The Community Development Council of Quinte and Bridge Street United Church has assessed the feasibility of a community-based Social Research and Planning Program thanks to the work done with a one-year $62,700 Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2019. A Social Research and Planning Program would provide data and knowledge about our community, and support community members and organizations in working together to promote community wellbeing.
“Reliable data provides a foundation for effective social programming,” said Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Community Development Council of Quinte and Bridge Street United Church have put themselves in a stronger position to make plans to support vulnerable people in our community.”
Funds from the OTF grant provided the resources to conduct a community study, which included surveys and/or interviews with: individuals in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties who access social services, local community partners, and Social Planning Councils throughout the province. The funding helped with staffing, hiring a consultant, hosting workshops, buying program materials, and some administrative costs as well.
“Local knowledge is essential for making evidence-informed decisions that promote community wellbeing. We are grateful for the opportunity to give careful attention to the understanding the social research and planning needs of our community and planning to address them in a sustainable way,” said Steve van de Hoef, Program Manager at Bridge Street United Church.
“The impact of this grant cannot be underestimated,” said Ruth Ingersoll, Executive Director of CDC Quinte. “In our last strategic planning session, our Board and Staff identified broadening our community development and social research work as a priority. This grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and our partnership with Bridge Street United Church has provided the resources to determine the viability of moving forward with this focus.”
Anyone interested in learning more about this project may contact Ruth Ingersoll at ruth@cdcquinte.com or Steve van de Hoef at svandehoef@bridgestchurch.com.
Community Development Council of Quinte (CDC-Quinte) is a not-for-profit agency which whose overarching goal has been to be a recognizable and visible presence in the community that identifies urgent and emerging social issues, while providing programs and services that positively impact the quality of life and health of individuals. They operate five food programs in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, all of which are making food more accessible, available and affordable for individuals and families.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario. www.otf.ca
THE ABOVE PROVIDED BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF QUINTE
