The West Island’s Community Resource Centre
By Sandra Watson
The West Island Community Resource Centre (CRC) helps to empower and support individuals and families in the West Island by connecting them to the resources, services, and programs they need to improve their quality of life. The CRC aims to strengthen the community by ensuring that West Islanders, particularly those living in vulnerable situations, have access to the right support networks. Its information and referral service is provided by phone, email, or in person. One of its most popular programs is CRC Mobile. West Island resources can at times be difficult to find or time-consuming to navigate. CRC Mobile is an information and referral program that aims to improve the quality of life for seniors and families by connecting them to existing and suitable resources available in the West Island community.
The CRC Mobile Facilitator can meet up at a convenient location to discuss the current circumstances and help identify specific needs. The family or senior will then be directly linked to the relevant community resources available.
In recent years, the CRC has witnessed a significant rise in the demand for its services, with many cases becoming more complex and urgent. Among those most affected are seniors, who are increasingly living in precarious conditions and facing deep economic challenges. For many, navigating the overloaded healthcare system feels impossible—long waitlists and limited access to care have left them feeling hopeless.
Many seniors simply don’t know where to turn for help, unsure of the programs and services available to them, or worse, finding that the support they need just doesn’t exist. This gap is leaving too many vulnerable seniors isolated and struggling, without the resources or guidance to improve their situation.
Community organizations like the CRC have become the lifeline for these seniors, stepping in as a safety net while they wait for access to vital healthcare services. But it’s more than just connecting them to care—it’s about offering them hope, companionship, and the reassurance that they are not alone. Many seniors feel isolated, but through the CRC’s compassionate work, they are reminded that there is a community that cares deeply for them, ready to support them.
In these moments, we realize the power of a helping hand and a kind heart. By supporting our seniors, we are not just addressing their immediate needs; we are giving them the dignity, security, and sense of belonging they deserve. Without funding, these programs cannot go on. They are essential and help so many. Any donation, big or small, is very much appreciated, as is the community’s support to continue helping our most vulnerable. To help, please visit the CRC’s website at https://crcinfo.ca/.