Community Partnerships Initiative

The Community Partnerships initiative was initiated by the Leadership Team of Spirit of Hope (formerly United on Whyte) United Church in August of 2018 as part of a formal transition process of making contact with community-based agencies and groups in our neighborhood to learn about and understand their challenges and needs. The intent was to then identify different opportunities for support, partnership and collaboration consistent with the social justice mission and vision of the congregation.

During the first two round table discussions (held in late 2018 and early 2019), the agencies identified a need for a “hub” to come together regularly to network and collaborate. Subsequently, the events evolved to include presentations on specific themes/topics. To date attendees have made valuable links and identified ways the building could be used (and enhanced) to serve community needs.

During 2019 we held five gatherings that had a specific focus and one general networking meeting. A total of 20 agencies and organizations have been represented at the sessions held so far; a list of these is found at the end of this update.

On February 26 our gathering featured presentations by fyrefly in Schools and Moving Forward with Reconciliation relating to DIGNITY and DISCRIMINATION. On March 26 we heard from the Garneau Strathcona Food Security Program and the WECAN Food Basket Society on the topic of FOOD SECURITY. On May 28 a presentation was made on the work being done by iHuman Youth Society and YESS (Youth Empowerment and Support Services) to address the unique challenges of youth at risk in our city.

At our fall networking gathering on October 1, attendees toured our building and discussed potential community agency uses and events in our location. The comments and feedback from this event will be forwarded to the renovations committee for their information. In 2020 our Community Partnerships network will be included in the community consultation by the renovation project team.

The two community education events in October and November centered around fostering healthy family relationships. On Saturday October 19, 2019 staff from the Today Family Violence Help Centre presented a two-hour workshop for Spirit of Hope members and community agency staff. Entitled “Understanding and Supporting Healthy Family Relationships,” it provided an introduction for individuals wishing to understand and better support those struggling with stressful and unhealthy family situations. Then on Wednesday, November 20 (during Family Violence Prevention Month), we hosted a one-hour public education event presented by the Today Family Violence Help Centre. This was a general discussion on distinguishing healthy and unhealthy family relationships and the range of support resources available.

We thank all the agencies that have been involved over the past year. Many have left information about their programs and services on the table outside the office. We anticipate holding another networking event in the Spring of 2020 and following up on other specific suggestions offered during our gatherings.

The Spirit of Hope Community Partnership Team reports directly to the Leadership Team. Its members are: Eva Cooper, Helen Newsham, Lucy Jones, Susan Bramm and Lisa Bahnsen.