Fall Recap: New Collective Impact projects begin execution in Ontario

November 22, 2016

youth-ci-300x97Youth CI is an initiative of Innoweave in partnership with Laidlaw Foundation, supported by the Government of Ontario. Youth CI supports groups of organizations to learn about, develop, and implement collective impact initiatives that directly improve outcomes for youth across Ontario.

Youth CI had another busy fall, with almost 30 collaboratives participating in eight workshops across Ontario, including two new communities, Niagara Region and Hastings County. New collaboratives across the province are now beginning clarity work around their objectives and Theories of Change. Significant progress has also been made for the many ongoing Collective Impact initiatives launched in prior rounds of Youth CI. They are moving toward building their measurement strategies and launch plans.

With the end of workshop season, funding for coaching, launch, and execution grants begins. Youth CI is proud to highlight two of its recent grantees:

Lanark Consortium to Address Youth Homelessness
2016 Launch Grant Recipient

Led by United Way of Lanark County, this initiative aims to provide every young person in need in Lanark County and Smith Falls with safe and affordable housing and supportive services within 10 days of being referred. Their new launch funding will help them strengthen their evaluation strategy, and ensure all remote areas in the region are ready to take action toward their ultimate goal of ending youth homelessness.

Partnering for Success in Youth Employment (Ottawa)
2016 Execution Grant Recipient

Coordinated by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa, this initiative is working to increase the labour market participation rate of youth who live in priority neighbourhoods in Ottawa. After two years of working with Youth CI, this collaborative has a strong implementation plan based on partnerships with community and private sector leaders.

We are looking forward to sharing more Collective Impact stories as more groups build and grow. For more information about Youth CI, visit youthci.ca or contact us at info@youthci.ca.