Community Development

How We Work

We recognize that poverty reduction is a broad and complex area of work and that we need to be focused in our efforts to continue to be relevant and to maximize our impact. 

SNBSC supports poverty reduction initiatives throughout Charlotte County through coordination, networking, planning, information, and grant funding. Areas of focus are determined by our Regional and Provincial Poverty Reduction Plans with priorities identified by communities in our region.

Regional Plans are created by SNBSC with input from Southwest NB communities and leaders and usually run for 2 year periods.

Provincial Plans are created by ESIC with input from communities all across New Brunswick and run for a 5 year period. The most recent plan was released in February 2025: Overcoming Poverty Together 4.

Proven ways to impact poverty and it's effect on people's lives include:

1. Increased income,
2. Reduced living costs,
3. Breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

It is important to consider this while developing plans and actions.

Impact

2024 Activities

• Grant Writer – Creation of a new position to provide funding support for community projects.
• Network Development and Communication - Through network newsletters, workshops and meeting up with residents, non-profits, and municipalities across the region we’ve been supporting pathways for communication, understanding and collaboration.
• ESIC Overcoming Poverty Together 4 Consultations – Supported regional input into the new provincial plan (online survey, info sessions, hosting five community dialogues).
• ESIC Community Action & Transportation Grant Funding – Two intakes in 2024.
• Regional Resilience – We collaborate with the Regional Resiliency committee and provide admin support for the Regional Resilience funding into Southwest NB.

2024 Highlights

• Community Grant Writer – Worked with 73 organizations, 50+ projects, 36+ funder connections
• ESIC Community Action and Transportation funding supported 12 projects, leveraging over $130,000k in ESIC funding. Projects supported:
  • We’ve Got Your Back – Resiliency Enhancement, $9999 (School Food)
  • Lawrence Station – Food Program Kitchen equipment upgrade, $5000 (School Food)
  • SNBSC – Mental Health Training Support, $2975 (Mental Health)
  • YMCA – Rainbow Program, $9600 (Mental Health)
  • Sophia Recovery – Enhancing Recovery Support, $8000 (Mental Health)
  • Sistema – St. Stephen Startup, $5000 (Access to Recreation)
  • Sunbury Shores – After School Art for Elementary, $2955 (Access to Recreation)
  • Nature’s Backpack – Project DEER, $4750 (Access to Recreation)
  • St. Croix Wellness & Renewal – Seniors Program, $3000 (Access to Recreation)
  • ECW - Nonprofit Transportation partnership, $9504 (Transportation)
  • Charlotte Dial A Ride – Transportation 2024-2025, $75,000 (Transportation)
• Charlotte Dial A Ride provided 9000+ rides for those without access to transportation for medical, work/training, social and basics needs.
• Workshops, Forums and Information sessions engaged over 250 community members, nonprofits, and community service providers.