The Community Navigator program is a partnership between Employment and Social Services (ESS) and the Chatham Kent Public Libraries (CKPL). The Community Navigators assist residents of Chatham-Kent with navigating systems (Housing, Education, Employment, and Income), working with technology, and connecting with supportive community services. Working together, CKPL and ESS can bring these services to all residents of Chatham Kent through the 11 branches of the library.
Community Navigators can assist anyone in the Chatham-Kent Community who may be looking for support and services free of charge. Community Navigators created the CK Community Resources Document as a partner resource which showcases all community supports and services available throughout Chatham-Kent.
What does a Community Navigator do?
- Provide one-to-one instruction in accessing government, social and health services online
- Provide referrals to other social services, employment and educational programs in the community
- Assist patrons with completing applications for government programs and benefits
- Completing personal income tax returns for qualifying low-income residents
- Employment Support:
- Create, edit, copy and proofread resumes
- The development of a cover letter
- Complete online job applications
- Interview information and preparation support
- Assistance with research on potential employers
- Finding and understanding Labour Market information
- Deliver workshops and clinics including the Rent Smart program and I.D. clinics
- Provides computers to qualifying low-income youth, families and eligible charitable and non-profit organizations via the Computer Connects program
How can I connect with a Community Navigator?
Appointments are required to meet with a Community Navigator.
Please contact the team in advance to book your appointment.
Community Navigator services are available by appointment virtually or in person
Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
To schedule an appointment, please:
In person services are available weekly at the Chatham-Kent Public Library Chatham and Wallaceburg branches.
Services at all other library branches are available by appointment only, based on staff availability.
Please note that library hours may change due to holiday schedules.
Chatham Branch
120 Queen Street, Chatham, ON N7M2G5
Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Wallaceburg Branch
209 James Street, Wallaceburg, ON N8A2N4
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday and Thursday 1:30pm to 4:00pm
Community Navigator Programs
Volunteer Income Tax Programs
Income tax services are available year-round through the Canada Revenue Agency's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Community Navigators can assist eligible residents with a modest income and simple tax situation by completing and filing income tax returns free of charge.
Volunteer tax preparers are unable to complete tax returns involving complex tax situations, including:
- Self-employed individuals or those with business or rental income and expenses
- Capital gains or losses
- Deceased individuals
- Individuals filing for bankruptcy
To prepare your tax return, Community Navigators will need information from all relevant documents and receipts.
These may include, but are not limited to:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) or valid temporary SIN
- Tax information slips (such as T4s, T5s, T4A(P), T4A(OAS), and other applicable tax slips)
- Receipts for eligible deductions and credits
If you are unable to obtain some of your tax slips or supporting documents, Community Navigators may be able to assist you with accessing available records and information.
Please note that Community Navigators are not tax professionals and are unable to provide advice on complex tax matters. Residents requiring assistance beyond the scope of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program should contact the Canada Revenue Agency directly or seek advice from a qualified tax professional.
Due to the popularity of the Volunteer Income Tax Program, appointment requests can exceed available capacity, especially between February and April. Community Navigators are committed to assisting as many eligible residents as possible; however, limited appointment availability may result in wait times or the need for a wait list. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide fair and timely access to this valuable service.
Computer Connections
Without internet access and a computer, finding information or a job or applying for other benefits can be extremely challenging. Community Navigators can assist low-income youth or families and qualifying non-profit and charitable organizations with access to refurbished computers at no cost. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Community Navigators can provide those most in need with a refurbished computer.
CKConnect Bookable Workspace
The Connect CK bookable workspace located at 435 Grand Ave. W. Chatham can be reserved at no cost for virtual and in-person meetings or appointments for medical care, social services, court services, employment resources, community navigation and more. The room offers both phone and computer access Monday to Friday between 8:30am – 4:00pm for a maximum of 2 hours per day per person. The 2 hour maximum can be extended by request to accommodate appointment needs ie. court.
The room can be booked up to 7 days in advance by contacting Community Navigators at 519-355-1380 or emailing CKCN@chatham-kent.ca.
CK Public Library Quiet Pods
Quiet Pods can be found at the Chatham and Wallaceburg library branches. To book a Quiet Pod contact the Chatham-Kent Public Library at 519-354-2940 or email CKlibrary@chatham-kent.ca.
The Connect CK bookable workspace and Quite Pods have been brought to you in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team and the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
