Melanie Barlow is the Executive Director of Dundas Community Services (DCS). She has worked in the not-for-profit, social services sector for the past 17 years and has advocated for resource-challenged individuals, families, seniors and for youth in the community of Hamilton. She is thrilled to be working with Dundas Community Services which has been an integral part of the Dundas community since 1972. In the beautiful valley town of Dundas, Melanie hopes to build strong relationships with other local organizations, businesses and residents who call Dundas home and who truly care about their neighbours, especially those who are facing challenges.
Dundas Community Services (DCS) is a registered charity established in 1972 by the Dundas Ministerial Association. It will be celebrating 50 years in 2022!
It supports seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities through a wide range of programs and services. Funded in part by the HNHB LHIN, United Way (Halton & Hamilton) and the City of Hamilton.
DCS relies on donors, local service clubs and churches to ensure our programs are available to our community and is powered by over 170+ dedicated volunteers!
DCS Services:
- Services for seniors, and adults with disabilities
- Counselling & referral
- Coordinated Services
Services for Seniors & Persons With Disabilities:
Assisted Transportation Service, Caregiver Support & Education
Lunch & Learns, Caregiver support group, Crisis Intervention & Support, Friendly Visiting
One of the main services of DCS is “Meals-on-Wheels” where volunteers deliver meals Mon-Fri. The meals are prepared by Wentworth Lodge. Another option is frozen meals: Home-style meals with low sodium. These can be kept frozen up to 6 months and are available through pick up or delivery. Here is a link to the video of Phyllis that Melanie was unable to show at the meeting: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXRKYIYMR5w/
During the month of March, DCS is raising awareness about the importance of our Meals on Wheels Program through a program called March for Meals. You can become a ($20+) monthly donor during the month of March and “Canada Helps” will donate $20 to DCS!
Counselling and Referral Service
Employment Counselling, Individual & Family Counselling, Information & Referral
Employment Counselling is given in Partnership with the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford Employment Services
Coordinated Services
Income Tax Clinic 2022: trained community volunteers through McMaster University, Free appointments at DCS, Assisting low-income seniors and individuals. Clinics are available: March 21, March 24 April 7, April 21
Other services: Operation Snow Shovel, Food Drive – upcoming September 2022, and, Dundas Seniors Fair-June 7, 2022.