Langs began as a community development project close to 40 years ago. Today, the organization provides a range of social, recreational and health services for all ages. The Community Hub@ 1145 was made possible with federal and municipal funding; a successful capital fundraising campaign and bank financing. The 58,000 square foot facility was designed by Laird Robertson and built by Melloul-Blamey Construction in 2011. The organization is co-located with the William E. Pautler Seniors Centre which operates a frail elderly day program and health promotion programs for seniors. Langs is co-located with 20 community partners and is expanding the facility to include space for additional partners. Some current onsite partners include:
• Alzheimer’s Society
• Lutherwood Children’s Mental Health Services
• St. Mary’s Counselling Services
• Healthy Smiles Program – Waterloo Region Public Health
• Waterloo Region Community Legal Services
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• The Arthritis Society
• Specialized Geriatrics Team
• Community Support Connections
What is one interesting fact about your space?
How the space addresses the social determinants of health and increases service integration. For example the inclusion of a gymnasium and a walking track engages thousands of community members in physical activity to improve their health and well-being. The design was intentional and ensured we did not create silos within the Hub; instead community partners are integrated throughout the building. The morale of the clients, staff, and partners is also enhanced by the physical design and beauty of the space that includes:
• Living/Green Wall
• 2 types of Green Roofs
• 7 group rooms of various sizes
• 2 community kitchens
• Green Lounge
• Shared staff room
• Courtyard
What are your favorite resources that you would recommend to others?
Our favorite tool is our expression of interest form and our selection process. One of the most important success factors is that the community hub is designed for the community and by community members. The Langs board is made up of up to 15 members who are reflective of the community it serves. The Community Services Committee (CSC) of the board was created to recommend, plan and evaluate programs, services and partnerships. The CSC was instrumental in creating the hub and continues to guide the activity of the hub today!
The Community Services Committee formed sub-committees to evaluate expressions of interest from 35 partners. 5 planning sessions were undertaken in the selection process. Each partner had to present to a group of stakeholders that included 72 decision makers representing the Community Services Committee, the board; clients, volunteers; local schools; churches; the police and staff of City of Cambridge and Langs.
Center Name: Langs / The Hub@1145 and The Hub@2958
Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Center Website: www.langs.org