ABCD

ABCD: Assets Based Community Development

Ottawa Innercity Ministries is in the process of development from a charity model, to intentional community model and further towards an Assets Based Community Development (ABCD) model.

ABCD is based upon the principles of appreciating and mobilising individual and community talents, skills and assets (rather than focusing on problems and needs). Rather than define people by their ‘deficiencies’ (addictions, mental health issues, homelessness, poverty, etc.), ABCD looks to define and understand people through their strengths. It’ looking at the glass as half full, rather than half empty.

All people have been given gifts, talents and experiences. We believe that if we could help our street friends discover and develop these strengths, they may attain a higher quality of life, build a stronger sense of community and discover that they have the resources and ability to make positive life changes.