By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As the calendar turns to 2025, conversations often centre around resolutions — weight loss, fitness goals, career aspirations, and vacation plans. While these pursuits are valuable, they can sometimes overshadow an essential truth: we are human beings, not human doings. In the rush of productivity, we often forget the importance of grounding ourselves in our humanity and prioritizing mental well-being.
The Halton region offers a variety of programs and organizations dedicated to fostering mindfulness and mental wellness. These initiatives remind us to slow down, reflect, and connect with ourselves and our community. Local organizations like the Burlington Foundation have played a pivotal role in supporting mental health programs that benefit residents across the region. In 2024, the Burlington Foundation provided $300,000 in local grant funding to 33 organizations — the largest single round of granting from its Burlington Community Fund — to address critical needs such as mental health, food security, and youth programs. Among the beneficiaries were Community Living Burlington, Conservation Halton Foundation, and Re-Imagine Ontario, which each bring unique contributions to mental wellness and community support.
Halton is the hub for many diverse and inclusive programs, like Grandmother’s Voice, which demonstrates the power of Indigenous traditional healing and community unity. This visionary organization amplifies the wisdom of Indigenous Elders, fostering hope and healing while inviting all individuals to engage with ancestral teachings. These values are central to nurturing both personal well-being and collective harmony.
Fruit Salad is a community program in Hamilton, open to Halton residents, that creates welcoming spaces for queer and questioning women, trans masc, trans femme, gender non-conforming individuals, and their friends. Inspired by Salade de Fruits Lesbian+ Happy Hour, it fosters belonging and joy among 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, through events such as the Fruit Salad Queer Prom. Fruit Salad stands as a testament to the power of inclusive spaces, offering a sense of community and belonging for those who need it most.
Another initiative addressing the need for safe and supportive spaces is Halton Black Voices’ Friday Night Yoga sessions, starting January 17, 2025, at St. Paul’s United Church in Oakville. Led by yoga coach Jan-Michael Nation, this program provides Black community members with a space to rest, recharge, and reconnect, regardless of prior yoga experience. Such programs highlight the importance of culturally responsive spaces that foster mental wellness and inclusivity.
Reports from the Canadian Mental Health Association underscore the urgency of these efforts. In 2023, 26% of youth in Canada rated their mental health as “poor” or “fair,” a stark increase from 12% in 2019. Addressing this growing concern requires a collaborative approach. Organizations like Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK), which receives funding from the Burlington Foundation, specialize in child and youth mental health, providing vital resources to families navigating these challenges.
This year 2025, it’s worth remembering that meaningful progress doesn’t require major changes. Starting small — whether through a five-minute mindfulness practice, attending a local yoga class, or participating in community events — can lead to significant benefits over time. Community engagement plays a vital role in this journey, creating support networks and reinforcing the importance of being present.
In Halton, the opportunities to integrate mindfulness into daily life are abundant. Residents can cultivate a deeper sense of well-being and balance by leveraging resources, attending events, and connecting with organizations like Conservation Halton, Capillary Wave Community for Men, Grandmother’s Voice, and Halton Black Voices. As we embrace 2025, let’s prioritize being over doing, creating space for reflection, healing, and connection.
Correction notice: this article has been corrected to state that the Burlington Foundation just completed its largest round of funding from its Burlington Community Fund rather than in its history. Our apologies for the error.
