Page 58 - 2015WellBeing
P. 58
Our Environments
Making a Difference
Our relationship our communities and the environment of our region is a
complex one. Whether the environment is a wetland on the shores of Lake
Erie or the local political process, our environment evolves based on how
we as residents interact with it. It is ever-evolving over time. The goal is
that our connection to the environment and its evolution positive, forward
looking change that is inclusive of all residents.
Ensuring belonging
For individuals to feel any sort of sense of belonging and engagement with
their community basic needs must be met and those who are new to our
communities or barely making a living have little time, energy or resources
to engage with their environment or community. This inability to connect
to their community can lead to isolation and marginalization of new arrivals
or low-income individuals and families trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, YMCA and the New
Canadian Centre of Excellence are leaders in ensuring those who arrive
in our communities are able to develop a sense of belonging by offering
education and translation services as well as community events like the
Multicultural Council’s Carrousel of Nations that bring together numerous
ethnic/cultural community groups from across the region in a celebration of
food and culture. The Migrant Worker Community Program in Leamington
offers social, cultural and recreational engagement for migrant labourers
who work in the county. Family Service Windsor-Essex and its partners work
with individuals and families dealing with financial difficulties. Programs like
these and many others can ensure that newcomers or long time residence
and feel a sense of belonging and engage their community.
Environmental stewardship
Effective stewardship of our natural environment is an important part
of ensuring a strong community. A resilient environment will help create
social and economic opportunities across our region. A perfect example of
the community coming together for the greater good is the Essex Region
Conservation Authority’s annual Earth Day tree planting which saw 2,000
trees planted in our region in 2015.lxxvi
Small activities like neighbourhood clean-ups or community gardens not
only beautify and strengthen neighbourhoods and environment, but also
create cherished memories engraining a sense of self-worth and well-being
that can become an intergenerational legacy for a community.
The 2015 Community Well-Being Report
Making a Difference
Our relationship our communities and the environment of our region is a
complex one. Whether the environment is a wetland on the shores of Lake
Erie or the local political process, our environment evolves based on how
we as residents interact with it. It is ever-evolving over time. The goal is
that our connection to the environment and its evolution positive, forward
looking change that is inclusive of all residents.
Ensuring belonging
For individuals to feel any sort of sense of belonging and engagement with
their community basic needs must be met and those who are new to our
communities or barely making a living have little time, energy or resources
to engage with their environment or community. This inability to connect
to their community can lead to isolation and marginalization of new arrivals
or low-income individuals and families trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, YMCA and the New
Canadian Centre of Excellence are leaders in ensuring those who arrive
in our communities are able to develop a sense of belonging by offering
education and translation services as well as community events like the
Multicultural Council’s Carrousel of Nations that bring together numerous
ethnic/cultural community groups from across the region in a celebration of
food and culture. The Migrant Worker Community Program in Leamington
offers social, cultural and recreational engagement for migrant labourers
who work in the county. Family Service Windsor-Essex and its partners work
with individuals and families dealing with financial difficulties. Programs like
these and many others can ensure that newcomers or long time residence
and feel a sense of belonging and engage their community.
Environmental stewardship
Effective stewardship of our natural environment is an important part
of ensuring a strong community. A resilient environment will help create
social and economic opportunities across our region. A perfect example of
the community coming together for the greater good is the Essex Region
Conservation Authority’s annual Earth Day tree planting which saw 2,000
trees planted in our region in 2015.lxxvi
Small activities like neighbourhood clean-ups or community gardens not
only beautify and strengthen neighbourhoods and environment, but also
create cherished memories engraining a sense of self-worth and well-being
that can become an intergenerational legacy for a community.
The 2015 Community Well-Being Report
