Social Development Centre Waterloo Region

It was a year ago when thirty small groups gathered to talk about a long-term need for a creative common space.  It was in part about an affordable physical space to hold meetings and host events, and it seemed even more so about an expression of commitment to a full and inclusive democratic life. Since then, we have arrived at a common vision: A home, a landmark, ACCESSIBLE to everyone, for civic and grassroots groups to showcases what is being done in the community, for small groups to support each other and build their credibility and capacity to advocate and provide services to the public. How can we leverage the wealth of ideas and resources in Waterloo Region to create a civic social innovation hub? We will explore our vision and the ways to talk to people in our community about the initiative; we will learn about connections with the existing hubs and networks; we will investigate sustainability of such an endeavour; and we will take a look at the benefits of working across culture, identity, and ideas. January 21st, 6pm to 8pm at the Social Development Centre WR, corner of Water St. North and Duke St. in Kitchener.

RSVP by January 16th at admin@waterlooregion.org or 519-579-3800. Your voice counts too. 

Our community is booming with activities aiming to strengthen inclusion and belonging of citizens of all backgrounds. Still, 59% of newcomers to the region said that they feel isolated in the Immigration Partnership WR survey in 2017. Going beyond the survey response scales, we are bringing the members of ethno-cultural communities together to sit and unpack the meaning of social isolation and social connectedness. Together with the Immigration Partnership and Volunteer Action Centre, we hope to kick start some of the connections among diverse groups and spark action that can rally different voices around common causes.

It is time to come together and celebrate! We are expecting you at Kitchener City Hall Rotunda on November 18, 1 to 3 pm. We will share stories and recognize the accomplishments of the neighbours who made their gatherings even more inclusive. Inclusion Challenge Recognitions will be made by the Independent Living Centre Waterloo Region, and we will draw two Neighbourhood Improvement Grants! There is a special announcement regarding the Neighbourhood Connection Award: “Reaching out across the diversity in our neighbourhoods is not easy but is so worth the effort and will enrich the community life in Kitchener -Trudy Beaulne". Wonderful supports received this year to make our celebratory event even more special: Boehmers Hargest Block, Steed and Evans, Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association, Alejandra Ivic Re/Max Twin City Realty Inc., Grand Valley Society of Architects, Strassburger, Mumbly Insurance, Swanson's Home Hardware Building Centre, Freure Homes, Waterloo Regional Police Service, Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region, ASCEND.

You and your neighbours are invited to enjoy a fun afternoon with neighbourly people like you once you have registered a neighbourhood activity with the FoN. Read more in our September E Neighbour about the great Kitchener neighbourhoods and the people behind them! Whether your get-together was simple or elaborate, as long as it was inclusive of all your neighbours and allowed them to interact face to face, it is eligible for prizes and awards. To ensure that your activity qualifies your neighbourhood for the $20,000 capital improvement grant draws just give us a call or email. Register qualifying neighbourhood activities held between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2018 with the Festival of Neighbourhoods before October 5, 2018. Join us at the Festival Finale at Kitchener City Hall on November 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, when the draws for the $20,000 neighbourhood grants will be held and the winners announced.