Community Well-Being News
January 2023
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- How are you feeling?
- Did you escape the Blue Monday, post-holiday blues?
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How about new year's goals, have you made any or resolved NOT to make any?
January can be a tough time of year for many. Either we set unrealistic goals, we expect too much of ourselves or we just find it hard to cope with the return to some semblance of a regular routine after the busy holiday rush.
We're a community that functions better together! Check in with your neighbours, maybe help shovel the driveway. Cook a meal for an isolated senior. Go for a walk on one of the many beautiful local trails that dot our region or treat yourself to a night out and attend a local event that benefits others. We highly recommend the HFFA Winter Harvest Dinner Series! (More on that later in this newsletter.)
What do you do to help maintain a work-life balance? How do you support your mental wellbeing?
We're checking in with you to see how January is treating you. Perhaps you have some advice to share? Please take a moment to answer this month's Community Check-in Poll. We love hearing from our readers.
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What kind of New Year's resolutions do you make?
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I don't make New Year's resolutions.
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My resolutions are fitness related and/or health related.
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I make resolutions related to personal growth and mental well-being.
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My resolutions are related to my professional goals.
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I'm resolving to spend more time with family, to travel or in community service.
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In the last Community Check-in poll we asked:
"Will you be donating to a charitable organization this year? If so, would the amount be similar to previous years, more than in previous years or less than in the past?"
Here's what you told us:
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Have a burning question for your fellow citizens? Submit your Community Check-in Poll suggestion - a question and 3-5 possible responses - to action@headwaterscommunities.org
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What is your gift?
Everyone has a gift to share. In the non-profit world, we think of gifts in terms of three categories, coined by a friend of HCIA as the “Three W’s”: Wisdom, Wealth and Work.
You don’t need all three to make a difference, just a willingness and an understanding that we all have something to contribute toward building empathy and improving well-being in our community.
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Volunteering builds a strong sense of belonging and purpose. It makes us feel good to “do good.” You’ll meet new people, expand your own network of contacts and build on employability skills, all while helping to create a strong and vibrant culture and community.
If you'd like to learn more about how to connect with volunteering opportunities in our community, visit VolunteerDufferin.ca and register with us. It's free for both individuals and organizations and takes just minutes to build a profile. Go where your gifts will have the best impact. Join today!
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Come on, get happy!
While we're on the subject, check out this episode of TED's How to Be a Better Human Podcast: The Science of Happiness, and listen for the part about New Year's resolutions and other "reset' moments, as well as how to improve your own happiness in all ways, big and small. Coming as no surprise to those of us working in Community Well-Being, social connection tops the list, and people who volunteer, donate and do things that bring others happiness, are happier in general.
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Age-Friendly Caledon
The Town of Caledon is looking for interested and engaged seniors to join their Age-Friendly Task Force.
To learn more, visit Caledon.ca/communities
Applications are due February 3rd, 2023 by 4:30pm
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Ageing Well In Caledon Dufferin
AWICD (pronounced A-Wicked) is a network of community agencies and organizations focusing on the empowerment and wellbeing of older adults in Caledon and Dufferin.
We had a chance to speak with them about their mission, which is to enhance comprehensive community care through the specific avenues of Communication and Awareness that together support the Social, Mental, Physical and Emotional health of the older adults in our community.
AWICD supports the overall goal of working together with community partners to foster and enhance:
- The autonomy of older adults
- The ability of older adults to continue giving back in support of their community.
- The opportunity for seniors to contribute their skills and expertise to organizations in need.
AWICD will be meeting 5x per calendar year. Terms of Reference are being determined this month. If you'd like to learn more, visit their facebook page or click on the link below!
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NONPROFIT APPRECIATION WEEK
February 13th - 19th, 2023
To Our Friends in the Nonprofit Sector:
National Nonprofit Appreciation Week is fast approaching and we’d love to acknowledge your ongoing efforts to support our community. This year, Nonprofit Appreciation Week will take place between Monday, February 13th – Sunday, February 19th and a number of activities are planned both in person and online to celebrate and thank local nonprofits and your employees for the significant role you play in serving Dufferin County.
We’d like to hear from you! What is your impact on our community? Share a little bit about how you support local residents. Please take a moment to write a short sentence or two sharing the value of what you do so we can say thank you!
