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What is the Building Safer Communities Project?
The Community Safety and Wellbeing plan consultations showed that alternate crisis response models are needed in our community. One way to address this need is through the Building Safer Communities (BSC) project.
Building Safer Communities (BSC) aims to reduce legal system involvement among African, Caribbean and Black-identifying, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and racialized youth. BSC supports community partners to improve safety and wellbeing through culturally appropriate mental health and addiction support and crisis response for Waterloo Region youth.
The overall goals are to:
Decrease police and other first responder presence at mental health and addiction crises and redirect to trusted community health and social service providers.
Create opportunities that prevent youth from entering the criminal justice system by prioritizing counselling, fostering skill development, and promoting recreational activities.
Provide youth with culturally anchored and practical community-based support (e.g., services that understand and acknowledge the cultural needs and preferences of the communities being served, which may include land-based or arts-based therapy).
To receive updates on this project, please enter your email address in the Stay Informed box on this page. If you have additional questions about this project or want to get involved, please contact buildingsafercommunities@regionofwaterloo.ca
What is the Building Safer Communities Project?
The Community Safety and Wellbeing plan consultations showed that alternate crisis response models are needed in our community. One way to address this need is through the Building Safer Communities (BSC) project.
Building Safer Communities (BSC) aims to reduce legal system involvement among African, Caribbean and Black-identifying, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and racialized youth. BSC supports community partners to improve safety and wellbeing through culturally appropriate mental health and addiction support and crisis response for Waterloo Region youth.
The overall goals are to:
Decrease police and other first responder presence at mental health and addiction crises and redirect to trusted community health and social service providers.
Create opportunities that prevent youth from entering the criminal justice system by prioritizing counselling, fostering skill development, and promoting recreational activities.
Provide youth with culturally anchored and practical community-based support (e.g., services that understand and acknowledge the cultural needs and preferences of the communities being served, which may include land-based or arts-based therapy).
To receive updates on this project, please enter your email address in the Stay Informed box on this page. If you have additional questions about this project or want to get involved, please contact buildingsafercommunities@regionofwaterloo.ca
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From March 2023 to March 2024, the following community organizations received funding to implement culturally appropriate youth programs.
Adventure4Change
Level Up Community Inc.
AFRO African Family Revival Organization
House of Friendship
Kinbridge Community Association Inc
Porchlight Counselling & Addiction Services
The Healing of the Seven Generations
White Owl Native Ancestry Association
Kind Minds Family Wellness
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
Funded activities included mentorship programs, workshops, counselling, and recreational activities. These programs met Building Safer Communities criteria, supporting belonging, providing mental health and addiction support, and working to prevent crime and violence.
