to prevent eviction
• Access to a current housing registry for Oxford County
• Provision or assistance with access to life-skills training, employment support, money management and other self-help programs available in the community
• Advice regarding clients’ rights and obligations under the Tenant Protection Act

We are here to assist you.

906 James Street
Woodstock, ON
N4S 1S4

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Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Please call for an appointment.
Phone: (519) 539-7235 - after hours calls will be returned in emergency situations.

Housing Advocate - Joyce Townson
Housing Advocate - Carolyn Smidts