Don’t forget to include your organization’s logo in your reply and then stay tuned to social and print media throughout nonprofit appreciation week as we share your stories!
Other events and activities to look forward to include:
- “TGIFF” coffee/treats – Thank Goodness It’s Free Friday - visit participating local businesses who are supporting our efforts to say thank you with a coffee, tea or treat.
- Free online and in person Yoga classes for nonprofit staff
- Proclamations and both Town and County recognition across Dufferin County
- Province wide recognition - look for the hashtag #NonprofitAppreciationWeek to learn more!
Also attached to this email you’ll find a template you can edit and return to us (with a photo!) to be included in a county wide video promotion assembled by DBoT. Choose the one, two or three best words that reflect how you’d like to be thanked! Print it out, take a picture with you and/or your team holding up your sign and then email it to us.
Send your logo, your hashtag photo and / or a brief description of your agency and impact statement to the Dufferin Board of Trade at jaemilyn@dufferinbot.ca, no later than February 6th, 2023.
Help us say THANK YOU!
Local business owners interested in supporting Nonprofit Appreciation Week are invited to contact Sheralyn Roman at info@volunteerdufferin.ca to learn more.
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If you missed our first dinner, a hopping Scottish-themed evening at Shelburne Golf & Country Club, (fun fact: did you know that famous Scottish poet Robert Burns was a farmer?!) you still have three more opportunities to catch our Winter Harvest Dinner Series!
Banish the winter blues and dine out for a cause at any one, two or three of these remaining dinners, each showcasing different local farmers, restaurants and seasonal dishes. In addition to featuring fine food in beautiful surroundings, each dinner helps to support HFFA's innovative and important Farm to School programming.
Join us at the following Headwaters venues:
- Thursday February 23, 2023 - Mrs. Mitchell's Restaurant, Mulmur
- Thursday March 23, 2023 - Mono Cliffs Inn, Mono
- Friday April 21, 2023 - Adamo Estate Winery, Mono
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Orangeville Art Hive was born in response to the need for people to feel a sense of belonging and connectedness, as recognized by Rapinder Kaur, Founder of Art as Therapy, and her team.
As part of Rapinder's desire to give back and to support the community she lives, works and is raising her family in, she and her team are now facilitating a free drop in art space for anyone in the community to join.
Moms and Tots, seniors and students, persons with disabilities - the art hive is an inclusive space for the community to come and spend some time immersed in art, creating a project that personally resonates. No experience is necessary and all materials are provided. Members of the Art as Therapy team provide the background support while Rapinder's agency absorbs related expenses.
This free drop in program is available to Orangeville residents every Wednesday from 11am -12:30pm and takes place at the Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services office on Brenda Blvd.
Interested in learning more - or perhaps you have materials, expertise or time to donate to support the Art Hive? Connect at the Polycultural Centre, or find Art as Therapy on Facebook to learn more.
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- Each month in this space we will feature a sampling of the community agencies, nonprofits, funding opportunities, information services and community led partnerships that help to shape and serve Dufferin County.
- We're also happy to feature individual service providers with a brief profile and key contact information.
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If you have a message to share and would like to be featured here, reach out to our Community Engagement Coordinator, Sheralyn Roman at office@headwaterscommunities.org or by phone at 416-420-9415.
- We look forward to learning and sharing more about you in upcoming issues!
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Branching Out Support Services is a local agency serving people who have neurodiversities and their families. They are committed to creative care solutions, recreation and social servicing, 1:1 support and day servicing. Join BOSS as they "bravely journey towards a community where everyone experiences belonging."
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Art as Therapy provides art psychotherapy & drama psychotherapy for children, youth, their caregivers and adults of all ages online and in person. They use a client-centred, strength-based approach to help clients discover inner strengths and build the skills necessary to face life’s challenges and manage big emotions. Art as Therapy applies an anti-oppressive, cultural humility, attachment & trauma informed lens to their work.
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Food & Friends operates student nutrition programs in all Dufferin schools. Many programs are currently in dire need of volunteers and a few have had to stop serving completely. Please fill out this form if you can help keep tummies filled and students ready to learn. It's more than a good deed...feeding kids is fun!
