About St. Felix Centre
St. Felix Centre is a community centre located in downtown Toronto dedicated to compassionate service of those experiencing challenges including homelessness, mental illness, addictions, violence, malnutrition, abuse, insufficient education, and lack of positive role models. We work to provide an inclusive spiritual presence, social outreach, direct service, and advocacy for those in need.
We are located directly next to a housing cooperative, Atkinson Co-op. Many people who live in the co-op building have low incomes. 750 of these people are children.
Although this densely-populated community is a significant focal point for our services, other children, families, and individuals from the surrounding community also attend our programs.
History
St Felix Centre was started by Felician Sisters, a congregation of Catholic religious women. They began this tradition of giving and support in the late 1930's at their convent located at 25 Augusta Ave. Shortly after, a daycare was built for children of new immigrants behind this convent and operated until 1990.
Throughout the years, the sisters provided food and other assistance to people in need who came to their convent seeking help.
We continue to build on the foundation established by the Felician Sisters, faithful to our core values: dignity of person, hospitality, compassionate service, holistic support.
The Felician Sisters have also recently opened the doors of the Holy Name of Mary College School in Mississauga
- 1990
- 1992
- 1993
-
Mid
1990s -
1997
to 1999 - 1999
- 2000
- 2001
- 2003
-
2003
to Present
-
The Felician Sisters Day Nursery and Kindergarten was closed.
-
The lunch program was formally established and operated from the convent's kitchen.
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The Sisters' named their outreach "St. Felix Centre".
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Other groups and individuals became involved to offer more programs for adults and children, including a summer day camp.
-
Former daycare was renovated to include:
- Full service food preparation kitchen
- Indoor dining room for lunch program and other programs
- Offices and reception area
- Gathering spaces for large and small groups
-
St. Felix Centre moved into newly renovated facilities.
-
New projects were started, including:
- Mentoring program for children
- After-school programs for children
- Pastoral care and social services for adults
-
Math Tutoring program initiated.
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St. Felix Centre gained Registered Charitable Status and started to issue tax receipts for donations. Additional sources of funding could now be sought.
-
- New staff and programs have been added as resources allow
- Renovations of outdoor area to create an environment conducive to reflection and peace.
- Governance was restructured and expanded in 2006, welcoming a dedicated group of people with diverse gifts to offer.
