Pathway to Potential program expanding to Amherstburg

A regional poverty reduction strategy is expanding to Amherstburg, with Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) tasked to deliver it.

Pathway to Potential (P2P) is expanding the Neighbourhoods Program to two communities in Essex County with the announcement coming last Wednesday. The program, which operates under the umbrella of the City of Windsor, will expand to Leamington and Amherstburg are the latest additions to the program. The aim, according to a news release, is “to build stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods in areas experiencing economic hardship and quality-of-life impacts.”

The United Way/Centraide of Windsor-Essex County is delivering the program in Leamington.

“The Neighbourhoods Program supports P2P’s strategic plan by empowering residents, activating local resources, and fostering social capital,” the announcement. “At the heart of the program is the Connected Community Approach (CCA) — a resident-led framework that emphasizes the power of connection and collaboration. Through this approach, residents are placed at the forefront of change-making, supported by community backbone organizations (CBOs), known as neighbourhood leads, who are responsible for implementing the program in their designated areas.”

Kathy DiBartolomeo, executive director with ACS, said they are “very proud” to be chosen to help administer the program in Amherstburg.

“We’ve been selected to help Amherstburg,” said DiBartolomeo.

The Neighbourhoods Program will last upwards of four years locally, she pointed out, with residents in areas identified as being in need being worked with. DiBartolomeo said partners will be worked with during the initiative.

Over the coming weeks, P2P says residents will be able to connect with neighbourhood leads and learn how they can get involved in shaping the future of their communities. 

DiBartolomeo said the plan is to show what services are available to residents. While more details on how the program could look and the specifics will be released at a launch planned for October, she said programming could involve guest speakers, mental health and addiction, job skills and searches, mentoring, community gardens, and cooking classes.

“There’s a lot of different things we hope to achieve,” said DiBartolomeo. “We’re anxious to get started. I think it’s going to be great all the way around.”

To learn more about the Neighbourhoods Program or Pathway to Potential, please visit the P2P website at www.PathwayToPotential.ca.

Pathway to Potential program expanding to Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu