BENCHES 2 BRIDGES PROJECT

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BENCHES 2 BRIDGES PROJECT

The Benches 2 Bridges Project in South Markham addresses a crucial need for shared spaces that foster connections, especially for newcomers and seniors who may face social isolation. The Benches 2 Bridges Project underscores the importance of community engagement and representation from a place-based context. Centered on the resident-led construction of culturally-relevant, landmark, resource benches in the community, this project aims to create intergenerational spaces where people of different ages can come together and to reduce loneliness and provide opportunities for diverse perspectives and continuity.

Project Goals

1. Decrease isolation in pocket communities across South Markham, with a focus on addressing cultural barriers

2. Create opportunities for resident-led capacity building, bringing residents together so that they can express their experiences through art, and to build community cohesiveness

3. Raise awareness of community resources around MH/MWB and HS through promotion of community partners and the SMCAT service navigation tool

2024 Timeline

Worked with faith-based and cultural organizations to create spaces in South Markham for those of various cultural backgrounds who may not be connected to other services

Hosted community consultations that facilitated story-telling and experience-sharing of residents, which were captured and included in bench designs that represented each diverse community where the bench was installed

Hosted bench-painting workshops for residents to create artwork on the project benches from the bench designs generated

Benches include a QR code linking to this website, where they can learn more about the initiative and resources available around Mental Health/Mental Well-Being, Housing Stability, and many other support services in the community

The SMCAT shared resources and information around Mental Health/Mental Well-Being and Housing Stability through outreach, at the community consultations, and bench-painting workshops to raise awareness of available services in community

Hosted the SMCAT Annual Housing Summit to celebrate the success of the B2B Project, and continue to break stereotypes around Housing Stability, Mental Health/Mental Well-Being, and social isolation

Results

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At 105 Gibson Centre, the B2B Project brought together women, newcomers and long-time residents alike, from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences, creating a supportive and family-like atmosphere during consultations and workshops. Participants, many of whom had felt isolated before, shared personal stories, supported each other in various ways, and worked collaboratively on the bench painting, making a meaningful and lasting contribution to the centre.

“Working with diverse women of all ages, from different backgrounds like Chinese, Sri Lankan, and Russian, felt like a family—a village. We all contributed in different ways, even if it wasn’t painting, and that made the experience meaningful. I’m proud of the bond we formed as we worked toward a common goal. That connection was priceless."

– Benches 2 Bridges Participant

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Hagerman Corners Community Homes is a lively intergenerational community, home to both seniors and families. Through the B2B Project, residents engaged in meaningful conversations about their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational connections.

Hagerman Corners is a place where neighbours look out for one another, fostering a community built on joy and love. This sense of togetherness was evident during the community consultations and bench painting workshops, where residents expressed their appreciation for having the SMCAT team on-site. The team not only facilitated the workshops but also shared valuable resources and information on ways to get involved in the broader community. Residents shared that, by the end of the project, they felt less isolated. The joy and love that define Hagerman Corners is now beautifully reflected not only in the final bench created but also in the everyday interactions among residents who participated in the workshops.

“We have never done something like this before. It really keeps the mind going, it’s something to do. All the fun, jokes and laughter - we need more of these things to attend and de-stress.”

– Hagerman Corners Residents

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The B2B project at the Milliken Wesleyan Methodist Church is a vibrant testament to the community’s rich cultural mosaic. The Community Consultations facilitated a conversation about residents’ identities and the community identity: about their shared values of compassion, unity, and connection, and how these values transcend culture. As the project carries out, residents continue to foster a deeper connection and sense of belonging through investing joint efforts in this community project.

“As a child, I loved that I got to know [diversity]. Here, we are becoming a puzzle, a mosaic, each piece is diverse, each coming from different places. It’s a matter of taking the time to put it together, so much can happen if we are willing to come together and fit into our spot.”

- Milliken Wesleyan Methodist Church Resident