A new cross-sector partnership aimed at strengthening safety, inclusion, and equitable access to services has officially launched in the County of Brant.
Darmont GivesBack (DGB), working alongside the County of Brant and the Brant OPP, introduced DGB Connect, an initiative supported through Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing grant program.
The program brings residents, service providers, and community organizations together to advance priorities outlined in the County’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan.
DGB says the initiative is designed to foster trust between police and community members while improving access to supports in key areas.
“DGB Connect represents the power of partnership,” said Tobi Adedayo, CEO of Darmont GivesBack.
“By bringing together the County of Brant, Brant OPP, and a network of community organizations, we are building pathways to inclusion, safety, and well-being that strengthen our entire community.”
In its first phase, DGB Connect will focus on strengthening collaboration among organizations working in housing, mental health and addictions, employment, and education.
These areas, DGB notes, are essential to long-term community well-being and social equity.
The project aligns with provincial Community Safety and Policing (CSP) objectives by supporting frontline engagement, enhancing community policing initiatives, and ensuring officers and service providers have the tools they need to engage effectively.
It also reflects the pillars of the County of Brant’s CSWB Plan, including promoting social development, fostering belonging, and reducing systemic barriers experienced by newcomers and racialized residents.
Program leaders say the initiative is built on the belief that stronger relationships help build stronger communities.
“At its heart, DGB Connect is about connection — connecting people to supports, partners to shared goals, and communities to a sense of belonging,” said Essay Folami, Program Director at Darmont GivesBack.
“By aligning with County and policing priorities, we’re creating a model that strengthens inclusion and improves everyday well-being.”
The overarching aim, according to DGB, is to encourage shared responsibility between police, service providers, and community leaders, ensuring that residents of all backgrounds feel supported and included.
DGB Connect is a community engagement initiative led by Darmont GivesBack, delivered in partnership with the County of Brant and the Brant OPP.
The program focuses on empowering residents of diverse cultural and social identities to participate fully in community life while supporting collaboration across community sectors.
