The GNSC operates on multiple levels: from the top, we support neighbourhood groups across the city by providing funding, resources, guidance, and support to help each unique neighbourhood group thrive in their own area of the city. From the bottom, we also provide a number of city-wide programs to further our support of community members in the city of Guelph.
In addition, the GNSC collaborates with a number of other projects and programs in Guelph. These collaborations look different based on the needs of each individual project and what the GNSC might have to offer in order to help that project succeed.
GNSC Programs
The Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition helps serve communities across the city by providing programs to support the neighbourhoods. Our programs are developed and managed with allies from local neighbourhood groups and community partners. Here are some of the programs that the GNSC runs through the year.
Summer Camps
Some Neighbourhood Groups offer summer day camps that take place at local schools, parks, and outdoor spaces. These camps are designed to be accessible and affordable for local community members. Each camp has its own support structure and planning, but the framework for each camp is the same: there is a paid site supervisor supported by paid and volunteer leaders. The day camps operate from 9am - 4pm, Monday - Friday throughout the summer months with a capacity to host 20-30 campers each week. Camp activities include games, arts and crafts, themed events, excursions and adventures, and special guest visitors. GNSC’s admin team supports the overall design and delivery of these safe, educational, and fun camps across 5-8 neighbourhoods between June - September each summer.
North End Harvest Market (NEHM)
The NEHM Coordinator and team of volunteers host a weekly, no-cost, emergency food market at Trinity United Church. NEHM asks people to sign up as members, and anyone from the North-east part of Guelph can apply to receive a bi-weekly, fresh fruits and vegetables hamper. The NEHM is also a social hub, making space and intention to connect community members by hosting seasonal events, celebrating some cultural holidays, and holding fun-raising events. The NEHM is also supported by local businesses who can adopt-a-week to help support this ongoing service.
Community FEWD (Food Equity with Dignity)
Community FEWD is the brainchild of trained Chef Yasemine (Yasi) Zorlutuna. Yasi and a team of staff and volunteers work with the local circular food system, cooking foods that might otherwise have gone unused into delicious and healthy meals. Then those hot meals are served in a pop-up cafe style around the City, offered at a pay-what-you-choose rate. FEWD prioritizes its delivery model for under-served and marginalized neighbourhoods. To make this model sustainable, the FEWD chefs also offer market value priced catering options for organizations with resource. Learn more about Community FEWD on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/communityfewd/ or on their website at https://fewd.ca.
Collaborations
In addition to the programs offered by the GNSC, the Coalition is also proud to work with a number of other community partners to offer additional programming through the Neighbourhood Groups and across the city.
Parent Outreach Program (POW)
Backpack Drive
Adopt-A-Family
Salvation Army Holiday Hampers
Emergency Food Cupboards
Community Gardens
Opening Opportunities
All That Kids Can Be
Digital Equity Coalition
Guelph-Wellington Poverty Task Force