Page 69 - 2015WellBeing
P. 69
Conclusion 69
Despite these ominous trends, progress has been made but these indicators
suggest that much work still needs to be done in our community. We must
work together to fight poverty and give people the supports they need –
education, counselling, mentoring, etc., to end the cycle of poverty. With
such a wide array of issues that risk pushing people into a poverty, no one
person or group can solve the challenges our community faces.
There is a growing awareness in our citizenry that action needs to be
taken to deal with poverty in our community. Other community actors
like Pathway to Potential, WEtech Alliance, the City of Windsor, County of
Essex, Homeless Coalition of Windsor-Essex County and Windsor-Essex
Food Bank Association, to name a few, along with United Way are stepping
forward to do their part. Together, we will collaborate in a variety of ways
in the fight for lasting social change – to eliminate poverty and build a
better community.
The Welcoming Communities Report (2014) by Dr. Glynis George, Dr. Jane
Ku and Erin Selimos identifies six benchmarks to enhancing the welcoming
community capacity in Windsor-Essex County for new comers.lxxxvi This
report has been adapted by the Local Immigration Partnership along with
local settlement agencies to ensure that new arrivals feel welcome and are
able to adapt to life in Windsor-Essex County.
Pathway to Potential’s market dollar initiative gives subsidized dollars to
families living in low income to buy fresh food at local farmers markets
and is an example of social innovation. Not only do those most in need
gain access to quality fresh food, but local farmers earn additional income,
thereby stimulating the economy.
The City of Windsor has released a ten year housing and homelessness plan
that outlines the key steps forward in the battle against housing insecurity
and homelessness in our community. In their plan they will be developing
and implementing a “Housing First” strategy to provide intensive supports
for individuals battling chronic homelessness.lxxxvii
WEtech Alliance’s trailblazing First Robotics program promotes the STEM
(science, technology, engineering and math) subjects through hands-on
learning and competition. Secondary school youth from all socio-economic
backgrounds can participate in the program. Each team, with the assistance
of industry mentors, builds a robot and competes against other teams to
determine which performs more effectively. This will hopefully help to put
students on a pathway to an effective education and prosperous career.
Provincial agencies have also been stepping up with funding and support.
Ontario Trillium Foundation has refocused its funding efforts by supporting
organizations that are battling against poverty, social exclusion and social
entrepreneurial ventures in our communities.
Despite these ominous trends, progress has been made but these indicators
suggest that much work still needs to be done in our community. We must
work together to fight poverty and give people the supports they need –
education, counselling, mentoring, etc., to end the cycle of poverty. With
such a wide array of issues that risk pushing people into a poverty, no one
person or group can solve the challenges our community faces.
There is a growing awareness in our citizenry that action needs to be
taken to deal with poverty in our community. Other community actors
like Pathway to Potential, WEtech Alliance, the City of Windsor, County of
Essex, Homeless Coalition of Windsor-Essex County and Windsor-Essex
Food Bank Association, to name a few, along with United Way are stepping
forward to do their part. Together, we will collaborate in a variety of ways
in the fight for lasting social change – to eliminate poverty and build a
better community.
The Welcoming Communities Report (2014) by Dr. Glynis George, Dr. Jane
Ku and Erin Selimos identifies six benchmarks to enhancing the welcoming
community capacity in Windsor-Essex County for new comers.lxxxvi This
report has been adapted by the Local Immigration Partnership along with
local settlement agencies to ensure that new arrivals feel welcome and are
able to adapt to life in Windsor-Essex County.
Pathway to Potential’s market dollar initiative gives subsidized dollars to
families living in low income to buy fresh food at local farmers markets
and is an example of social innovation. Not only do those most in need
gain access to quality fresh food, but local farmers earn additional income,
thereby stimulating the economy.
The City of Windsor has released a ten year housing and homelessness plan
that outlines the key steps forward in the battle against housing insecurity
and homelessness in our community. In their plan they will be developing
and implementing a “Housing First” strategy to provide intensive supports
for individuals battling chronic homelessness.lxxxvii
WEtech Alliance’s trailblazing First Robotics program promotes the STEM
(science, technology, engineering and math) subjects through hands-on
learning and competition. Secondary school youth from all socio-economic
backgrounds can participate in the program. Each team, with the assistance
of industry mentors, builds a robot and competes against other teams to
determine which performs more effectively. This will hopefully help to put
students on a pathway to an effective education and prosperous career.
Provincial agencies have also been stepping up with funding and support.
Ontario Trillium Foundation has refocused its funding efforts by supporting
organizations that are battling against poverty, social exclusion and social
entrepreneurial ventures in our communities.
