Changemakers get support for community projects in Brantford

A drop-in space where neurodiverse people can create art; a program that promotes cross-cultural connections through Bollywood dance; and a plan advocating for housing for adults with disabilities are among the latest projects supported by the Community Changemakers program.

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The six-week program, an initiative led by the City of Brantford, Wilfrid Laurier University and Laurier LaunchPad Brantford — Laurier’s business and social innovation incubator — ended earlier this month with participants pitching their plans and getting help to launch their projects.

The aim of all the projects is to “increase social inclusion, foster belonging and animate public spaces” in Brantford.

Mikayla Hughes plans to expand her Neurodivergent Artist Collective in the new year with financial support she received through Community Changemakers.

The collective aims to provide accessible, low-barrier programs, opportunities and support to neurodivergent artists. Neurodivergent, said Hughes, refers to a person whose brain functions differently than what is considered “normal.”

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“Neurodivergent Artist Collective’s slogan is ’embracing neurodiversity through creativity,’” said Hughes. “To me, this means examining the characteristics of ourselves that society has deemed less palatable than those who have a neurotypical brain but, instead of hiding away or feeling shame about our differences, we embrace them in creative ways.”

The collective started in September with its first Craft Club meeting. Hughes wants to broaden the program to include more than just visual arts.

Julie Perkins, Laurier LaunchPad Program coordinator, said Community Changemakers has proven to be a “powerful platform for the city and Laurier to collaborate with passionate residents who are determined to create a more inclusive and vibrant community.”

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“The energy and creativity emerging from this program has been truly inspiring, and we are excited to see how these impactful projects will transform our city,” said Perkins.

Sumedha Mongia said she was new to the city and going through a “low, lonely period” last year when she came across information about Community Changemakers on social media.

“I wanted to explore what was happening in Brantford, connect with others, and better understand the community,” Mongia said of what led her to enroll.

Being “deeply passionate about community building through art and culture,” this year she joined the program to refine her project – Shared Pulse, workshops that foster emotional and social connections through Bollywood dance.

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“The aim is to address issues of loneliness, isolation and disconnection that many community members face, especially newcomers and marginalized groups,” said Mongia, whose background is in Odissi, Indian classical dance.

With help from the Changemakers program, she will hold dance workshops in the spring, culminating in a community gathering.

“The program offered a supportive environment where we could explore and refine our ideas with valuable feedback,” said Mongia. “It was inspiring to see so many diverse initiatives aimed at making the community stronger. It gave me the confidence to explore my own ideas and see the potential to create real impact.”

Other Community Changemakers projects include:

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• Activ4Kids Sports Experience by Chris Kartik: A low-barrier recreational program for parents and young children to explore a variety of sports together while strengthening bonds and encouraging active lifestyles.

• New Paths Brant by Katie MacDonald, Nancy Smith and Serena Fordham: A project advocating for long-term sustainable, accessible and supportive housing solutions for adults with disabilities.

• Eagle Place Community Pantry by Maggie Nendick: A dedicated community pantry for fresh and shelf-stable foods and staples to be established in Eagle Place.

• The Little Neighborhood That Could by Chad Martin: A community engagement initiative to create a health and wellness garden at City View Park.

The Community Changemakers projects are set to launch in 2025. Information is available through the Laurier LaunchPad webpage and social media. The next cohort of the program will be in the spring, with application and registration details to be announced in February.

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