This evening was a really important one for all of those who have had the opportunity to work with Stephnie Payne in some capacity over the years. As a longtime school board trustee and Executive Director of the San Romanoway Revitalization Association, Stephnie has been a strong advocate and defender of social justice. Through her work and involvement as a community activist, she was and will continue to be a loud voice for youth and the community.
When we met Stephnie in 1999, 5, 10 and 25 San Romanoway were considered one of Canada’s worst apartment complexes. From 1987-2000, the crime and violence rate within the neighbourhood was 122% above the national average. Residents were experiencing more than twice the amount of violent crime than the national and Ontario rate.
We met with law enforcers, residents, local businesses, community organizations and community leaders to discuss the escalation of crime and vandalism to the property. Ultimately, Stephnie Payne was engaged to lead an association aimed at breaking down the barriers and stigmas that had, for so long, defined this area.
By 2002, SRRA was a multi-faceted community-based social service organization. Within four years, a Quality of Life survey determined a 210% increase in the number of residents who were satisfied or very satisfied with their neighbourhood. 25 San Romanoway even has resident waiting lists.
Over the years, with Stephnie driving the ship, 25 San Romanoway has offered teen violence prevention programs, camps, swimming lessons and basketball programs, breakfast and after-school programs, social workers, employment training, music and arts programming, computer training, mentoring programs, family support and community BBQs.
Steph was also instrumental in the building of a fully operational Cineplex screening room, a playground build with Home Depot and the Jordan Manners Multi-Purpose Art Gallery. Rogers Cable donated computers and Internet access for a computer centre, Tennis Canada refinished the run down tennis court and the Ontario Tennis Association provides free tennis instruction during the summer months.
The majority of youth in San Romanoway are living in single-parent households, which are primarily headed by women. This is a very diverse neighbourhood with over 50 languages represented. Only a person like Stephnie, who has such a passion for life, teaching, politics and activism, can lead changes like the ones that have taken place over the years at San Romanoway.
Today, there is major buy-in on the part of youth, children, and families -- thanks to Stephnie recognizing the needs the of the community and tailoring programming to fit these needs.
Now, we're taking the San Romanoway model and re-producing it at several other locations throughout central and eastern Canada -- with unprecedented success. So on behalf of Greenwin, we'd like to sincerely thank Stephnie for everything she has given us. Without her, much of our success in the revitalization arena would not be possible.