Learn more about The Children's Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, the Food & Friends Program and volunteering opportunities at childrensfoundation.org
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The goal of the DCCBA is to help develop and foster a socially and economically equitable group that will continue to contribute to growth and development in Dufferin County and in Canada. They place a special emphasis on and have a strong focus on Youth Achievement and Excellence enabling local youth to realize and fulfill their gifts. As well, they organize networking events, mentorship, educational programs, and scholarships to serve our community. Learn more about DCCBA at dufferincountycba.org
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At Family Transition Place, supporting the holistic wellbeing of those experiencing gender based violence is at the core of what they do. However, did you know that FTP also provides addictions counselling services, hosts educational programs in schools and recently opened the Lotus Centre supporting sexual violence counselling and support services?
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Choices Youth Shelter provides emergency housing and supports for youth ages 16-24 experiencing homelessness. Their services also include providing opportunities to develop life skills within the community through access to education and community support to build positive self esteem and empowerment.
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Check out your local libraries |
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Check out these current offerings from local granting agencies, all with open intakes happening now.
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OTF Resilient Communities Fund
DEADLINE: Feb. 1, 2023
(open now)
Helping organizations recover and build capacity, resilience and sustainability by investing in them as they:
- develop new approaches to generate revenue
- start new activities to meet community need
- adjust strategies and plans
- plan for future challenges
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Community Services Recovery Fund
DEADLINE: Feb. 21, 2023
(open now)
3 streams, investing in:
- People (apply through Red Cross)
- Systems and Processes (apply through Dufferin Community Foundation)
- Program and Service Innovation and Redesign (apply through United Way)
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Dufferin County Community Grants
DEADLINE: Feb. 27, 2023
(opens January 30)
For projects and organizations that benefit Dufferin County residents, and that align with the County's strategic priorities:
Climate Action
Cultural Enhancement
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
Economic Development
Youth and Seniors Services
Food
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Dufferin Tourism Trails is an exciting initiative of the Dufferin Board of Trade that showcases area businesses in nine specific categories. Each category represents a business's commitment to principles and values embodied by that particular category.
DBoT, a non-profit community-building organization, supports local business owners with coaching and by celebrating and promoting their involvement in the trails program. Many local business owners proudly display at least one, if not several trail badges. Not just for tourism businesses, the program is now open to all businesses in Dufferin to participate: register here.
Dufferin Tourism Trails is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to tour our community, support local and encourage tourism, while also raising the profile of those businesses who have committed to a specific set of core values and principles.
You'll find them by their prominent signage displayed on the doors and windows and websites of participating businesses throughout the region and/or by visiting the Dufferin Tourism Trails website. Take a tour and support local businesses that are committed to doing business better.
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Dufferin County Municipal Comprehensive Review
Public consultation on now - have your say!
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Dufferin County is currently home to 66,000 people and is expected to grow to over 100,000 people and 40,000 jobs by 2051, with according to the Province of Ontario’s Growth Plan.
To address this predicted growth in population, Dufferin County has been working on the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) – a series of studies that will influence Dufferin’s Official Plan and shape the growth of Dufferin County over the next 30 years.
Throughout the process, the County of Dufferin has included community stakeholders in ongoing engagement. Citizens were invited to a public open house, public meetings or to take an active role on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee. The County also worked with consultants to undertake a series of studies including:
- Land Needs Assessment
- Transportation Master Plan
- Natural Heritage System Strategy
- Sustainability and Climate Change Resiliency
On January 21st, 2023 both an in person and virtual, live-streamed meeting took place to share further updates that included multiple amendments to the existing County Official Plan as it relates to the schedules and maps for the county growth structure, as well as to receive public feedback.
Warden Wade Mills (Dufferin County) stressed the importance of "resident and stakeholder feedback," saying "it will play a crucial role in helping us develop an Official Plan that addresses the needs of our community." On the table at this most recent meeting were:
- Expanding the settlement boundaries of Grand Valley and Shelburne
- Expanding the amount of protected farmland by designating it prime agricultural lands
- Expanding and clarifying where natural features and protected lands are located in Dufferin County
Attendees were also able to hear more about the County’s transportation goals, objectives, existing travel conditions and community characteristics, and to provide input on future transportation infrastructure.
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Getting Youth Activated on Climate Change
Dufferin County's Climate Action in Dufferin has launched a year-long Youth Climate Activation Circle with 8 local participants bringing their passion for climate action into a lab for ideas and a project to make an impact.
