CITIZENSHIP HIGHLIGHT RIGHTS

This spring Jewell Manor was closed for redevelopment. Jewell Manor holds a special place in Skills Society history, as it is where the organization began and in 1980’s, housed the Skills’ main office. The first Skills employees supported the tenants living at Jewell Manor, all of whom had recently moved there due to the closure of the Hillside pilot-project, which had helped move people from institutions back into community.

For many of its most recent tenants, Jewell Manor Apartments has been a long-time home and community. As neighbours they have built strong relationships with each other, other community members, and local businesses through a variety of creative community building approaches. For example, during the pandemic they ‘filled the walls with love’ by writing messages of gratitude for their neighbours on paper hearts and posting them throughout the building. Caring for their community annually this group showed up as engaged citizens to participate in a community clean up and built a shared garden outside their building. Through various events like door decorating contests, summer BBQs, and holiday parties, where neighbours, friends and family were invited to join, they nurtured a sense of community. Elizabeth shared fond memories of spending time with neighbours who have become friends, having coffee and sharing important moments, such as birthdays, together - “I really enjoyed living at Jewell Manor. Going for picnics in the park with my neighbours was a highlight”.

While Jewell Manor residents have had to move out, this group of stellar citizens have hopes to bring their creative community building approaches to their new neighbours and communities! As citizens making positive change in the world, this group of neighbours are an example of Actioners, making real world action happen now - highlighting the intention and care that goes into fostering relationships and building community.