Unlike the first three that had substantial financial backing, LAMP was an experiment in health care delivery that many thought would fail and others actively tried to get it to fail. LAMP was one of the province’s first community health centres, a model of care that emphasized consumer rights, community control and a commitment to social justice. Today there is much talk about integrating health care services. Well LAMP was based on an integrated model of care. The plan was for LAMP to be the one place where people could either get their needs met or find out where else they could go to get them met. Since LAMP was only funded for a one year trial period money was scarce. Staff compensation was extremely low and much of the facility was furnished with items that staff and board would pick up at garage sales. There were no computers, although 1977 was the year that the first home computer was unveiled. Looking back it is hard to imagine how LAMP survived; you could say it was set up to fail. But it didn’t, and I believe it succeeded primarily because of the commitment of those who were involved in those early days. They knew at least at some level they had the potential to create something special and they simply would not let LAMP fail. Today we are in a very different place. We now buy our furniture at furniture stores and we are certainly not being threatened with closure. While no one can predict the future with any certainty, it is quite possible that LAMP will be around for another 40 years. That is not to say the future will not have its challenges, but they will be different from those previously encountered. We are now part of the mainstream of the health care system. While LAMP has and will continue to provide excellent programs and services, the ethos of LAMP is based in equity and rooted in the social determinants of health. We are obligated to speak out against injustice whether that is the “carding” of Black Youth; LGBTQ rights, or income inequality to name but three. That is a much bigger mandate than providing services but it is foundational to who we are. Speaking truth to power is not without its challenges but we won’t let the founders or our community down. LAMP will always be here for you.

Fabulous 40th Celebrate LAMP’s

Join us for 4 decades of fun!

LAMP Community Health Centre Summer 2017

Save the date!

Do you remember 1977? To jog your memory it was the inaugural season for the Blue Jays; Roots was the rage of the television season; Star Wars burst on to the silver screen, and most importantly LAMP opened its doors. Saturday, Oct. 21st

LAMP’S 40TH Anniversary Celebrating 40 years of quality health, wellness, and community service

2017 is a big year for LAMP! For the past 4 decades LAMP has been committed to serving the Etobicoke-Lakeshore community. We launched our 40th Anniversary celebrations with a Kick-Off Weekend Brunch on February 26th at the Mimico Cruising Club. The afternoon was filled with fun memories, great food and strong community connections. LAMP has grown, and now serves East Mississauga and the Central Etobicoke communities.

The Big Bash! LAMP’s Fabulous 40th Anniversary Celebration

We need your ideas!

For many of us LAMP is a special place, and as part of our 40th Anniversary activities we invite you to join our Word Cloud! Share 4 words that describe what LAMP means to you. Your words will help form our Word Cloud which will be revealed at our Big Bash and put in LAMP’s time capsule.

Join LAMP’s Word Cloud

Here’s how you can help:

1. Choose 4 words that describe what LAMP means to you. 2. Email your words to Jasmin Dooh at jasmind@lampchc.org or

drop them off at LAMP (185 Fifth Street, Etobicoke, ON) addressed with Attn: LAMP Word Cloud.

1970s

2000s

1980s 1990s

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017 Time: Matinee and/or evening event Place: Humber College Lakeshore Campus G Commons (G101A G101B)

Celebrating 40 years of building a stronger, healthy, resilient community. Boogie with the Community Soul Project live band as we celebrate 4 decades of fun!

A shining example of local community champions took home LAMP’s Awards of Merit recently, recognizing their outstanding contributions for building a stronger, healthy and resilient community. LAMP’s 18th annual Awards of Merit recognized 19 people, 2 organizations, and 2 businesses for going well beyond the call of duty and community service. Acts of kindness, generosity of spirit and thoughtfulness form the bedrock of a healthy community. These winners distinguish themselves as great role models and join a long list of local heroes who enrich peoples’ lives. Congratulations to all.

18th Annual Awards of Merit

Above: Photo highlights from last year’s celebration.

Jean Augustine Centre Jennifer Oliverrie Laurie Craigen Lemon and Lavender Mimico Children’s Choir P.C. Michael Burgess Peter Casey Ricardo Franco Salum Saady Stephanie Goddard Vanessa Rich

Andre Dugas Autumn Whalen Bri Gardner Bruce Buchanan Delicia Bakery Gail McCord Geraldine Theret Gill Dugas Ian Kelly Jacquelen Persaud Jaime Carpenter Janelle Carpenter

LAMP Awards of Merit 2017 Honour Roll

2017 Event Gallery

LAMP’s 40th Anniversary Open House/ Health & Wellness Fair

International Women’s Day Luncheon

The event-filled day included a New Toronto Jane's Walk, Laughter Yoga, smoothie making, information on LAMP programs/ services, gardening activities, nutrition workshops, garage sale and more.

South Etobicoke became greener and healthier in 2016 with a new pilot project called the GARDENS Pod Project. The GARDENS Pod Project was initiated by the GARDENS Advisory Council (GAC), a group of residents and organizations from Ward 6 including LAMP CHC with the primary aim of addressing food insecurity. This initiative based on a model of mobile gardens (Pods) assembled on underutilized community/business spaces made it possible for many groups, including LAMP to participate in gardening. Located on sites such as a local library, children’s centers, church groups and businesses, food production was increased throughout the Lakeshore. Last year thirteen groups participated producing 122 kg of food. Produce harvested from the Pods returned to the community supporting the local food bank and other food programs. Thanks to our funders, HUMBER College, TD Bank and Trillium, the program continues to grow for the 2017 season. Look out for this summer’s free gardening education workshops. For more information contact Arash at arashs@lampchc.org

Pod Project

Workshops | Programs | Events

Baby Club Ontario Early Years Drop-Ins Budding Artists (0-6 years) Toys in the Park Young Parents Supper Club Ruckus Talent Fashion Showcase

FREE things to do at LAMP this summer for children and youth:

Street Level Youth Centre Camps Street Level’s Streetbana RAY Camps (Central Etobicoke) RAY Summer Bash (Central Etobicoke) SEYA Leadership Camps Strawberry Picking

LAMP Community Health Centre strives to improve quality of life by supporting people to reach their full potential. We do this by working in

partnership with our community to address new and emerging community needs, and by supporting a wide-range of health care services, community programs, and advocacy initiatives that promote the physical, emotional,

social, and economic well-being of our community.

LAMP Community Health Centre

http://bit.ly/2rfaosN

@LAMPCHC_info

Donate to LAMP online!

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process, making it easy, quick, and secure.

DONATE TODAY!

Receipts for donations

over $10 can be issued.

Charitable registration number:

11900 2996 RR0001

Join LAMP today! Become a member.

1-year membership: $3 3-year membership: $9

Drop by LAMP and fill out a membership form or submit a membership

form online at www.lampchc.org

Membership fees

LAMP’s 40th Annual General Meeting

Thurs, Sept. 21st 7pm *Details to follow

www.lampchc.org

LAMP’s Mission