A new community-driven initiative is taking shape in Carman, one focused not on infrastructure or facilities, but on something less visible and arguably more essential — belonging.
Carman Wellness Connections (CWC) will launch its Community Belonging Project in January, inviting local organizations, businesses, clubs and neighbourhood groups to create events that help residents feel connected, welcomed and valued.
The project has been a year in the making. In 2024, CWC applied to join the Tamarack Institute’s Circles of Action Cohort. Their application was accepted, giving Carman access to training and coaching alongside similar initiatives across Canada.
“We recognized a growing need to strengthen community belonging in Carman,” said Lisa Lehmann, CWC coordinator, in an interview. “The Circles of Action Cohort gave us the opportunity to learn from other communities, gain new tools and bring meaningful strategies home. It aligned perfectly with our vision of supporting wellness through connection.”
Residents shared that while Carman is known for its friendliness and volunteer spirit, it can sometimes be difficult for newcomers, young adults, isolated seniors or families without established networks to feel integrated. Through meetings, assessments and community feedback gathered over the past year, CWC heard that people were looking for more low-barrier ways to connect — not just during major events, but in everyday, meaningful moments.
To prepare for the project, a working group — including CWC staff and Southern Health–Santé Sud Healthy Living Facilitator Chantal Chevalier — attended monthly coaching sessions with Tamarack and exchanged ideas with communities tackling similar goals. The group spent time identifying where belonging is strong locally and where gaps exist.
“Much of the work involved assessing our community, engaging with different groups in Carman, gathering feedback and identifying opportunities,” Lehmann said. “We continue to hear from residents who feel disconnected or who perceive Carman as a place where it can be hard to ‘break in.’ Research shows when people feel seen, heard and missed — when they have opportunities to connect — they experience better mental, emotional and physical health.”
The Community Belonging Project aims to help bridge these gaps by supporting Community Connectors — individuals or groups willing to host events that bring people together through shared activities and interests. These could be cultural gatherings, recreation-focused meetups, mentorship activities, hands-on workshops or neighbourhood celebrations. CWC will offer seed funding, ideas, planning support and promotion, with accessibility and inclusivity as key criteria.
“The project encourages local organizations, businesses and groups to host events that bring people together in meaningful ways,” Lehmann said. “Whether through shared interests, culture, hobbies or simple neighbourhood gatherings, our role is to support these groups so they can create spaces where everyone feels they belong.”
Ideas brainstormed during planning include Art in the Park, Fun Walks, Block Parties, Community Bonfires, Fix-it-Fairs, Multicultural Fairs, Sports Tournaments, Open Mic Nights, Community Potlucks, Mystery Walks and more. The only requirement is that events are welcoming, accessible, inclusive and open to the wider community.
Organizers will register their event through CWC, receive guidance and promotional assistance, host the event, then reflect afterward so CWC can learn what worked well and what barriers still exist. Groups will also receive recognition — including Community Connector stickers, social media features and promotional material to showcase involvement.
To encourage early participation, the first five registered events will receive a $200 bonus toward their project, in addition to the regular funding available.
While early outcomes are expected to include increased interaction and new opportunities to meet others, CWC has a long-term vision for the initiative.
“Short-term, we want to spark new opportunities for connection, voice and shared experiences,” said Lehmann. “Long-term, we hope this leads to annual events created through this project, stronger partnerships between organizations, increased awareness of accessibility, and more inclusion for underserved or overlooked groups. Ultimately, we aim to build a healthier, more connected Carman.”
Belonging, she emphasized, is not built by one organization alone.
“Belonging comes from many hands working together,” she said. “The more diverse the hosts, the more people in Carman will have opportunities to feel included. We hope businesses, neighbourhoods, seniors’ groups, churches, clubs, sports teams — anyone — will be inspired to participate.”
The initiative launches the week of Jan. 20, 2026, with event registration opening at the same time. Promotional materials, logos and visual assets are available to groups looking to spread the word.
CWC plans to maintain regular public communication as events begin rolling out, encouraging residents to attend, volunteer, share stories and help build momentum.
“We’re excited to see what ideas come forward,” Lehmann said. “Some events might be big and some may be small, and that’s OK. Belonging often grows best through simple, genuine experiences — eating together, learning together, creating something side by side, or just spending time with neighbours you might not otherwise meet.”
Residents, groups or businesses wanting more information or wishing to get involved can contact carmanwellnessconnections@gmail.com.
“Let’s build a healthier, more connected community together,” Lehmann said.
