Capacity Development focuses on building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities by addressing social, economic, and health-related challenges through collaboration among residents, businesses, organizations, and governments. We work to improve health and well-being by addressing the Social Determinants of Health and local issues across the diverse communities of Kanata, West Carleton, and Goulbourn.

Key Components:

1. Community Engagement & Empowerment: Involves active participation of community members in identifying issues, setting priorities, and taking leadership roles.
2. Collaboration & Partnerships: Brings together various stakeholders to pool resources and create sustainable solutions.
3. Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Focuses on improving factors like housing, food security, transportation, mental health and access to healthcare.
4. Needs Assessment & Planning: Involves evaluating community needs and developing an action plan with clear objectives.
5. Service Delivery & Advocacy: Enhances local services and advocates for policy changes to address systemic issues.
6. Building Social Capital: Strengthens community networks and trust to encourage collective action.
7. Sustainability: Ensures long-term benefits by developing community self-sufficiency and maintaining momentum.
8. Evaluation & Feedback: Monitors progress and adjusts initiatives based on community input.

Examples of Initiatives:

• Health Promotion: Initiatives like wellness workshops and capacity building   Community-based Needs Assessments & Research
• Affordable Housing: Advocacy for more accessible housing.
• Economic Development: Working with partners to provide employment opportunities, job training and support for local businesses.

Specific Local Initiatives Include:

• West Carleton Community Conversations
• Richmond Community Table
• Kanata Community Forum
• Kanata Affordable Housing Initiative
• Rural Issues Collective
• Centre-wide Client Experience Survey
• Rural Youth Employment and Mental Health Fair
• Organizational strategic planning and health equity
• Advocacy alongside and on behalf of the communities we serve, addressing barriers of exclusion

Outcomes:

• Improved health and well-being.
• Greater community engagement and participation.
• Sustainable, long-term positive changes.
• Stronger social networks and trust within the community.

For more information on our Capacity Development Program or to discuss current or upcoming initiatives, please reach out to Angela Lorusso at [email protected].