Community Response

STR8 UP

At STR8-UP, 10,000 Little Steps to Healing Inc, community sharing circles and connection are at the heart of all their work. As folks transition out of gang and criminal lifestyles, connecting with others on the journey of healing and recovery allows members to build new and healthy relationships, and to build new lives apart from gangs. As we look for ways to stop the spread of Covid 19 in our community, while also supporting our members, STR8-UP had to stop their in-person supports, sharing circles and meetings. Instead, they, reached out to the community for support and changed their service delivery model to continue top be able to connect. Video sharing circles, phone based counselling for those in the community and in correctional settings, delivering personal hygiene packs, and holding online 12-step discussion groups. 

Along with challenges, there have also been some unexpected perks, reaching new demographics of people. For the first time ever, members living outside the city and on reserves have been able to access and participate in our circles in real time with those in Saskatoon. New mothers are able to log in to discussions and participate while at home with their infants. 

Members have been able to showcase the art that they are making in their homes and workshops, and share their personal strategies for staying clean and staying positive while building a new life. 

Most of all, this time has shown the courage and strength the members have, and their commitment to changing their lives, while supporting each other through each new challenge they face. 

Visit Str8UP

Engaging for Health Equity is a project of the Division of Social Accountability.

The DSA is proud to be a part of the Saskatoon Inter-Agency Response to COVID-19 and for the critical equity-informed work that is happening in Saskatoon.

Important: For public health recommendations on COVID–19 (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and risk, and travel advice), please visit the Government of Canada’s website.

For Saskatchewan COVID-19 news and information, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.

The DSA office is situated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis and we acknowledge Saskatchewan as the traditional territory of First Nations and Métis people, which includes Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. We recognize the legacies of colonialism and systemic racism in Saskatchewan, which requires focused and sustained societal efforts as we confront historical and contemporary injustices and achieve health equity for all.