Social Innovation for Vulnerable Populations (2015)

As part of a new collaborative partnership, the Community Action Initiative partnered with the City of Vancouver to co-fund a series of social innovation projects designed to enhance social inclusion for vulnerable populations.

Grants were awarded in 2015 to four (4) projects that demonstrated an innovative approach to enhancing social inclusion for vulnerable populations.

Funding Partner

Grant Recipients

Threadworks: Tailored for Inclusion – 3H Craftworks Society

This project provides flexible and accredited skills training in the cut-and-sew industry for people with mental health and physical disabilities who are not currently engaged in the workforce. Participants will acquire the skills required to access employment opportunities, and positively influence their economic livelihoods. Project Partners: Common Thread YMCA Metro Vancouver Nicole Bridger Designs Pure Magnolia Gowns

Families as Learning Leaders - Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy

This project supports vulnerable families enrolled in early childhood and elementary school programs in the Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, and Canim Lake area, to design and delivery a new model for engaging parents in their child’s learning. Project Partners: Canim Lake Band Cariboo Chilcotin Teachers Association Cariboo Friendship Society Communities that Care School District #27

Place of Belonging - Métis Nation BC

This collaborative project seeks to develop and operate a culturally safe home for Aboriginal male adults, aged 19 and over who have aged out of the provincial child welfare system in Kamloops, BC. The project will help to restore a sense of belonging and cultural identity among participants, while imparting healthy and independent living skills. Project Partners: Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services BC Ministry of Children and Family Development

Tu’wusht Social Innovation - Vancouver Native Health Society

This project is a social enterprise initiative designed to enhancing reciprocal trade relationships between First Nations food producers and Aboriginal consumers, and improve access to fresh organic food in the Aboriginal community. Food grown by the Tsawwassen First Nations Farm is prepared, marketed and distributed by Tu’wusht program volunteers for purchase by Aboriginal individuals, services, and businesses. Project Partners: Tsawwassen First Nations Farm School Lu’uma Native Housing, Aboriginal Patients Lodge