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Relocation

SPACE COLLABORATION FOR THREE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Kitchener-Waterloo - Later this summer, three organizations will come together and share a common space. The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region, and the Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area are looking forward to moving into their new accommodations at 29 King Street East in Kitchener.

A number of studies have shown that collaboration in the non profit world has great beneficial effect. The three organizations share this sentiment.

“We’re thrilled about this partnership,” shares Rosemary Smith, CEO of The KWCF. “As a funder, we encourage collaboration with our grantee organizations. We are demonstrating that we practice what we preach – that we’re looking for opportunities to partner with others to leverage our resources for more impact.”

True collaboration is a mutually beneficial and well-defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve common goals (Paul Mattesich) and Mark Garner from the Downtown Kitchener BIA couldn’t agree more. “This is another great moment for Downtown Kitchener as we have brought together like-minded organizations for the betterment of our community. Not only will we be sharing office space and administrative costs helping the operational aspects of our organizations, but we will ultimately be opening the door to partner on new and exciting initiatives.”

JA President and CEO Aubrey Walters notes that JA is happy to be returning to Downtown Kitchener after a nine year absence. “Not only have we found great partners in The Foundation and Downtown Kitchener BIA, but we are now more central to the schools that we service in the Region making us more accessible to our students and our volunteers. Under these new and exciting circumstances, it’s great to be back!”

Moving plans are still underway with all organizations hopefully in their new offices by the end of August 2011.