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Our history

ourhistory1.jpg • June 1990, incorporation status for the agency is approved.

• July 1992, Abrigo Centre is given charitable status as per federal guidelines.

• April 1993, agency is admitted as a member agency of  the United Way.

• October 1994, the Ministry of Community & Social Services provides funding for expansion of Abrigo Centre to provide family services to the Portuguese-speaking community.

• June 1995, Youth Services program is established.

• September 1996, membership approves new expanded mission for Abrigo Centre.

• January 1997, Targeted Wage Subsidy program is established.

• April 1997, program for male perpetrators of violence is established.

• September 1997, membership officially confirms Abrigo Centre as the new name for the agency.

• July 1998, Abrigo Centre becomes trustee for Dufferin Mall Youth Services for a period of two years.

• February 1999, Mission is revised and a new strategic plan is developed.

• June 1999, agency moves to new location at Dufferin Mall.

• July 2000, Community Development and Integration program is established to assist both the Angolan and Brazilian newcomer communities.

• July 2000, Services to Portuguese speaking seniors and people with special needs is also established to provide instrumental assistance.

• August 2002, agency is approved as the Community Coordinator for west Toronto to deliver the Wage Subsidy program on behalf of Human Resources Development Canada.

• September 2003, agency revises its vision, mission, values, statements and strategic plan.

• United Way funds a new outreach program to assist Angolan refugee youth as of April 2004.

• December 2005, Service Canada funds a n
ew project that helps place newcomers in employment. This project replaces the Wage Subsidy program that was brought to a close in July of 2005.

• November 2006, the Ministry of Children & Youth Services funds an innovative parenting program for Portuguese speaking families in collaboration with the Children’s Aid Societies in Toronto. 

• January 2007, Service Canada transfers the implementation of Abrigo’s Employ-Link for Newcomers program over to the province of Ontario.  The Ministry of Colleges, Training & Universities assumes responsibility for the program as part of a new initiative entitled Employment Ontario.