Spinning Forward’s Post

Catherine Hernandez's novel, "Scarborough," provides a stark depiction of community resilience amid systemic adversity. Set in the Kingston/Galloway neighbourhood in east Toronto (City of Toronto) ,this book reminds us about the vital role of a local community centre that strives to support vulnerable families from marginalized communities. Hernandez highlights the vulnerability of support systems due to shifting governmental priorities, affecting workers and the community. The narrative, which also received acclaim as a film at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival Group (TIFF), focuses on three children growing up with the odds stacked against them. To elaborate, it focuses on the coming-of-age of three young children living in a low-income neighbourhood and how they form bonds in a community centre despite the hardships they and their families face. It showcases how community centers can be crucial safe havens that foster bonds and support amidst hardship. A particularly moving episode involves the struggle of an Indigenous mother, Marie, to obtain an autism diagnosis for her son, Johnny. The scene reveals systemic barriers preventing access to care for marginalized families, calling for greater empathy and action in healthcare and social services. “Scarborough" serves as a powerful call to professionals to advocate for policies that strengthen community support structures and ensure equitable service access. This story is more than a tribute to community center workers; it's a prompt for ongoing dialogue about inclusivity and the creation of resilient communities in the face of institutional challenges. ‘Scarborough' is more than a story; it's a call to action. Let's commit to fostering empathy, and enhancing community support systems. Learn more by reading our newsletter through this link: https://lnkd.in/gkSF6BdZ #BIPOC #POC #bipoccontentcreators #spinningforward #microinfluencers #smallcontentcreators #toronto #canadianhealthcare #indigenous #torontonovel #tiff #torontointernationalfilfestival #scarborough

If you haven’t booked your ticket for ‘Sound of a Hope,’ we think you'll miss out. We wouldn’t usually advertise a film, but we’re going to make an exception as this one is worth celebrating. Sound of Hope is based on a true story and focuses on the truths about foster youth, their lives, and how we can make a difference as a community. Raising awareness of foster youth and ensuring they feel heard is something we are all responsible for. Imagine the impact we could have if we all spoke up. We are all responsible for raising awareness of foster youth and ensuring they feel heard. Imagine the impact we could have if we all spoke up and raised awareness about foster youth, their lives, and the benefits of adoption. #EmpowerFosterYouth #DE&I, #RaiseAwareness, #TheImportanceoflistening Suppose we gave them a voice and truly listened. It's our collective responsibility to ensure foster youth feel heard and supported. #Empowerfosteryouth, #Raisewareness, #Ineedhelp

Check out a recap of our Youth Summit at Cornell Tech!

In the 45 years CIL has been developing homes and communities for those in need, we've helped 8,773 people and families, administered 624 grants, and helped 139 individuals through the federal Money Follows The Person (MFP Program) by specifying and managing home accessibility modifications necessary to permit people to transition from long term care back to their own homes. Our AccesSolutions program provides a variety of accessibility solutions for those who cannot afford modifications on their own. #CIL #Housing #CILDevelopsHomes #CILDevelopsCommunities #Impact #Community #Relationships #Inclusion #RealEstateDevelopment #Accessibility Image Description: A graphic with a dark blue background highlights the amount of people CIL has helped through their AccesSolutions program. Text on the screen reads: "CIL AccesSolutions; administered 624 grants & 139 Money Follows the Person through AccesSolutions." On the left side of the image, text reads "8,773 people and families helped."

