Community Well-Being News
December 2020
Happy Holidays
from Headwaters Communities In Action

We wish you the happiest of holidays and best wishes for 2021!

On behalf of our Leadership Council, project groups and volunteers, we send warm wishes for a safe and happy holiday. Let us all enjoy this special time, rejoice in living in such a wonderful community and have a Zoomy Roomy Christmas with family and friends!
Community Check-in
Which of these basic needs would you most like to improve for yourself in 2021?
(Individual responses will be kept anonymous.)
(Select One)
Eating well (nutrition and enjoyment of food)
Physical health (quality sleep, exercise, safe space and privacy)
Self care (relaxation, play & entertainment, time in nature)
Being heard & receiving support from others
Last month we asked you, How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement? "I have people on whom I can call for help when I need it most." Here are the results:

  • 61% - Strongly Agree
  • 34% - Agree
  • 1% - Neither Agree nor Disagree
  • 3% - Disagree
  • 1% - Strongly Disagree
The HCIA Annual General Meeting Sharing Your Gifts
On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, we took the occasion of our Annual General Meeting to connect attendees with some community builders and neighbours and to reflect on the wonderful gifts – both given and received – that come with engagement with our community.
2021 HCIA Leadership Council

The HCIA Leadership Council, is a very active group of volunteers who represent a diverse cross-section of our community. During the business portion of the AGM, the HCIA Leadership Council elected members to the offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. They also officially welcomed Elizabeth Hawkins and Errol Chambers to begin their terms as Directors.

The Dufferin County Canadian Black Association Has Launched
After months of work creating a platform fostering inclusion and equity, the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association (DCCBA) has officially launched – the first of its kind within the County of Dufferin.
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The Hills of Headwaters Collaborative Ontario Health Team Celebrates First Year Anniversary 
A year ago, on December 6, 2019, the province formally announced the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative as one of the first 24 Ontario Health Teams (OHT).  

Ontario Health Teams are a new model of organizing and delivering health care. The Province now has 42 teams that will cover 86 per cent of the population of Ontario, when they are at maturity. In the past year, many Ontario Health Teams have pivoted to support an integrated community response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
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HoHC OHT Dec 6, 2019
Caregivers in the Hills 
The Hills of Headwaters Collaborative


The HoHC Ontario Health Team launched a Community Wellness Council that is made up of community members who work together with providers to identify areas of focus for the OHT’s work.
 
The Community Wellness Council’s first project is the development of the Caregivers in the Hills’ Caregivers I.D. Program, developed to provide recognition and validation of the caregiver role within health care.
 
The program was launched in December with the Alzheimer Society of Dufferin and Dufferin Child and Family Services as part of Phase 1.  
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Dufferin Board of Trade
What does red mean?
Dufferin County has been moved into the Red Zone effective 12:01 am Monday, December 14,2020. But what does that mean?
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Funding Available for Qualifying Businesses

Did you know there is funding available for qualifying businesses from the government of Ontario for PPE and also property tax & energy bill rebates?


The government of Canada has a tool to help you find Covid-19 support for your business. Fill in information based upon your own unique situation and the tool will provide programs that are available to potentially assist.  
BEFORE YOUR EYES… A Changing Climate in Dufferin County
MoD & Climate Action in Dufferin
Heat Waves. Flooding. Snow Storms. Drought. People are drawn to extreme events. Still more wonder how climate change will impact them. Many still believe that it isn’t real. 2019 was the hottest year on record!

The Museum of Dufferin has partnered with Climate Action in Dufferin to create a digital exhibition to explore one of today’s hottest topics: climate change. Drawing on the latest science, you will discover what climate change means for us here in Dufferin County, from the local impacts to the community solutions that can help us reduce our emissions and adapt to changing climate conditions.
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Career Education Council 

Through community grants and sponsorship, the CEC continues to offer some of their most valuable workshop content through free public workshops.

All workshops can be found here. Please check back often for updates, as dates and offerings are being added regularly.

The CEC is also able to give Community Involvement Hours to youth who attend virtual workshops outside of school hours and provide feedback on the form link provided at the end of the workshop.

Any questions about workshops, including Stronger Together, and THRIVE Workplace Wellness and Readiness, can be directed to:

Ashley Isenberg careered.council@ugdsb.onca
416-705-7722
In Action Bulletin Board
More ways to engage
Build community
Food Bank Support
Disclaimer: Inclusion of surveys, petitions or forms above does not indicate endorsement or any position taken by Headwaters Communities In Action on the topics in question. Our intention is to make citizens aware of these opportunities for engagement and to encourage our readers to give their input on matters that affect our communities.
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COVID-19 Resources
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Be an Engaged Citizen
Are you interested in "Making life better together"?

If you are passionate about your community, turn that passion into action with HCIA.
Let's connect! We look forward to meeting you.


Stay Up-To-Date With Our Project Areas
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We couldn’t do it without you!

Thank you to our many partners, stakeholders and volunteers who make up HCIA and its project groups. Our primary funders are Dufferin County and United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin. We`re all "Making life better together"!