Case study of grassroots community development: sustainable, flexible and cost-effective responses to local needs

This paper presents the results of a case study of a grassroots community development initiative in St. John, New Brunswick. It was part of a larger study designed to investigate the sustainability of community-based crime prevention activities. This case study highlights a unique strategy for addressing local community needs. The lessons learned in St. John address many of the common challenges related to community development such as community mobilization, capacity building, planning, partnerships and sustainability. Some attention is also directed at the role of government and non-governmental agencies in community-based initiatives since this represents an ongoing concern for those involved in community development.