A growing focus on supporting vulnerable populations is taking shape through initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and access to social services.
Both of Windsor’s English-language school boards have deployed graduation coaches to assist racialized students, particularly those identifying as Black, African, or Caribbean. The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) and the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) have introduced this role as part of a provincially funded initiative to improve educational outcomes and broaden access to post-secondary education.
Toyin Jegede, who works as a graduation coach at Assumption College Catholic High School, is at the forefront of this effort. She provides mentorship and guidance to students as they navigate high school. “My ultimate goal is to empower students with the confidence and the skills they actually need to graduate,” Jegede stated.
Unlike typical guidance counselors who address broad academic concerns, graduation coaches focus on specific barriers impacting Black students’ academic progression. They offer mentorship and collaborate with educators to promote awareness and comprehension of the challenges these students face. According to Statistics Canada, Black high school students have lower on-time graduation rates compared to their white counterparts. A study from Toronto Metropolitan University highlighted alarming statistics indicating Black students are twice as likely to drop out, with socioeconomic challenges and systemic barriers being significant contributing factors.
The role of graduation coaches is to help students maintain their educational journeys, assisting with academic performance and future planning. “This is why this role exists. I serve as representation for these kids who haven’t seen themselves reflected in the curriculum, in textbooks, even in history,” Jegede added.
Supporting these efforts, WECDSB engages students through workshops, mentorship opportunities, and Black-led events, with emphases on career development and readiness for post-secondary education. Daniella Adekoya, a Grade 12 student at Assumption, shared the difference this support makes. “A lot of your classmates don’t have the same knowledge as someone who has experienced it. She’s been here, and she can give us examples and just make us feel more comfortable about how to deal with those sorts of challenges,” said Adekoya, who plans to graduate this semester and pursue neuroscience with aspirations of entering medical school.
Beyond her work at Assumption, Jegede also aids students at two other Windsor high schools, assisting them with academic planning and transitions to post-secondary institutions. “My role includes advocating for these students with other faculty, especially when the staff may lack personal experience to grasp the difficulties some of these students are encountering,” she noted.
These initiatives reflect both Windsor school boards' commitment to fostering academic success and helping students chart their future paths. Comparably, the Town of Bracebridge is also focusing assistance on vulnerable populations through its Community Improvement Plan (CIP), which has opened its 2025 application process.
The CIP is structured to propel economic development, improve infrastructure, and boost both commercial and mixed-use areas within the community. The program presents various financial incentives, including grants and loans, to encourage private investment aimed at enhancing buildings, housing, and energy efficiency among others. Last year, the CIP dispensed over $48,000 in grants to 23 local projects, aiding numerous initiatives such as accessibility improvements and signage installations.
“Programs like the CIP are fundamental to driving sustainable development and supporting our local businesses,” remarked Rick Maloney, Bracebridge Mayor, adding, “We are proud to offer this valuable resource to help local businesses and property owners reinvest in our community and fuel Bracebridge’s economic vibrancy.” The town advises local business owners to apply early to maximize their funding opportunities, emphasizing the importance of these grants and loans for fostering community development.
Adding another layer of support for vulnerable populations, Wetaskiwin RCMP is partnering with local social services to establish a navigation center aimed at centralizing support for those requiring assistance. During their recent presentation to the city council, RCMP Insp. John Spaans highlighted the initiative being built with input from the Edmonton Help Unit. This center will function as a single location bringing together various social support services, providing easier access for individuals, including seniors, families without adequate access to these services, and the general homeless population.
“The intention of the navigation center is, almost like a trade show for those needing social support,” he explained. Spaans noted this approach could help mitigate difficulties faced by residents who need help securing housing or overcoming addiction challenges. By having services and agencies organized under one roof, those requiring support can access resources more conveniently.
Inspired by the successes seen at established navigation centers like Edmonton's, this strategic model aims to tackle social disorder issues prevalent throughout Wetaskiwin. Spaans also reported continuing collaborative efforts with various community organizations and services to discuss trends, safety, and best practices addressing these persistent local challenges.
“Overall, the sharing of information has gone really, well,” noted Spaans, who emphasized the collaborative spirit behind these initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable populations throughout Wetaskiwin.
With these various initiatives, considerable efforts are being made across different communities to uplift vulnerable populations, enhancing both educational and social support systems. These programs reflect the determination of numerous stakeholders to create forward-thinking solutions addressing longstanding challenges faced by students and families within their districts.