It’s been a period of incredible growth and positive change here at Sudbury District Restorative Justice, and we’re thrilled to share all the exciting developments with you, our amazing RJ community!
Introducing Project Connect and Community Thrive
We’re proud to announce the launch of two brand-new initiatives: Project Connect and Community Thrive. Both of these vital projects are generously funded by the City of Greater Sudbury, allowing us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.
Through Project Connect, we’re on a heartfelt mission to strengthen the bonds within our community, specifically at 1960 Paris Street (formerly known as Rumball Terrace).
Some of our specific activities include:
- Establishing partnerships: We’re passionate about fostering a sense of unity among residents and collaborating with other community organizations to ensure people have access to the resources that can truly make a difference in their lives.
- Peer mentoring: We provide a platform for individuals to share experiences, learn from one another, and promote personal and professional growth through guidance from their peers.
- Skill-building initiatives: We offer various workshops and activities designed to equip community members with practical tools they need to succeed in their daily lives, from communication strategies to conflict resolution techniques.
- Connecting with essential resources: We actively work to link individuals with the support services they may need, whether it’s related to housing, mental health, or other community programs.
- Youth Drop-In Nights: We host regular Youth Drop-In Nights at the Navigation Room, offering a safe and engaging space for the youth who live in the building.
Our goal with Project Connect is to reduce isolation, improve access to crucial services, and foster a strong sense of belonging within the community. In order to determine the needs of these folks, last year we conducted a building-wide survey alongside staff members from March of Dimes to collect data. The survey results were able to tell us what the community members were looking for in terms of social services, food security, and more. We use these results when we are planning community activities and when we conduct various programming.
Community Thrive is a vital initiative designed to unlock the boundless potential of the community, particularly at the 720 Bruce Avenue apartment building. This program runs three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM and offers a diverse range of engaging activities:
- Social activities: Including board games, music, art, and physical games that encourage interaction and foster social connection.
- Upcoming gardening initiatives: Providing opportunities for hands-on learning, teamwork, and contributing to a shared space.
- Skill development workshops: Empowering attendees to expand upon and develop essential life skills in a supportive environment.
- Dedicated sessions: Mondays are for residents of all ages, Tuesdays are specifically for young adults aged 18-29, and Wednesdays are open Community Nights for all ages.
With Community Thrive, we’re dedicated to empowering residents, enhancing community well-being, and promoting positive interactions, helping folks navigate challenges and build a strong foundation for the future of the community.
Welcoming Our Summer Students and Expanding Partnerships
We’re delighted to have welcomed some wonderful summer students, and a new member to our team, who have been incredibly helpful in bringing Project Connect and Community Thrive to life. They’re working closely with our program coordinator, contributing their energy and skills to these important initiatives. Their presence has truly invigorated our team!
Beyond our new projects, we’re continuously nurturing our relationships with fellow social service agencies across the region. By collaborating more closely, we’re better equipped to assist community members in navigating the support systems available to them, ensuring they get the help they need, when they need it.
Empowering Youth Through Education
Throughout the past school year, our team has been actively engaged in schools across the community, delivering impactful presentations. Our healthy relationships programming and our conflict management coaching program are designed to equip youth with essential skills for positive interactions and effective conflict resolution. In these sessions, we focus on:
- Identifying healthy vs. unhealthy relationships: Teaching youth to recognize signs of respect, trust, honesty, and effective communication.
- Understanding the impact of actions: Guiding discussions where youth reflect on how their behaviour affects others and the community.
- Developing communication skills: Practicing active listening, expressing feelings constructively, and engaging in respectful dialogue.
- Problem-solving strategies: Empowering youth to work through conflicts constructively, finding win-win solutions rather than resorting to blame or punishment.
- Building empathy and accountability: Encouraging self-reflection and taking responsibility for their actions, and understanding the perspectives of those affected.
These programs foster a more harmonious future by teaching valuable life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
More Exciting News on the Horizon!
We’re also assisting with another very exciting community project, and while we can’t share all the details just yet, stay tuned for an announcement very soon!
Our team is flourishing, our programs are expanding, and we are so excited for all the new developments happening now and in the future. We’re grateful for the continued support of our generous funders and our community partners as we work together to build a stronger, more connected Sudbury!
