Building Stronger Communities—Together

The most recent Community Round Table, held under the Kings Regional Service Commission’s Community Development mandate, brought together a wide range of nonprofit, health, business, and community partners from across the region. These gatherings offer a collaborative space to explore shared challenges and identify new opportunities to work together.

What made this session especially meaningful was the strong connection between the lived experiences of participants and the broader goals of the Community Development Action Plan (CDAP). Key topics included workforce development, newcomer integration, access to health services, and inclusive housing—showcasing how local knowledge and cross-sector collaboration can fuel real progress.

The session reaffirmed Kings RSC’s role as a trusted convener, helping partners reduce duplication, address systemic barriers, and increase impact through a coordinated approach. The tone of the day was one of mutual respect, shared responsibility, and optimism—values that continue to guide our regional efforts.

This initiative is made possible through funding from the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC), whose support helps foster dialogue, community leadership, and meaningful action across the Kings region. With growing momentum and practical outcomes emerging from each event, the Community Round Tables are fast becoming a cornerstone of a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future.

Stronger Together

This event was made possible through project funding from the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC), as part of New Brunswick’s poverty reduction strategy: Overcoming Poverty Together 4 (OPT4).

Special thanks to the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce for providing registration and communications support, and the Sussex Regional library for providing an inviting, collaborative space.

Together, we’re building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities across the region.

The next Community Round Table is scheduled for September 25, 2025 (11am) at the All Seasons Inn & Restaurant. Community organizations are invited to attend to share, network, and collaborate.

Highlights from the Round Table

Regional Updates

  • Kings RSC shared updates on upcoming community initiatives including a partnership with MAS to enhance Diversifest with an International Cuisine Week, distribution of hydroponic kits to local schools, and the continuation of culinary classes supporting food bank clients and residents facing chronic food insecurity. Volunteer recruitment events are also in the works to celebrate existing volunteers and encourage new community members to contribute their time.
  • Outreach reported that 5 individuals have recently been housed, with 25 still experiencing homelessness. Community generosity continues to play a vital role in meeting basic needs.

Community Organizations & Services

  • Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting a Student Job Fair on April 16 at Sussex Regional High School, with Kings RSC and The Work Room. Through a partnership with the RSC, non-profit organizations can add their events to the Chamber’s website at no charge.
  • Sussex Regional Library highlighted a range of free public programming including tax clinics, fitness workshops, and National Canadian Film Day. A Community Cupboard is now available at the library’s entrance.
  • Nursing Homes Without Walls announced a five-year funding renewal and shared plans to expand services that help seniors remain in their homes.
  • BGC Greater Saint John introduced an upcoming digital platform to support collaboration and shared promotion across community organizations. Summer camp registration and a suicide awareness course are now open.
  • FACE continues to provide in-home parent-child development programming for families with children aged 0–8. It was noted that this program allows self-referral by parents to allow easy access to this service.
  • Hospice Sussex is preparing to launch MOBILITY+, a new service for renting or purchasing home medical equipment.
  • Horizon Health and partners shared information on mental health supports, pop-up pap clinics, and a resource map created by UNB nursing students. Additional services to support foot care and harm reduction are also in planning stages.
  • Elevate Sussex continues to provide free support for survivors of sexual violence aged 16+ in the Sussex region.

Sector Development Workshops

United Way Maritimes is hosting a series of free workshops will support non-profit capacity building in the Kings Region:

  • May 9 – Social Media & Increasing Engagement
  • June 6 – Board Governance (Lunch provided)
  • August 7 – Allyship and Inclusion

These programs are funded in part by the Kings Regional Resiliency Committee.

Emerging Themes & Ideas

The discussion also touched on opportunities for:

  • Business sponsorship of volunteer recruitment
  • Enhanced food security measures
  • Targeted support for individuals experiencing homelessness
  • Improved outreach to engage more youth and seniors

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to all participants for bringing their insights and energy to this event. Special thanks to:

  • ESIC for their continued funding support
  • Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce for handling registration and promotion
  • Sussex Regional Library for hosting the session in a welcoming and inclusive space

We look forward to seeing you at the next Community Round Table on September 25, 2025, at All Seasons Restaurant. Lunch will be provided—register online through the Sussex & District Chamber of Commerce website.