Community Vitality in Action

Fundy

Story:

Fundy Community Foundation, since 2002, has been deeply involved in bringing the people of Charlotte County together to identify community strengths, determine community priorities and together help find solutions to build a stronger community in rural Charlotte County, New Brunswick.

In 2006, FCF hosted its fifth community dialogue, Poverty in Charlotte County, to create awareness of poverty and the barriers that prevent individuals from overcoming poverty. This dialogue unleashed an overwhelming desire of committed individuals from all walks of life to continue to meet with the goal of reducing poverty in Charlotte County. Moving Forward Together, a poverty reduction committee, is comprised of non-profit organizations, registered charities, clergy, government, businesses, and members of the community.

Moving Forward Together community meetings are held at different locations throughout Charlotte County, as it is the goal to also involve as many people as possible to help find solutions. Members of the steering committee develop the agendas for each meeting and all meetings are co-chaired, as it is not the purpose of FCF to lead the charge but rather be part of the team. They look to the community for expertise in facilitating the breakout sessions and hear from presenters who are aware of the challenges in their community. Equally important is to give individuals on low income the opportunity to have their voice heard and support them so they feel confident and comfortable to find solutions as well. The Moving Forward Together committee believes everyone has something to contribute.

The first community meeting in 2009 focused on the improvements in the community since 2006 and identified the current challenges in Charlotte County. This meeting was also an opportunity to promote another meeting with the Province of New Brunswick’s Poverty Reduction Initiative with a goal of having good representation from Charlotte County to assist them in a poverty reduction plan for New Brunswick. At the most recent community meeting on March 20th, an action plan was developed around the two main priorities – safe affordable housing and food security.