In this episode, we speak with Lady Laforet, Executive Director – The Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families.

Stewarding services that are data driven and evidence-based, Ms. Laforet’s focus at the Centre over the past 15 years has been on areas of transformational leadership, change management, and ensuring homelessness services are provided in community with a strong gender-based lens. Currently in their second year in their new space at 500 Tuscarora, Ms. Laforet is currently overseeing the agency’s incoming 5-year strategic plan, with pillar areas of community connections, internal excellence, and advocacy driving her work.  Community-minded and pragmatic, she splits her time between her work and her home-life- with her husband, two daughters, three cats, and a dog.  

The Welcome Centre Shelter works to actively transition women+ and families out of homelessness through emergency shelter and peer-supported services.

Centre Programs:

• Emergency shelter and basic needs for women+ and families experiencing absolute homelessness (can support 32 single women and 21+ families with minor children)

Contact Information:

Website: http://www.welcomecentreshelter.com/

Social links: https://linktr.ee/welcomecentreshelter

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (519) 971-7595

“Inspiring Community” is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

Connect with WECAS & Hosts:

www.wecas.on.ca

[email protected]

Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we speak with Kelsey Boire & Maia Williamson from the United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex County about their Ignite Academy and On Track to Success Programs.

Ignite Academy is an out-of-school program that aims to help kids succeed academically while wrapping other supports around their family. The program is currently offered to over 180 students in grades 2 to 7 in six elementary schools. Ignite Academy is a ProsperUs designed solution of the Cradle to Career strategy targeting the key milestones of literacy proficiency by grade 3 and mathematics proficiency by grade 6. The program utilizes a collective impact methodology whereby there are several community partners involved in core service delivery such as the Multicultural Council, South Essex Community Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Arts Can Teach. All of whom are working together in alignment to ensure students in the program have the supports they need to reach their full potential.

Kelsey Boire currently serves as the Community Coordinator of Ignite Academy at United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County, where she oversees Ignite Academy programming that is focused on improving educational outcomes for children and youth living in low-income. Kelsey has worked in community development in the not-for-profit sector for 1.5 years and in the education sector for over 8 years. Kelsey is a master’s graduate of the Faculty of Education at the University of Windsor with an undergraduate degree in mathematics and she continues to be involved in addressing issues of culturally responsive teaching and mathematics education.

The On Track to Success is a student success initiative aimed at supporting high school students in three priority neighbourhoods across Windsor-Essex – Windsor West, Downtown and Leamington. On Track's primary goal is to provide wrap-around supports to students and their families to help them graduate high school and go on to some form of post-secondary education. Specifically, students enrolled in On Track have access to services including after-school tutoring, individualized support from a Success Coach, social and recreational activities as well as volunteer, career, and mentoring opportunities.

Maia Williamson is the Program Director for the On Track to Success program and has been with United Way for almost three years. She has a master’s degree in applied Linguistics as well as a master’s degree in social Change and Development with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. She taught post-secondary ESL for 17 years before coming to United Way and has volunteered with several non-profit organizations in various countries, focusing on primary education and program development.  

Listen in on Apple/Google Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean

Website: https://www.weareunited.com/

Phone: 519-258-0000

“Inspiring Community” is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

Connect with WECAS & Hosts:

www.wecas.on.ca

[email protected]

Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we speak with June Muir, CEO of UHC – Hub of Opportunities.  

June holds the position of CEO at the UHC-Hub of Opportunities for over a decade and President of the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association for twenty years. June oversees 26 innovative, quality, and community-integrated programs and services dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable in her community. She has been instrumental in the development and implementation of several unique food initiatives that address food insecurity for hundreds of thousands across Ontario, including northern rural and indigenous communities, which sought to be modeled across Canada. Her dedication and commitment to the community have been recognized by numerous dignitaries where she has received many prestigious awards such as the Charles E Brooks Labour Community Service Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her incredible contributions.

Back in November (2023) Statistics Canada released a Labour Force Survey showing 41% of Windsor residents are saying they are having difficulty making ends meet. June shares how this has impacted on UHC, and the reasons so many are struggling today. June also points to some immediate and long-term solution to ending food insecurity and hunger.  As the President of the W/E County Food Bank Association, she talks about real and meaningful multi-sector systemic change and how individual citizens can also make a difference. We end with how someone in our community who is struggling with providing food for themselves or to their family can access support and resources.

Founded in 1977, UHC- Hub of Opportunities is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to meeting the needs of vulnerable people living in Windsor and Essex County. We improve the quality of our clients’ lives by providing much needed programs and services that move people to independence and allow them to achieve their desired outcomes. