A proven approach that changes lives and communities
through Relationships

The Joining Hands Program has been successfully operated for 10 years by Front Line Outreach, a non-profit organization based in Oakville, Ontario.  The program has engaged with 21 at-risk social housing communities in Halton Region and surrounding GTA  communities, including the Jane and Finch area in Toronto.

This Joining Hands Program website was established so that interested service-minded churches and not-for-profit organizations can establish the program in their own communities and realize the same impact and benefits as we have in ours.  This website provides details on how to get started, what’s involved, and what is most critical for your success.

Overview of the Joining Hands Program

The Joining Hands Program is a proven approach to build better communities and positively impact the lives of the residents of at-risk social housing communities.  

This is accomplished by the building of relationships though regular, engaging social interactions. This approach builds trust among community residents over time, leading to an enhanced sense of well-being and safeness; greater connectiveness within their communities and to others in the broader community; and a greater sense of self-confidence to make a difference in their own lives, the lives of their family, and in the lives of their neighbours.

The Joining Hands Program is a 3-stage program, that builds to a steady-state set of activities that are run throughout the year.  These core activities can be augmented by additional activities, to further deepen relationships and impact the lives of the residents.

Why Become Involved?

The Joining Hands Program is designed for those who want to make an impact on their communities and help their disadvantaged neighbours.  It is for service-minded churches and not-for-profit organizations, individuals and community groups, who have access to a team of similarly committed volunteers to assist in running the program. It is amulti-year commitment that requires planning, resources, and hard work.

It is a program that goes beyond simply donating money; it involves getting out there, in the community, rolling up your sleeves, and doing the necessary work of building something new and wonderful: Relationships.

The Joining Hands Program is for those who truly want to make a difference where they live.

How To Get Started

If you think you may be interested in starting your own Joining Hands Program, we recommend the following 3 steps:

1. Become familiar with the details of the Joining Hands Program as outlined on this website

2. Consider if this would be a good fit for you and your organization

3. Make the commitment to the time (at least 3 years) and the resources to launch the program

 You will find everything you need to get started on this website, with the exception of the willingness to make a difference.  That you will find in your own heart.

When you are ready, let’s get started – Click here to learn how.

   5 Reasons to Get Involved What Makes it a Success What People are Saying

Make a Difference in Your Community

“Now that we are able to get food every day, my Dad has stopped beating my Mom.”

Making a difference in a community always starts with making a difference in the lives of individuals. One person at a time.  Typically it is the small things, the slight changes that create enormous change over time.  Like the ripple made by a tiny pebble, the impact spreads across families, and neighbours, and communities.It has been our experience that the most enduring, impactful changes on communities are those that occur at the root level, in the fabric of the community, starting with the lives of the residents.  The goal is to change their perspective on themselves, their situation, and the communities they live in through personal, genuine relationships.  Relationships built on an attitude of service, caring and fellowship. If you are looking to make a difference in your community, the Joining Hands Program is an effective way of doing that.  True, it takes effort, and commitment, and rolling up your sleeves, and venturing out beyond your comfort zone.  But the return is so enormous, so wonderful, so impactful on people, it is worth it. I know of no better way to be a positive driver of change in our at-risk communities.  It does not take a lot of money to create this incredible impact; it just takes a few committed people to change the world of so many.

Ron Shantz, Co-Founder, The Joining Hands Program and Front Line Outreach 

Do You Have A Question? Contact us

Learn More…

  Getting Started The Program Keys to Success