Programs & Services > Options > Network Facilitation
Community Network Facilitation
Community is at the heart of our work. We believe the people we support and the communities where we are living need each other. We understand community to be a continuous process that is formed and informed by relationships. The places in a community or neighbourhood are a good starting point, for example: the library, a coffee shop, community center etc. However, beyond the places that make up a community, it is the relationships between people that contribute to everyone’s sense of belonging. We believe that we are safer, stronger and wiser together.
What is Networking?
Networking, as a community building process, is a little bit like computer networking but the goal is to link people to other people. The way you link to us is through your Community Resource Facilitator, or if you are on the waitlist, you can request Network Facilitation.
Networking can look very different depending on the person’s situation. Our goal is to be flexible and individualized. Our involvement is absolutely a choice. We try to start from where you are at, and to build from there. Whenever possible we enlist the support of important people in your life in the plans and conversations. Over the years we have discovered there are as many different ways of networking with people as there are people. Our aim is to learn about what you are interested in, or curious about, what you have tried, the challenges you have faced and where and how you want to get involved.
It has been clear that many people would prefer to learn by doing, and that talking about ideas really doesn’t work for everyone. So we may make a map together, going around the neighbourhood checking things out, or spend time together at the library researching possibilities. We may also use diagrams and other creative/visual planning approaches to get ideas and share community information.
We are also involved with formal and informal support circles, as well as facilitating PATH planning sessions, conflict resolution and creative problem solving. Our role is often that of catalyst, sparking ideas, providing positive encouragement, and accompanying people in their explorations. We want you to be informed about what’s happening in your community. Often, you teach us things about your neighbourhood.
We don’t network for you: we work with you. Our ultimate goal is that when we have finished what we start together, you will be your own networker.
Workshops:
We also seek to facilitate community change and provide encouragement and problem solving support to individuals, families, support workers and the community at large through workshops.
If you would like to receive service from Options, please call us at 416-971-6326
