RFP: Senior Community Needs Assessment Consultant

Senior Community Needs Assessment Consultant (Peel Region)

Catholic Crosscultural Services (CCS) is seeking a qualified and experienced consultant to conduct a comprehensive community needs assessment focused on older adults aged 55 and above living in the Peel Region, including Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon, and underserved neighbourhoods. The objective is to develop a detailed, evidence-informed report that identifies the current needs, emerging trends, challenges, and service gaps experienced by this population, especially those who are underrepresented or marginalized.

The consultant will also provide actionable recommendations for inclusive, culturally responsive, and community-driven strategies to enhance the well-being, engagement, and resilience of older adults across the region.

Background 

CCS is a settlement agency providing a wide range of services to immigrants and refugees regardless of race, religion or status. CCS provides services in Scarborough, Peel Region and on a national level through the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program. We work to improve lives of newcomers by providing information, training, services, and supports.

The Golden Agers Club is a community initiative for individuals aged 55 and above, providing a space for seniors to socialize, connect, and access resources. The project aims to collaborate with service providers to offer comprehensive support, addressing the diverse needs of the senior community in Peel region.

Scope of work 

The consultant will be responsible for the following key activities and deliverables;

• Conduct an environmental scan to analyze demographic trends among older adults (55+) in Peel, including age, cultural and linguistic diversity, income levels, housing status, health status, digital literacy, and access to technology. Pay particular attention to the needs and lived experiences of newcomers, racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ seniors, low-income seniors, and seniors living with disabilities or chronic conditions.
• Map and analyze existing services for older adults in Peel, including senior-serving organizations, faith-based and cultural groups and other groups and networks. 
• Conduct a gap analysis to determine where current services and systems are not meeting the needs of older adults. Identify specific barriers (e.g., linguistic, cultural, mobility, financial, digital access) that hinder equitable access to services.
• Identify and review best practices in engagement and co-design approaches and propose collaborative service models that enhance partnerships among agencies serving older adults.
• Identification of key priority areas requiring immediate and long-term attention; Develop evidence-based, culturally appropriate recommendations to enhance programs and services. 
• Recommend mechanisms to ensure older adults are meaningfully involved in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of services
• Stakeholder mapping - Identify key stakeholders, including service providers, local government, and community leaders, critical for implementation and sustainability. 

Deliverables 

A thorough final report presenting findings and evidence-supported recommendations.

A comprehensive final report will present key findings, service gaps, priority populations, promising practices, and evidence-supported strategic recommendations. 

Project Timeline 

The project is expected to start in August 2025, with the major part of the work to be completed by September 15, 2025. The final report is to be submitted by October 10, 2025. 

Budget 

The proposed budget should not exceed $18,000.00 for the completion of the needs assessment and environmental scan. 

Requirements 

Proposals must demonstrate experience respecting the subject matter and competence to successfully complete the work. The following criteria will be used to evaluate the proposals: 

• Knowledge and experience of the consultant regarding: 
• Environmental scan, community asset and needs analysis 
• Place-based and community development approaches, newcomer services 
• Multi-stakeholder programs and capacity building initiatives 
• Familiarity with Peel region, and programs and services available for seniors
• Content, clarity and visual appeal of the proposal 
• Any value-added element that the consultant considers would be a positive enhancement to the project 

Proposal Format 

Proposals shall include the following: 

• Letter of Introduction including executive summary that demonstrates an understanding of the project; 
• Proposed work plan, schedule, and deliverables including project activities, milestones, team members assigned to each activity, and level of effort anticipated for each task (i.e. hours, days); 
• Description of any expected challenges 
• Detailed budget breakdown max. $ including hourly/daily rate(s) of consultant, an estimate of hours/days of work, all labour and other overhead, materials, equipment, travel, communication, and delivery costs, staff time, disbursements 
• Background and related experience of consultant(s) 
• Two references  

Deadline: June 30, 2025 at 5pm