Dear Council of the Region of Waterloo: Regional Chair Karen Redman, Councillor Lee Armstrong, Councillor Eilzabeth Clarke, Councillor Jim Erb, Councillor Sue Foxton, Councillor Tom Galloway, Councillor Michael Harris, Councillor Dave Jaworsky, Councillor Helen Jowett, Councillor Karl Kieffer, Councillor Geoff Lorentz, Councillor Kathryn McGarry, Councillor Joe Nowak, Councillor Sandy Shantz, Councillor Sean Strickland, and Berry Vrbanovic,

Dear Waterloo City Council: Mayor Dave Jaworsky, Councillor Sandra Hanmer, Councillor Royce Bodaly, Councillor Angela Vieth, Councillor Diane Freeman, Councillor Jen Vasic, Councillor Jeff Henry, Councillor, Tenille Bonoguore, 

We, the undersigned, wholeheartedly agree that the programs, initiatives and familial supports provided by Adventure4Change (A4C) play an incredibly important role in the vitality of Northern Waterloo neighborhoods. We believe that A4C should receive the full and unwavering support of the Region of Waterloo Council, both morally and financially - specifically, support to keep The Neighborhood Hub open. Their work provides hope and inspiration to families, opportunities to youth, and upstream programming for children (Check out the website here: www.adventure4change.org ). The presence of A4C has contributed to positive change in individuals and communities for over a decade, and this area would be detrimentally affected if their involvement was hindered or stopped. 

These are the most multicultural neighborhoods in Waterloo, and A4C has a mission to empower every person to dream big and pursue these goals. This often starts with helping families coming from a refugee or immigrant background transition well into a new setting. Sometimes this means helping youth find their first job or giving kids new experiences through the programs they run. A4C responds to what we (neighbours, business owners, community members, volunteers, teachers, city officials and so many others) ask for and work with us to make these things happen. 

The world has been changing drastically since the turn of the year. A4C has responded to the novel coronavirus by providing activities for children and youth as well as supporting individuals and families. Furthermore, the BLM movement has inspired our city leaders to address how our region centers racialized communities and voices - something A4C has been doing in their programs and initiatives for over a decade. All that to say, the Neighbourhood Hub is the bedrock for what happens here. It is, not ironically, the Hub of A4C - the physical space needed to do this critical work. The costs are unwaveringly high; and it is here that the City and Region of Waterloo can provide relief and support. We ask that you do everything you can to support this organization that provides an essential service to the community. We ask you, without hesitation, to give A4C the backing that would allow it to keep the Hub open. 

Sincerely,

Those honoured to be involved with A4C