In fifty years, the general public attitude towards people with disabilities has improved greatly from "lock them away! Institutionalize them all!" We still have a long, long way to go, but we have a reasonable start. If you feel drawn to helping disabled people live their fullest and best life, we have a number of agencies with plenty of opportunities for you. Some positions ask for in-person assistance and companionship, like the Vision Mate for the CNIB or the Leisure Pal for Community Living Trent Highlands. Alternatives Community Programing needs Dance Chaperones for their monthly dances. Community Care requires drivers to help get seniors and independent disabled people to appointments and shopping. All of these positions require a Vulnerable Sector Screening and a few other qualifications. Check each posting carefully to make sure you can/will tick all the boxes. You can also assist at the monthly bingo at Delta Gaming. You just need a resume and proof that you're over age 19 to be in the bingo hall. Find out more here: https://buff.ly/41Jqa0H Never underestimate how much assisting with a fundraiser benefits the agency. And don't worry about tobacco use. Only the Drag Bingos allow smoking! It's not Memaw's bingo hall! Make your search easier. Make a free profile for yourself, choose "people with disabilities" as one of your causes, and pick from the dozens of very worthy opportunities in our listings. Check them out today! https://buff.ly/3rsamzk #TryItTuesday #InclusionMatters #VolunteersNeeded

🗣️CYS Community Update🗣️  "I do the work for CHC because it has always been in my heart to give back to my community. I have always loved working with youth, especially young girls. I can relate to the community challenges because not only do I work for the community, but I still reside in the community." Read about the intergenerational work Karen is providing within her work as a CHC Case Manager. Read the whole story on our blog (cys-la.org/our-blog) #losangeles #restorativejustice 

As of September 30, 2022, there were nearly 109,000 children, in the US, waiting to be adopted who were at risk of aging out of foster care without permanency. This year's National Adoption Month theme is “Honoring Youth: Strengthening Pathways for Lasting Bonds.” Young people should have a strong support network that meets their needs; embraces and affirms their racial, ethnic, and cultural identity; and promotes family, community, and cultural connections. By honoring every youth and their network, professionals can work toward an adoption that is meaningful and purposeful, paving the way for healing, well-being, and long-term stability. Permanency is so important to give children the stability, love and support they deserve. https://lnkd.in/g8nFbJKP

***long video however worth watching it until last**** In our diverse world, let’s celebrate the strengths and challenges of children with special needs. Acceptance means creating a space where every child feels valued and included. Open your heart to their incredible potential. By fostering acceptance, we enrich their lives and our own. Let’s build a community where differences are celebrated and every child shines. Spread awareness and acceptance. Share this message and video to support children with special needs #abilityadvocacy #twinklezz #InclusionMatters #CelebrateDifferences #SpecialNeedsAwareness #AutismAcceptance #DifferentNotLess #SupportSpecialNeeds #AutismAwareness #EmbraceDiversity #AllAbilities #LoveWithoutLimits #Neurodiversity #InclusionRevolution #AutismStrong #KindnessCounts #AcceptanceIsKey

The 2024 Columbia Housing Market Analysis is here! Data Driving a Place in the World for Autistic Adults and Others with Neurodiversities explores the needs and preferences of adults with A/I/DD and their families/caregivers in Richland and Lexington counties and offers data-driven recommendations to mitigate potentially negative outcomes. The study was conducted by the Make Waves Center for Community Development at the First Place Global Leadership Institute in Phoenix. Commissioned by SOS Care, the report is the first-ever study to comprehensively address the housing needs and preferences of adults with A/I/DD in Columbia. The analysis educated consumers on their potential options, collected data on their needs and preferences, identified barriers to meeting demand, and explored how public, private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors can work together to find market solutions. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eW_4HifY

The Power of Connection 🌟 We’ve seen firsthand how collaboration creates hope and changes lives. From partnering with local organizations to tailoring support for individuals, every connection we build strengthens our community’s foundation. One of our clients once said, "Because of their help I was able to get in touch with the proper resources during a time of difficulty." That’s what we’re about—meeting people where they are, bridging gaps, and ensuring no one falls through the cracks. 💙 Our work is a team effort. We’re grateful for every partner, supporter, and community member who helps us make a difference. Reach out to us for more info: https://lnkd.in/eh7c_YE3 #CommunityCare #CollaborationForChange #ClarkFloydSOC #SystemofCare #SouthernIndiana #Teamwork #Connection #CommunityPartners #Resources #SolutionBased #MentalHealth #Recovery #Youth #Families #StrongerTogether