Interim tag removed from Durham CFS director

Catholic Family Services of Durham found what it was looking for was already there. The family counselling agency dropped the word “acting” from Elizabeth Pierce’s title, making her the new executive director.

Pierce takes over an agency with a $1.3-million annual budget, 19 regular employees and three contract counsellors. Catholic Family Services of Durham deals with families from the eastern edge of Toronto to the Bowmanville area, and as far north as Port Perry. She has been with the agency for more than 14 years, mostly working as senior counselling program manager.

She takes over from Mary Wells, who left in the spring.

The first item on Pierce’s to-do list is as easy as a walk in the park. Catholic Family Services of Durham will hold its first ever walk-a-thon Oct. 23. “Walk With Me So They Can Be Free” will raise money and awareness of women who have been victims of domestic violence.

Some of the other items on the to-do list are a little more complex. Pierce needs new computer hardware to support and protect a growing database. The agency also needs a proper fundraising plan and a new strategic plan to respond to growing demand throughout the region.

Pockets of persistent poverty in and around Oshawa are now competing for attention with families that have lost good manufacturing jobs in recent years. With hard times has come a “huge influx” of domestic violence cases, Pierce said.