Welcome to Engage Rural
A Collaborative Shaping the Future of Rural Health and Social Services
Engage Rural is a collaboration of rural health and social service agencies united by a common purpose: to strengthen rural voices, recognize the distinctiveness of rural communities, and ensure that rural services are effectively resourced. We come together because we care about people, about place, and possibility.
Together, we recognize the power of collective action. We are stronger together, leveraging our shared knowledge, relationships, and commitment to ensure equitable access to health and social services for rural residents.
Engage Rural (Collaborative) works to bring the realities of rural life to the forefront, activating solutions that reflect both the strengths and the unique needs of our communities. Our values are deeply aligned with those of our agencies, and it is these shared values that breathe life into this collaboration.
Our Shared Values
Accountabitiy
We hold ourselves, the broader systems and agencies we engage with accountable to rural residents.
Autonomy & Mutual Respect
We hold ourselves, the broader systems and agencies we engage with accountable to rural residents.
Collective Action
We strengthen our impact through collaboration and shared purpose.
Community-Led
We prioritize grassroots voices and local leadership in shaping solutions.
Equity & Representation
We ensure rural communities are recognized, resourced and represented.
Responsiveness & Adaptability
We adapt quickly to emerging needs and opportunities.
Rural-Rooted Expertise
Our deep knowledge, trusted relationships and longstanding presence inform authentic, community-driven approaches.
Engage Rural Collaborative
Who We Are
Discover what we heard!
Community Engagement Findings
Hear from health and social service agencies, grassroots organizations, community members and key informants from racialized groups about what’s working well, where there are service delivery gaps or barriers and what can be done to improve.
Get in Touch
Engage Rural
Engage Rural is a collaborative of 8 health and social service agencies providing services in four rural townships in Waterloo Region. Together we are working to ensure services are responsive to changing and evolving needs as our townships grow.
