Social Development Centre Waterloo Region

Overview

The Social Development Centre Waterloo Region (SDCWR) is a Canadian nonprofit organisation established in 1967. It is designated by the Canada Revenue Agency as a registered charity under the registration number 107987166RR0001.

History

The idea for a social planning council in the Waterloo Region was first raised in the 1950s. Local leaders recognized the need for reliable information management regarding social services and sought to build community capacity to address changing local needs. Over the years, the SDCWR has evolved to address gaps in services, particularly for youth, seniors, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups.

Mission

The SDCWR operates as a learning organization focused on improving equity and justice across all spheres of life. Its mission involves bringing together diverse sectors and voices to contribute to meaningful deliberation and collective action. This is achieved through support for groups with lived experience, collaborative research and policy development, and the dissemination of resources to transform social and human service systems.

Core Values and Goals

• Core Values: The SDCWR embodies the principle "nothing about us without us," emphasizing the importance of lived experience in policy and decision-making. It advocates for grassroots and community-based solutions as foundational to social justice.
• Core Goals:
  1. Ensure lived experience voices are heard and valued in local policy decisions.
  2. Provide individuals with lived experience access to necessary information and support.
  3. Offer grassroots organizations the support and shared spaces needed for sustainability and growth.
  4. Maintain a resilient, healthy, adaptable, and accountable organization.

Strategic Approach

The SDCWR implements a strategic plan aimed at transforming community collaboration and ensuring the representation of traditionally excluded voices. This involves deepening community understanding and fostering a future where all voices are valued and included in decision-making processes.

Impact

The organization's work has contributed significantly to addressing complex social challenges in Waterloo Region, focusing on areas such as mental health, social justice, and community-based planning. Despite challenges, the SDCWR views its role as an opportunity to innovate and strengthen community responses to evolving social needs.