DGB Connect launches in County of Brant to strengthen community safety and inclusion

Darmont GivesBack CEO Tobi Adedayo and Program Director Essay Folami are pictured at the Afro CariBrant Festival this past summer, another community-building initiative led by Darmont GivesBack. The pair are now guiding the launch of DGB Connect, a new partnership aimed at strengthening safety, inclusion and belonging across the County of Brant.

Paris Independent Staff

Staff Contribution

A new community partnership aimed at strengthening inclusion, belonging and public trust has officially launched in the County of Brant.

Darmont GivesBack (DGB), working in partnership with the County of Brant and the Brant OPP, announced last week the start of DGB Connect, a multi-sector initiative funded through the Ontario Community Safety and Policing Grant Program. The initiative is designed to bring residents, service providers and community organizations together to address shared safety and well-being priorities. 

DGB CEO Tobi Adedayo said the project reflects the power of collaboration at a time when communities are being called to work more closely across sectors.

“DGB Connect represents the power of partnership. By bringing together the County of Brant, Brant OPP, and a network of community organizations, we are building pathways to inclusion, safety, and well-being that strengthen our entire community,” Adedayo said. 

The first phase of the program prioritizes collaboration with organizations involved in housing, mental health and addictions, education, and employment, areas identified as essential to improving social equity and community well-being. The work aligns with both the County’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan and provincial Community Safety and Policing (CSP) objectives. 

As outlined in the media release issued last week, DGB Connect supports efforts to:

strengthen frontline community engagement tools for police,

build trust through community-policing initiatives, and

reduce systemic barriers for newcomers and racialized residents. 

DGB Connect is structured around three core CSWB pillars: social development, community belonging and inclusive service access. Program Director Essay Folami said the initiative aims to bridge gaps between residents and the supports available to them.

“At its heart, DGB Connect is about connection—connecting people to supports, partners to shared goals, and communities to a sense of belonging,” Folami said. “By aligning with County and policing priorities, we’re creating a model that strengthens inclusion and improves everyday well-being.” 

The overall goal is to improve collective outcomes by encouraging law enforcement, service providers, and community leaders to work together on early intervention and proactive support. The initiative places particular emphasis on ensuring that residents of all backgrounds feel seen, supported and included. 

DGB Connect will continue developing community relationships and program partnerships as the initiative rolls out across the County of Brant. For more information, residents can contact DGB or visit darmontgivesback.org/dgbconnect.