How to heal a community

Murwan Khogali Ali has been a resident of Regent Park since 2005. Over nearly two decades, he has dedicated himself to improving the lives of marginalized families and at-risk youth in his community. This led him to join the founding of HealingAsOne, a grassroots non-profit organization that helps improve life for the people of Regent Park.

The idea for HealingAsOne traces back to 2017 when Murwan and a few friends helped organize a mental health event. “A lot of immigrant Black marginalized families found our event very resourceful,” he said. “It provided them with a lot of support in areas like employment and mental health." By 2019, HealingAsOne was partnering with employment agencies to secure jobs for youth and providing over $750,000 in wages.

This commitment to employment support has been a cornerstone of the organization’s mission. Now a registered charity, HealingAsOne runs a number of programs in Regent Park. They also create safe spaces for at-risk youth, particularly in Daniels Spectrum.

“Providing a safe space is a big thing in the community,” Murwan emphasizes. “These spaces allow youth to drop in, engage in programs, and reconnect with their community.”

HealingAsOne has significantly impacted the lives of some of their participants. “I heard about the program through my friends and my mentors,” said one participant. “The program was a blessing as it was my first job.” Someone else reflected on a summer opportunity with the organization that allowed them to step out of their comfort zone. “It gave me loads of experience at such a young age,” they said.

HealingAsOne’s programs include mentorship, financial literacy workshops, and different community events. “Engaging youth with programming and workshops is crucial,” said Murwan.

Murwan also acknowledges the support he’s received from Toronto Community Housing (TCHC). He says the organization has been vital in helping to coordinate back-to-school drives and Ramadan events, where volunteers pack and deliver meals to those in need. One particularly impactful event was a laptop drive held in honour of Jahvante “Smokedawg” Smart, Yusuf “Ano” Ali and Ali “NSK” Rizeig that resonated deeply with the community. “It was a meaningful moment for those we lost to gun violence, as we took action in their honour to ensure their legacy lives on forever,” Murwan explained.

The organization also helps people who are looking for employment. “Before this program, I was a very shy kid who only did things when instructed,” said a participant.

“By the end, I had stepped out of my comfort zone and applied myself beyond the program, eventually securing a part-time job at MLSE LaunchPad, where I worked for three years.”

Despite funding challenges, HealingAsOne continues its work. The physical space provided by HealingAsOne allows community members to express themselves, get work done, and hang out. “Physical spaces exist in the community, but access to them is limited,” Murwan pointed out.

Through his leadership, Murwan has made HealingAsOne a beacon of hope and support in Regent Park, continually striving to create a safer, more connected community. He encourages others to “fall in love with the work,” highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from community service.

Visit the HealingAsOne website for more information on the organization and its programs.