HCIA Executive Director Jennifer Payne joined 8 organizations that were invited to host tables at a "speed-networking" event in Shelburne on January 23rd. Participants asked questions and learned about what is currently happening locally to address climate change. Kudos to Kylie-Anne, Sara and Dufferin County for maintaining focus and action on climate solutions.
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Need to RECHARGE in Dufferin County? Here's how:
As part of their Climate Action Plan, the County shared recent statistics on The Charge Up network, news you can use on where to charge your electric vehicle and more.
In Dufferin County, an estimated 49% of local greenhouse gas emissions arises from the transportation sector. With almost half of all emissions transportation-related, the County has implemented a series of measures to help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by creating easier opportunities for electric vehicle owners to access the charge they need.
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According to the Climate Action in Dufferin website:
"This electric vehicle charging network is made up of 22 Level 2 charging stations and 2 Level 3 fast chargers at various municipal offices, recreation, and cultural centers across Dufferin. The Charge Up network builds confidence that the switch to electric is possible with convenient, affordable, and reliable charging opportunities wherever you are.
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Dufferin County + HFFA = Agriculture RoundTable |
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Are you a farmer? Do you know one? Or are you just interested in what farmers have to say about inflation? Join Dufferin County and HFFA as they host an Agriculture Roundtable on Monday January 30 from 9:00 to 10:30am on Zoom. Featuring guest speakers Bill McCutcheon of the Dufferin Federation of Agriculture, Jeff Holmes of Holmes Agro and others, farmers will talk about the impacts of inflation on their farm operations. Q&A to follow. |
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Sponsor Food & Friends
Live Free From Hunger Campaign
Food & Friends Help Kids Live Free From Hunger campaign is looking for sponsors. You can find the sponsorship package at the bottom of the page in the link provided. The deadline for sponsorships is January 27th in order to reap the benefits of sponsorship.
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Have an idea for a project that will improve your community?
Dufferin County Community Grants Program launches January 30, 2023
Applications due 11:59pm, February 27th, 2023
The Community Grants program supports community groups, not-for-profits and charitable organizations to complete a project or provide programming that benefits the residents of Dufferin County, and which serves one or more of the County’s priority areas.
The County of Dufferin partners with Headwaters Communities in Action (HCIA) to administer the Community Grant program. HCIA puts together a grant team who reviews the applications, evaluates them against the established criteria, ensuring that they meet the strategic priorities.
This year, HCIA solicited input from past applicants and from our assessment team, and made suggested changes to the program as an initial step to improve the process, reduce barriers for applicants and better meet the needs of the community.
What you need to know!
The County has identified the following as its strategic priorities for the 2023 grant round:
- Climate Action
- Cultural Enhancement
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
- Economic Development
- Youth and Seniors Services
- Food
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More ways to let your voice be heard
Visit your local municipal website to learn more about how you can get involved, have your say, and make a difference right where you live!
- Get in touch with your local elected representatives:
- Member of Parliament, Kyle Seeback
- Member of Provincial Parliament, Sylvia Jones
- Municipal community engagement:
- Join In Dufferin
- Have Your Say Caledon
- Town Councils are assembling committees RIGHT NOW to help plan the next four year term. Check your local municipality's website for more opportunities to add your voice on local issues, and be sure to subscribe to your town's newsletter.
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For example, the Town of Orangeville is currently seeking youth, ages 14 – 20 to sit on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. Looking to help shape the future of Orangeville? Apply today – click to learn more about the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council
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Help set direction and priorities for a local nonprofit or charity by becoming a board member. There are SIX open opportunities right now on Volunteer Dufferin from organizations who need new members for their boards of directors, and many more who are not listed. Twelve local agencies are meeting next week to discuss this common challenge in the sector.
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Check out the listings or email us to discuss more options. Organizations like Hospice Dufferin, Dufferin Child and Family Services, Dufferin Parent Support Network, Caledon Meals on Wheels - even here at HCIA's Leadership Council - we're all seeking new board members. These are foundations of our community who want your voice at the table.
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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.
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Stay Up-To-Date With Our Project Areas
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hffa.ca/farmtoschool
headwatersfarmfresh.ca
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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"!
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Headwaters Communities in Action
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