Information Orillia, an organization with deep roots in the community that provides dozens of “essential services” shocked many when they abruptly announced this morning they will close as of Oct. 1.
The surprising decision means three full-time staffers will be out of work - as will a handful of part-time employees.
“It certainly is a very difficult decision,” said board chair Christina Petsinis, who just assumed the position a few weeks ago after serving on the board for a year.
“It affects a lot of people, it affects the entire community, it affects our staff,” she said, adding it’s “hard to articulate” how difficult it was for the board to make its decision.
She said the issue is “ongoing funding issues.” She said Information Orillia is an independent, non-profit that relies on funding from the City of Orillia, the province (through Trillium and Ministry of Seniors Affairs) and the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area.
“We are taking the time to evaluate the best course of action to enable this organization to continue to provide the essential services that it has provided to this community for the past 50 years,” she explained.
Coun. Tim Lauer, the city’s appointee on the board, said Information Orillia is reliant on funding to survive.
“This isn’t uncommon for non profits,” said Lauer, explaining that such organizations “set expectations, develop fund-raising goals, anticipate certain levels of funding from government” and develop a business plan based on that.
“Then, reality hits, money doesn’t come in and … you have less than you anticipated,” said Lauer.
“Some organizations are in good enough position to absorb, retool and bounce back. Information Orillia has been operating at the edge for quite a while and, to the board’s credit, they had to face reality,” said Lauer.
“And also to the board’s credit, they are looking at the services and (will) go through a process of evaluation to see how they can save what has been a very important and essential service for the community,” said Lauer.
The Ward 4 councillor said the city has supported the organization with free rent at the library and consistent funding; last year, the city provided $60,000 in funding.
“The city has been very supportive,” said Lauer. “We’ve given them pretty well what they’ve asked for over the past five or six years.”
Lauer said he couldn’t help but think about Art Bradford today. Bradford was the driving force behind Information Orillia. Coincidentally, it was 50 years ago this year that Bradford started the organization.
“He was tireless, a warrior,” said Lauer.
The long-time city councillor said he is hopeful the services offered by the organization can continue.
“Information Orillia is a navigator,” explained Lauer. “All kinds of people with all kinds of issues who don’t know where to turn, phone Information Orillia and they will direct you to where you need to go and get your problem solved. It’s a very important service.”
In addition, Information Orillia provides support services for a variety of initiatives such as the Situation Table and the Good Food Box program.
For many years, it has also offered free income tax returns to seniors and those on fixed incomes.
Lauer said that “amazing service” was “critical” to people. He said those who don’t file taxes aren’t eligible to receive government support such as child tax benefits.
Last year, Information Orillia did tax returns for about 900 people, generating refunds of about $270,000, Lauer noted.
“We, as a city, believe services Information Orillia provided are essential and we will do everything we can to cooperate … and to aid in the re-evaluattion and eventual solution,” said Lauer.
He admits he’s not sure “how that’s going to happen” but there is hope other partners might get involved to take on responsibility for some of the services.
Petsinis also expressed hope.
“The board is working diligently to evaluate our services. We are exploring options and possibilities.”
However, that likely won’t save the jobs of the three full-time employees: Nicolette Hawco ( Operation and Resources Manager), Kayla Young (Client Services and Records Administrator) and Karissa Barker (Manager of Volunteer and Youth Engagement Services).
“It’s really unfortunate when it involves people’s livelihood,” said Lauer.
