How can community bonds be developed in big cities like Kitchener-Waterloo? At Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS), their mission is to develop a sense of unity, friendship, and cultural identity among community members, creating a more harmonious and just society.
As one of the Core Collaborators at the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, GRFS aims to address significant educational and social issues in the Waterloo Region. They do this through various activities, seminars, guidance programs, and mentorship initiatives. People are at the core of what makes a community, and GRFS aims to contribute to the development of individuals' skills through their different programs.
Promoting cultural diversity within the region is a big part of GRFS’s mission and can be seen through their Multiculturalism and Community Building programs. These programs celebrate diversity and foster community cohesion through events, dialogues, and collaborative projects. It encourages mutual respect and understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.
One of the events in this program is Conversation Circles. These gatherings are where community members share stories and form meaningful connections through open dialogue. Aside from this, GRFS promotes diversity by celebrating a plethora of cultural celebrations. In September, GRFS celebrated Turkish heritage by hosting an Anatolian Food Festival. This gave people from all over the region an opportunity to immerse themselves in Turkish cuisine and culture.
Aside from this, among the many programs they host is the Women Empowerment program. These programs aim to promote gender equality and empower women through workshops, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives. It provides resources and support to help women achieve their full potential in their personal and professional life. In the Women Empowerment program, they host multiple events such as cooking classes, ladies' nights, and sewing programs. These events give women the opportunity to learn new skills and connect with other women in a safe and inviting space.
As part of the Women Empowerment program, GRFS hosts a Dialogue Book Talk throughout the year, exploring womanhood through one film, podcast, and article a month. These events are hosted right here in the Centre, so make sure to check it out!
GRFS is also regularly active within the student community and hosts many events throughout the academic year to engage students. Specifically, they hosted a Friendship Bracelet Making event right here at Conrad Grebel. This event featured snacks, treats, and music, with a positive and upbeat vibe. The Centre’s Program Assistant attended this event and commented on how welcoming the environment was. As someone who did not know many people there, she was quickly introduced to others and felt embraced. GRFS also recently hosted a campus “Friendsgiving,” bringing students together for Thanksgiving with delicious food and the opportunity to meet new friends.
In addition to having a strong connection with university students, GRFS hosts events for middle school and high school students through their Youth Mental Health and Leadership program. They recently hosted youth overnight camps in October, including reading circles, movie nights, seminars, and sharing circles. All activities are designed to strengthen confidence, teamwork, and belonging among youth.
Overall, GRFS’ vision to create a vibrant and inclusive community is clearly displayed through their strong efforts to connect individuals with their communities. GRFS aids in fostering mutual respect, cultural understanding, and social responsibility to help build a better tomorrow for Waterloo Region residents.