- 807-467-5225
- info@kacl.ca
Community Connections (or Community Participation Services and Supports – CPSS) is the umbrella for many initiatives and iterations of action research including the Adult Literacy Centre (est. 1999), Fitness Friends and Art Partners (both est. 2006), the Arts Hub (est. 2010) and Rhizome (est. 2014).
The common thread between all the initiatives in Community Connections is belonging in community, and we believe the path to experience belonging is through gifts. So, while initiative names and physical spaces may shift in and out of focus, we are always working alongside folks in discovering gifts and connecting with opportunities for those gifts to be received in community.
Program Overview
In Community Connections, we work to orchestrate belonging by bringing gifts and welcoming to the forefront in our community. We understand that a sense of belonging is integral to people and that gifts are a powerful tool in cultivating belonging. Our team fosters moments of shared experience that lead to strengthened relationships with self, community, and the land we call home.
There are endless areas of interest that can be used as a point of connection. The team at Community Connections works to ensure that each individual’s gifts are seen and received by others and that in turn each person has a sense of contribution and belonging in a way that is valued by community.
Our Signature Gift is exploring what’s possible when all people are equally valued and celebrated.
We bring it by creating collaborative approaches to advocacy and belonging, rooted in social justice and compassion, using zany and unconventional ways to bring joy.
Discover the beautiful art of Kinusaiga, a Japanese technique often called “no-sew patchwork,” where fabric pieces are carefully tucked into a base to create stunning, textured designs. It’s a relaxing, creative process that blends color, pattern, and mindfulness.
Join us for a four-week workshop where you’ll learn the basics, explore your creativity, and complete your own unique piece.
All skill levels are welcome, come create, connect, and enjoy the process!
Step into a little everyday magic with a Practical Magic-themed afternoon of games, food, and fun! In celebration of the sequel premiere, we’re keeping the magic going with cozy vibes and playful competition.
Enjoy themed snacks, enchanting board games, and a touch of whimsical fun with friends. Whether you’re here to win or just soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
RSVP needed. While there are two session a month, they are the same adventure so our heroes may only sign up to participate in only one. Join us as we prepare to go on an adventure with tabletop role playing game Dungeons and Dragons. This series will be played in a collection of one-shots, so if you cannot make it to all the games, don’t worry! Just jump in when you can! Please come to play with a level 9 character , if you do not have one, there will be some premade ones at the event for you. To RSVP or for more information, please call: 807-407-5660.
Come on down to the Arts Hub almost every Friday morning from 11am to 1pm and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea while our tech guru, Nich Longe, helps answer your burning tech questions. The technical help part of the event is First Come, First Served. So be sure to arrive early and arrive often to stay up to date on everything technical in your life. No tech issues? No problem! Come on down and enjoy a warm beverage with good company. Everyone is welcome! No charge for this event, however donations are always appreciated.
Note: There will be no Sketch-a-Doodle on September 23rd, or the 30th to honour The Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Sketch-a-Doodle! Get ready to giggle and scribble at our silly sketch session! We’ll be making goofy drawings, doodling to our hearts’ content, and even creating our very own handmade sketchbooks to take home as we start the year off with some drawing fun. Come for the creativity, stay for the laughs, let’s doodle something awesome!
Want to prep your drawings for coloring using colored pencil, alcohol markers, etc.? Come learn how to make clean lineart and do canvas prep to help make your artwork pop!”
Queer Peers is a 2SLGBTQ+ peer support group for adults. We provide a safe space in the community for folks to find resources, sharestories, and meet new people. We welcome everyone to attend and hope to see you there. Drop-ins are welcome!
Visit and enjoy a beverage and good conversation. No sign up required, donations are appreciated.
Note: There is no Open Studio on September 30th and short Open Studios on the 2nd and 23rd.
Ongoing projects this month will focus on Truth and Reconciliation, including a screening of “Rumble”, a documentary about the impact of Indigenous musicians in Canada, Mexico and the US. This is a casual come and go event in a café style setting. Donations are appreciated. Art supplies, coffee and tea are provided. Guests are welcome to work on any projects of their choosing.
Join us for a cozy movie gathering featuring Practical Magic!
We’re celebrating the exciting premiere of its long-awaited sequel, so it’s the perfect time to revisit the original classic.
Popcorn is provided. Create a little Autumn coziness, settle in, enjoy the magic, sisterhood, and nostalgia.
Join us for an evening of video games. $10 signup is required, and space is limited. Pizza and coffee is provided.
NOTE: The first Thursday of each month will be an hour long – Sept 3rd
Meet at 12 Main St. Meeting Room
Join us this month as we travel to the 12 Main building for the mindful meditation practice. We gather with a brief discussion to set our intentions for the day then listen to a guided, calming meditation to help cultivate focus, presence, awareness, and mindfulness. This event offers a supportive space with others for deepening mindfulness, gratitude, and focusing on clarity and calm.
This month Rise to the Rhythm will be held in partnership with Murial Shores at the farm.
This month we meet at the Discovery Cnetre to explore West African Hand Drumming with Tersoo at the Arts Hub.This is a non- traditional drum circle
that is open to all abilities. Hand drums are provided
The Board and Employees of KACL gratefully acknowledge that we live, work, enjoy the richness of and play on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people of Treaty 3, and on the homeland of the Metis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place and reaffirm that the historic and current relationship that exists between us is defined by Treaty.
We commit to work to create the conditions for belonging and social justice so that each person can live fully in the unique identity that matters to them, in a community that accepts and welcomes. We recognize that our work must be in the service of Reconciliation. Our work must be at the level of the individual and the community, so that our collective identity as a community lives up to the values we want for ourselves and our children. A community where equity, peace, and respect for cultural differences are respected and nourished; and a community that acknowledges that the early Anishinaabe people of these lands saw we were strangers, welcomed us as guests, and invited us to stay as neighbours.