The Place to Be/Kružok: Creative Pathways to Health and Inclusion for Roma Families

Background: Roma families in Toronto’s Flemingdon Park area face complex barriers to health equity and social inclusion, including cultural and language differences, discrimination, and limited access to services. Historically, Roma communities have experienced mistrust toward external organizations and a lack of culturally responsive programs, resulting in low engagement. COVID-19 further lowered participation and increased social isolation and marginalization.

The Place to Be/Kružok was developed as a culturally safe and inclusive space, co-designed with Roma families to support well-being through creative expression, partnership-based learning, and social connection.

 

Approach: To identify what would best meet Roma families’ needs, the project team reviewed research on Roma communities and family-centered programs in the EU, particularly low-barrier, culturally responsive initiatives in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. These findings informed the design of The Place to Be/Kružok (“kružok” meaning “circle” in Slovak), symbolizing community, safety, and shared learning.

 

The program was co-designed with Roma families and partners, including Toronto Public Health, Don Valley Community Legal Services, Toronto Public Library, and the City of Toronto, among other community organizations. Family focus groups helped select themes and shape sessions, while evaluations provided feedback on outcomes and future sessions. Roma community ambassadors led outreach through schools, local businesses, and personal networks, fostering trust and participation.

The program offers concurrent sessions: mothers participate in workshops on health literacy, settlement, and access to community resources led by community partners, while children engage in creative arts activities that enhance literacy, emotional development, and self-expression. Continuous evaluation, feedback, and adaptation are integral to the model.

 

 

 

Evaluation and Participation: From 2022 to 2025, 58 sessions were held with 1,928 participants, for an average of 32.7 participants per session. Attendance increased over time, with the last 16 sessions averaging 41.8 participants, reflecting growing engagement as participants helped shape sessions. Focus groups and evaluations indicated positive outcomes across participant groups.

 

Results: Participants reported increased confidence navigating systems, stronger social networks, and improved health care access. Children demonstrated enhanced language skills, self-esteem, and emotional confidence. They often asked, “How many nights until the program?” or “Is it Wednesday yet?”- showing how much they looked forward to participating. Mothers described it as “our time and a place where we feel understood and where we belong.”

 

Implications: The Place to Be/Kružok demonstrates how creative, co-designed, and community-led partnerships can foster inclusion and reduce health inequities. Its collaborative approach, with targeted partnerships and ongoing evaluation, offers a replicable model for integrating creativity, cultural safety, and community care in diverse urban settings.