Message from the President

It was a fantastic honour for me to be named President & CEO of WoodGreen on January 1, 2015.

I’ve spent the last 38 years at WoodGreen, and I’ve continued to be amazed at the transformational work this incredible agency and its staff do for the people of Toronto every day.

Each of our 36 locations acts as a community hub within the bustling, busy neighbourhoods we serve. As you flip through the pages of this Annual Report, you’ll see examples of how WoodGreen’s innovative programs are helping to break the cycle of poverty, build strong communities, support independence and create opportunities for our 37,000 clients.

The Walk-In Counselling Clinic is providing barrier-free, no-cost access to quality mental health services for people in our community who need immediate access to counselling. A brand new, state-of-the-art community kitchen opened in the spring at our 55 Pape Avenue housing location, providing hundreds of tenants with a wonderful new space to prepare and enjoy meals together. The Homeward Bound Campus is now complete, with the addition of the campus’ central space, the Brian Smith Centre for Opportunity. WoodGreen’s work on community hubs led to the creation of the Premier's Community Hub Framework Advisory Group, and WoodGreen will continue to be involved, serving as the community partner.

We’ve achieved some incredible things this year. WoodGreen’s 650 staff members and 1,000 volunteers work tirelessly to make change and opportunity for WoodGreen’s clients. Without their efforts, none of this would be possible. The next 5 years are going to be a very exciting time for WoodGreen, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the organization down this exciting path.

Anne Babcock
President & CEO, WoodGreen Community Services