Cathy McCulloch
San Romanoway Revitalization Association
Mission: to create a sense of belonging in the San Romanoway Community by assisting families, individuals and groups to support each other by building a safer and healthier environment.
The mandate of the Association is:
• Community Development & Safety
• Finding proactive solutions to solve the problems of the youth violence in the neighbourhood.
• Providing cultural/social, recreational, educational and enrichment program for children, youth and families.
• Providing employment training, life skills coaching and other opportunities for marginalized "at-risk" youth.
The San Romanoway Revitalization Association (SRRA) was established in 2001 out of growing concerns about the inordinate amount of youth violence and community victimization within the neighbourhood and the wider Jane Finch community. The building owners/principals and managers of the San Romanoway high-rise building met with law enforcement officials, community residents, local businesses, academics, community organizations and community leaders to discuss the perceived escalation of gangs and violent crime.
Over the years, the Association team worked tirelessly to enhance community/neighbourhood safety and well-being by forming partnerships with stakeholders which saw a dramatic decrease in crime, victimization, and vandalism to the buildings.
Seen by many as the driving force behind the Association's success, the Executive Director- Stephnie Payne, and members of the SRRA Board created an environment for change by establishing social support and crime prevention strategies for the