The global pandemic necessitated modifying the delivery of services to a virtual model to ensure the safety of our users and staff. COSTI provides services to refugees, newcomers, immigrants, small and medium-sized employers, and others with specialized needs. Many clients already have cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic challenges. This shift of in-house programming to virtual services delivery through technological tools negatively impacted clients due to their lack of knowledge, ability, and accessibility to connect remotely. Where possible, our curriculum for in-person workshops was converted into webinars, and individual assessments and counselling sessions transitioned to virtual sessions. The pandemic affected COSTI's ability to provide services to none tech-savvy clients.
Challenges continue in the re-opening of in-person services under the pandemic. While some clients are ready to begin receiving services onsite, others are still hesitant with the ongoing resurgence of the new strain and prefer the virtual option. Meeting clients’ diverse preferences simultaneously while keeping all participants safe requires greater flexibility in our service delivery model. Appropriate equipment and knowledge on the part of the employees are needed.
To reduce inequity, COSTI is looking at returning to work through a new lens that upholds sustainability in the long-term economic recovery and supports improving our clients’ well-being and accessibility to essential services.
All proposals are due no later than October 30, 2022 at 11:59 PM EDT. Any submissions received after this date and time will not be considered. All proposals must be signed by an official agent or company representative submitting the proposal.
Applicants should submit their proposal to:
Janet Hallett, Senior Director, Planning and Program Development at ( Janet.Hallett@costi.org) and
Rahila Mushtaq, General Manager at (Rahila.Mushtaq@costi.org)