TORONTO, ON – August 3, 2023 — The Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) is excited to announce the launch of Strategic Plan 2023-2028, which will guide the agency’s direction and activities for the next five years. The plan is the result of an extensive consultative process, including focus groups and surveys with clients and staff, as well as working sessions with the Board of Directors and the management team conducted over the course of eight months.
Considering the ever-evolving challenges faced by our communities, CICS’ strategic planning process aimed to bring clarity to the agency’s purpose and maximize its effectiveness in making a difference. CICS’s front-line experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the significance of human connections and the vital role they play in fostering physical and mental health in our cities.
"We believe CICS is in the business of building communities by creating human connections, and good things happen when humans connect," said CICS Executive Director Alfred Lam. "This fresh and exciting direction has become the foundation of our new strategic plan."
The CICS Strategic Plan 2023-2028 establishes four pillars:
- Optimizing Clients' Experience: ensuring every client is treated as “humans first” with respect, offering value in every interaction, and empowering them to create welcoming communities
- Recruiting and Retaining Talent: creating a compassionate, fair, equitable and environmentally responsible workplace, and cultivating a culture of growth and development
- Deepening Health and Wellness Partnerships: fostering physical and mental well-being in the community, transforming CICS’ head office into a space dedicated to promoting health and building the community food programs
- Growing Revenue Base: engaging donors, diversifying revenue sources, and nurturing relationships with funders
"We invite everyone to join us on this journey of creating a positive impact to make lives better for all," added Alfred Lam. "Together, we will be an unstoppable force for good."
Download CICS Strategic Plan 2023-2028 here.
Additionally, CICS is pleased to announce that the Annual Report for the year 2022-2023 has been published. This four-page succinct report highlights CICS’ achievements and progress during the past year. Explore the report and learn more about CICS’ continued commitment to making a positive impact in the communities.
About the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS)
Founded in 1968, CICS is a not-for-profit organization and a registered charity that provides core settlement and integration services, including language training and employment, at eight locations across Toronto and York Region, serving more than 20,000 clients every year from early years children to seniors. CICS has also established a community food program that aims at increasing food security through our own community garden, community kitchen and food bank. CICS is as well committed to building welcoming and inclusive communities by being a strong advocate for social justice and anti-racism. Learn more at CICS’ website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
###
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Nicole Leung