Carizon supports community development in Waterloo Region through two neighbourhoods: Paulander and Erb West.
Carizon utilizes a townhouse community space in each neighbourhood that acts as a gathering space for fun, learning and support.
For more information, please contact us:
Paulander Community Centre
60 Paulander Avenue, Unit 1, Kitchener, ON N2M 5A5
Phone: 519-741-1152
Hours of Service: Monday – Thursday | 12:30–5:30 p.m.
Erb West Share and Care House
45 F Amos Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 2W6
Phone: 519-497-8254
Hours of Service: Monday – Wednesday & Friday | 12:00–5:00 p.m.
The goal of our work is to empower neighbours to take charge of making their community a better place to live, learn, work and play. The community centre provides a physical space for neighbours to socialize, share their skills and support each other. We bring programs and services to the Centre that meet the needs and interests of the neighbours. This is often done through partnership with other Carizon programs or community partners. Centres also offer volunteer opportunities to the neighbours, which increase their capacity to support themselves and each other.
The Centres and the staff nurture community connections and relationships, and collaborate to address concerns and gaps identified by the community. We provide a safe space in which residents can express grievances and work toward solutions together from a grassroots level. We especially focus on empowering people to self-organize, connect, and create their own unique neighbourhoods. We do this by connecting neighbours, hosting neighbourhood events and programs, and providing skills and training opportunities to develop leadership in both adults and youth. When people feel empowered and engaged in their community, they learn new skills and have an increase in their overall sense of wellbeing.