Millhurst Community - Edmonton, Alberta

[Actual summary letter sent to all participants - May 1995

Thanks to all of the participating businesses, associations and individuals; some valuable information has been collected about the skills, abilities, assets and gifts that exist and can be shared with the community. Opportunities exist in the community; by having access to this information you can take advantage of these opportunities!

Why Was The Capacity Study Completed?
The recent movement away from the traditional health system to the community centered approach has left many feeling there are no solid supports for health. The purpose of this study was to assist the community in discovering what they already have in place to support this new approach, to provide a positive strategy for accepting the changes and to connect and involve people during the discovery.

Who Was Responsible For Conducting This Survey?
In this project, the Millhurst Community League and the Caritas Community Development Office (CD) collaborated to explore the Millhurst community's capacities and assets that support health, wellbeing and quality of life. The partnership acts as a community animator and encourages networking among individuals, businesses and associations, supporting the creation of new partnerships and opportunities, and building on community strengths.

What Were The Results?
One hundred and three individuals living in Millhurst, forty-two businesses, twenty-one government associations and twenty-six non-government associations were surveyed. Eighty three percent of the businesses, ninety-five percent of the government associations, ninety-six percent of the non-government associations and seventy-eight percent of the individuals surveyed said they would be interested in being involved in any initiatives that might emerge as a result of this project and that they have supports, skills and abilities to share with the Millhurst community.

Businesses and associations have a great deal to offer in support of health and wellbeing. In fact, they had so much to offer, that we decided to map it out! The businesses and associations have supports for distinct groups such as families, children, women, immigrants, parents, low income and pregnant teens. They also possessed a wealth of supports for education, recreation and leisure, basic necessities, financial security, quality of life, medical supports, social supports, fundraising and donations and community communication. The Asset Map was created to visually describe the potential connections between the businesses and associations around the theme of health and wellbeing. The capacities, assets and potential connections shown on the asset map indicate great potential for community action around health, wellbeing and quality of life in and around Millhurst!

The individual surveys also revealed some very exciting results! For example, the one hundred and three citizens surveyed said that they had, and may be willing to share, the following with their neighbours in Millhurst:

• caring for the sick (46 people)
• gardening (57 people)
• driving a car (90 people)
• laundry (81 people)
• grocery shopping (92 people)
• teaching (51 people)
• computer skills (63 people)
• preparing and cooking food for less than ten (87 people)
• Plus Much, Much More!....

The Millhurst community and surrounding area HAS the potential to 'connect' its resources and the capacity to support the health and wellbeing of its citizens!
The Next Step Is Up To You!!

How Can You Access This Information?
The Millhurst Community League and the Community Building Resources office offer easy access to this valuable information. Contact the League and leave a message at (780)462-3493 or contact Susan Roberts. A full report of this Capacity Study is available at both of these locations.

http://www.cbr-aimhigh.com