About Us
The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre (DRUHC) is a non-profit organization established in 1983 with locations in Oshawa and Pickering. DRUHC is dedicated to assisting unemployed or underemployed individuals to meet their employment goals, and assisting employers in meeting their hiring and training needs.
Renowned for the high level of client success and outstanding customer service, DRUHC has a high success rate in assisting job seekers and employers.
The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre embraces, supports, and continually strives to reflect the rich diversity of our community. We are committed to demonstrating leadership in an inclusive workforce that creates a welcoming, safe space for our clients, where professional working relationships are built on respect.
We understand the importance of and Canada’s reliance on newcomers to grow our economy. Our programs and services include those that facilitate newcomers’ successful settlement into our communities.
Come and find out for yourself, call, email or walk-in. Come see us and you will feel seen and more importantly, heard.
About Us
The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre (DRUHC) is a non-profit organization established in 1983 with locations in Oshawa and Pickering. DRUHC is dedicated to assisting unemployed or underemployed individuals to meet their employment goals, and assisting employers in meeting their hiring and training needs.
Renowned for the high level of client success and outstanding customer service, DRUHC has a high success rate in assisting job seekers and employers.
The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre embraces, supports, and continually strives to reflect the rich diversity of our community. We are committed to demonstrating leadership in an inclusive workforce that creates a welcoming, safe space for our clients, where professional working relationships are built on respect.
We understand the importance of and Canada’s reliance on newcomers to grow our economy. Our programs and services include those that facilitate newcomers’ successful settlement into our communities.
Come and find out for yourself, call, email or walk-in. Come see us and you will feel seen and more importantly, heard.
Mission
Identifying and delivering integrated and inclusive services that support a diverse community of job seekers and employers and adapt to labour market needs and trends.
Vision
Envisioning a skilled and adaptive workforce that fuels a vibrant and inclusive Durham economy.
Our Core Values
Diversity And Inclusion
Respect
Professionalism
Client-Centered
Years of Service and Counting
Jobs Posted
People Served Annualy
Our Story
Over the Years
1983
Founded
The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre first started in February of 1983.
1989
First DRUHC logo
1995
Name Change
In 1995 the name changed from Oshawa District Unemployed Help Centre to Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre
1999
16th AGM
2004
Job Connection Award
Service Excellence Award for Job Connection
2009
Opening of Oshawa location
Moved to a bigger building to handle the increase in demand. Our current location at 272 King St E Oshawa
2023
40 Year Anniversary
- 3 Locations: Oshawa, Pickering, Welcome Centre
- 25,000 visitors a year
- Staff of 40+
OUR TEAM
Since our founding in 1983, DRUHC has developed and grown exponentially. We’re very proud of the expertise of our staff and their abilities to contribute their own unique experience and skills to our success.
Lina Zakaria
Executive Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William Harford
President
Nester Pidwerbecki
Vice-President
Jerry Conlin
Treasurer
Bill Stratton
Secretary
David Crowe
Director
Myrna Caverly
Director
John Brown
Director
Jeff Gray
Director
Jane Hurst
Director
Jane Hurst
Director
Ted Reczulski
Director
Ted Reczulski
Director
Doug Sanders
Director
Bill Sutton
Director
Warren Young
Director
Quality Service Standards
The Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre is committed to providing high quality customer service that is; Timely, Comprehensive, and Professional.
Timely
- We respect that your time is valuable: you will not wait longer than 10 minutes for a pre-scheduled appointment
- Clients eligible for Counselling Services will be booked in to see a Counsellor within 10 business days
- Workshop participants are guaranteed entry into the next available workshop of the same topic
- Telephone calls will be returned by the end of the next business day
Comprehensive
- We are deeply committed to providing a high standard of service that is inclusive to all community members and emphasizes a customer-focused approach.
- Our services are designed to remain current, flexible, and continuously adapt based on feedback.
- We prioritize the needs and insights from our service users, the broader community, and the labour market to ensure relevance and effectiveness
Professional
- Our staff is committed to providing a top-tier professional service.
- We prioritize maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of all service users.
- Every individual is treated with utmost respect and in a non-judgmental manner.
- We strive to create a welcoming, accessible, and supportive environment for all.
Feedback
Your thoughts, concerns and feedback (both positive and negative) are very important to us.
To provide us with your feedback, please:
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- Speak directly with one of our members of staff
- Contact us via phone, mail, or e-mail [email protected]
- Complete a feedback form on our contact page
- Complete a feedback form at one of our locations
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Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuously improving our services in utilizing a comprehensive quality management system in support of this goal.
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- Regular Audits and Quality Assessments
- Regular Collection of Feedback
- Employee Training and Development
- Use of Performance Metrics
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Our Community Partners
Building Strong Collaborations for Lasting Change
Partnering with community organizations in Durham helps create positive change through collaboration, leveraging expertise and resources, and amplifying impact.
Pickering Welcome Centre
Community Development Council Durham
Achēv
Durham District School Board
Durham Catholic District School Board
Our Funding Partners
Collaborative Funding to Build a Better Tomorrow
We are grateful to our funding partners. Their help is key to our job support and training programs. Thanks to them, we can make a real difference in our community’s work life.
