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Abstract: 

In May 2003, the Community Economic and Social Development (CESD) program of Algoma University undertook a study of the non-profit sector in Sault Ste. Marie, to determine its contribution to the overall economy of the City. The study explored In order to determine what contribution the non-profits were making to the economy, the areas of revenue generation and disbursement; direct and indirect job creation; community capacity building through volunteer and staff development; and social capital development were explored.  The study indicated that in In addition to the significant contributions to the City’s economy and concrete jobs created job creation, the non-profit sector provides substantial contributions to the quality of life of Sault Ste. Marie’s citizens. Findings indicate and t that this sector of Sault Ste. Marie’s economy could be grown through strategic investment. 

Researchers:

Dr. Gayle Broad, Steffanie Date 

Dates: 

2003-2004

Publication: 

Abstract: 

A collaboration between the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie & District and NORDIK.  This one-year project, Graffiti Reframed, was a community engagement strategy brought together a diversity of people and organizations that aided in the broad based understanding of graffiti by gathering perspectives of youth participants and the public.  Graffiti Reframed addressed the identified need for understanding graffiti, the forces driving creation, and community attitudes toward graffiti itself, that emerged from the Downtown Dialogue in Action research; a partnership between the John Howard Society, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service and NORDIK that developed a strategic action plan for social development in the downtown core.  

Researchers: 

Jude Ortiz, Liz Cooke, Sean Meades, and Dr. Gayle Broad

Sharon Hunter, Cameron Dutchak and Mistr Tahti lead the skills and mural development.

Funders and Partners:

  • Ontario Trillium Foundation
  • Northern Ontario Heritage Corporation
  • Art Gallery of Algoma
  • Cases Music
  • 180 projects
  • 360 SSM Media Arts Collective
  • Neighbourhood Resource Centre (Gore St.)
  • Steel City Motorsports

Dates:

2013-2014

Publication: 

Graffiti Reframed Final Report

Abstract: 

This evaluation of Sault Ste. Marie’s homelessness initiatives was designed and executed with the goal of bettering the services provided to community members under precarious living conditions.  A continuum of care model was used to identify gaps in the delivery of community services to address both crisis and long-term needs of homeless individuals.  Recommendations included consistent data collection that reflects service goals and objectives; the establishment of a street-level service outreach; the expansion of the Mobile Support Worker program; the development of more affordable housing; and permanent, ongoing funding to homeless shelters, amongst others.  This research provided a glimpse of the strong network of agencies within the City of Sault Ste. Marie which provide support to the homeless population.

Researchers: 

Meghan Boston, Dr. Gayle Broad

Dates:

2006 

Publication: 

Evaluation of Homelessness InitiativesDownload

Abstract:

This action research joined the experiences and opinions of residents, business or and property owners, service providers and other diverse stakeholders towards the building of a vibrant, economically healthy downtown district in Sault Ste. Marie. Over the period of one year, more than 1000 participants, passionate about the future of the city’s downtown core, drew attention to its strengths, potential, and areas for improvement. Among the projects that emerged from this work are the Graffiti Reframed project and the Neighbourhood Resource Centre. Of the many valuable partnerships that contributed to this research, the SSMPS provided the much-needed backbone support to the large-scale change envisioned by the participants in the Downtown Dialogue in Action project. It recommended a series of strategies to strengthen social cohesion, foster a healthy downtown economy, address the needs of “at-risk” neighbourhoods and people, and to increase access to the necessities of life, with oversight by a coordinating committee that brought together all levels of government, civil society and business. 

Researchers: 

Dr. Gayle Broad, Sean Meades, Tom Green, Dana Chalifoux, Jessica Bolduc 

Dates: 

2011-20142

Publication: 

Abstract: 

Debwewin, the eastern Ojibway Anishinaabe word for ‘truth’ or ‘to speak from the heart’, captures the essence behind this research that explores racism in the Northern Ontario cities of North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Questionnaires and interviews were compiled in the three cities, showing the need for more proactive efforts to counter racism and to increase public education on the topic. 

Researchers:

Don Curry

Dates:

2005

Publication:

Debwewin ReportDownload

Abstract:

The link between culture and the development of healthy, resilient communities is gathering strength in Northern Ontario. This research brought forward a new framework for approaching economic development that places a healthy culture, one that provides a supportive environment for people and their expressions of creativity, at the forefront of a vibrant and economically sound community. By assessing the socio-economic impact of the arts on the economy of Sault Ste. Marie, this study identified local strengths that can bolster the economy. These include community ownership and commitment, increasing economic activities and efficiencies around industry clusters and building on the existing arts economy. The findings point to the potential for increased economic activity where a greater understanding and strategic development planning process is generated. This would give the city a competitive advantage in attracting new business, retaining skilled labour and investment and providing wide-spread community benefits. 

Researchers:

Jude Ortiz, Dr. Gayle Broad

Dates:

2005 – 2007

Publication: 

Culture Creativity and the ArtsDownload

Abstract: 

This research evaluated the impact of the Community Corner in Sault Ste. Marie, a family preservation model designed to provide community-based family support programs for at-risk families. NORDIK carried out interviews and focused groups to compile information on user’s and stakeholders’ experiences of this service. These, in addition to a comprehensive literature review, brought forward a better understanding of the strengths, gaps and opportunities for further development for the program. The result of this research makes possible the application of this community partnership model to other neighbourhoods and rural areas. This work also facilitated the development of relationships between service providers, bringing forward opportunities to engage new skills and/or increase their capacities. 

Researchers: 

Meghan Boston, Dr. Gayle Broad

Dates: 

2007

Publication: 

Community Corner Empowerment EvaluationDownload