The Black Creek Community Collaborative has several Working Groups that are committed to developing an implementation plan for each of our five priority objectives:

Enhancement of Information and Services Working Group

The goal of this Working Group is to increase resident awareness and access to local community organizations, and to provide information to service providers so that they can better advocate for services for the community. We have created maps of the services offered in the community, which will be posted in public places such as community centres, malls, and schools in the near future.

Enhancement of Services Initiatives
In response to parent requests, we are presently looking for information about groups for parents whose children ages 11 to 17 are experiencing mental health challenges. If you would like to help with this please e-mail us at info@blackcreekcapacity.ca.

Healthy, Safe and Aesthetic Space and Facilities Working Group

We have been encouraging people to use the green spaces and parklands in the community through our nature walks. These walks are called “Dream by the Stream”, because we think that it’s important to dream about what could be improved in the community and then work together to make changes. We’re now looking at a plan for improvements in four areas surrounding the Black Creek: Downsview Park, Northwood Park, Derrydowns Park, and Black Creek Parklands. Through our walks, we’ve noticed that these areas are peaceful, colourful, great for jogging, biking, and bird watching. But we saw very few people using these spaces and we want to attract members of the community to be more active at these locations and enjoy what the community has to offer!

Showcasing the Black Creek Community Working Group

The goal of this Working Group is to reclaim a positive image of the Black Creek community. We have published newsletters about the project. We have edited information on Wikipedia that had a negative portrayal of the community and we continue to monitor information about Jane and Finch on Wikipedia. We are concerned about neighbourhoodism and the role the mainstream media plays in stigmatizing the area.

Development of Education and Training Services Working Group

The goal of this Working Group is to create more learning opportunities for the community and to eliminate barriers to education. We do this by working together with the community, education, training, and employment providers.

Economic Independence and Stability Working Group

The goal of this Working Group is to develop Economic Development Initiatives to create youth employment and training strategies that increase employment opportunities for youth:

• Community Loan Fund
  The Community Loan Fund Sub-Committee is in the process of establishing a Community Loan Fund that will help local entrepreneurs get their businesses up and running. A feasibility study was conducted in order to determine the type of lending program that would fit the needs of the community. Right-click on the link below to download the Microcredit Report that was compiled by Edric Low, Gigi Yip, and Brenda Spotton-Visano, PhD of York University.
  Black Creek Microcredit Report (click here for Adobe PDF Reader)
   
• Jane Finch Sunday Market for Young Entrepreneurs
  The Youth Entrepreneurial sub-committee has prepared a Business Incubation and Resources Kit that includes information on business incubation and successful business practices. The committee is looking to partner with local Malls and businesses in order to engage the corporate sector in dedicating time and resources for community action. We hope to provide discounted space and business supports to local youth 18 to 24 years that will help to improve their economic opportunities. Right-click on the link below to download the Youth Entrepreneurial Initiative and Business Incubation Resource Kit.
  YEI & Business Incubation Kit (click here for Adobe PDF Reader)