Central Neighbourhood House

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CNH Jane's Walk: 100 Years of Social Inclusion

April 26th, 2011

CNH Jane`s Walk: 100 Years of Social Inclusion

Saturday, May 7^th

10am – 12pm

Visit us on FaceBook: Central Neighbourhood House 100th Anniversary 

Before Employment Insurance, Welfare and the health care system, there were social reformers. In 1911, Central Neighbourhood House, led by a group of such reformers, opened its doors to The Ward, at the time the most ethnically diverse and congested part of the city. At a time of discrimination, the House established itself as a place of inclusion that supported healthy babies, happy children and well-integrated new Canadians. This year, the House is celebrating its 100^th anniversary, along with the many trials and celebrations along the way. The crowded slum that was the Ward is now gone, but the stories of tens of thousands of participants who have passed through the doors of Central Neighbourhood House remain.

Join us in visiting CNH’s first home, once a brothel, where well dressed young men in search of that earlier service would sometimes wake the CNH staff in residence, the Elizabeth Street Playground, that was the focus of the famous CNH Children’s Marches of the early years, and two other of the House’s five locations over the last century, including its current home at 349 Ontario Street. Along the way we will discuss the history of the House, its beginnings and early days, the battles in the neighbourhood, with City Hall and sometimes from within. Participants from over the years will be on hand to relay their experiences as children, youths and adults learning to thrive as neighbours at the House, while staff will be on hand to discuss current programs.

The walk is to begin in the green space on the east side of Toronto General Hospital, located on the westside of Elizabeth Street between College and Gerrard Street West. We will meet at the large black abstract statue in the middle of the green space. The walk’s first stop will be 84 Gerrard Street West, found at the northeast corner of Gerrard Street West and Laplante Streets. The walk will end at CNH`s current location (349 Ontario Street).

Please bring water and comfortable shoes. Refreshments will be on hand at  our final destination.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - to give information about the history of CNH along the way, and to talk about their connection/experience at CNH. Please email Toby Mullaly if you are interested at or call 416-891-4168. Thank you!

CNH gratefully acknowledges the generous support of: