Capacity Development focuses on building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities by addressing social, economic, and health-related challenges through collaboration among residents, businesses, organizations, and governments. We work to improve health and well-being by addressing the Social Determinants of Health and local issues across the diverse communities of Kanata, West Carleton, and Goulbourn.

Key Components:

1. Community Engagement & Empowerment: Involves active participation of community members in identifying issues, setting priorities, and taking leadership roles.
2. Collaboration & Partnerships: Brings together various stakeholders to pool resources and create sustainable solutions.
3. Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Focuses on improving factors like housing, food security, transportation, mental health and access to healthcare.
4. Needs Assessment & Planning: Involves evaluating community needs and developing an action plan with clear objectives.
5. Service Delivery & Advocacy: Enhances local services and advocates for policy changes to address systemic issues.
6. Building Social Capital: Strengthens community networks and trust to encourage collective action.
7. Sustainability: Ensures long-term benefits by developing community self-sufficiency and maintaining momentum.
8. Evaluation & Feedback: Monitors progress and adjusts initiatives based on community input.

Examples of Initiatives:

• Health Promotion: Initiatives like wellness workshops and capacity building   Community-based Needs Assessments & Research
• Affordable Housing: Advocacy for more accessible housing.
• Economic Development: Working with partners to provide employment opportunities, job training and support for local businesses.

Specific Local Initiatives Include:

• West Carleton Community Conversations
• Richmond Community Table
• Kanata Community Forum
• Kanata Affordable Housing Initiative
• Rural Issues Collective
• Centre-wide Client Experience Survey
• Rural Youth Employment and Mental Health Fair
• Organizational strategic planning and health equity
• Advocacy alongside and on behalf of the communities we serve, addressing barriers of exclusion

Outcomes:

• Improved health and well-being.
• Greater community engagement and participation.
• Sustainable, long-term positive changes.
• Stronger social networks and trust within the community.

For more information on our Capacity Development Program or to discuss current or upcoming initiatives, please reach out to Angela Lorusso at lorusso@wocrc.ca.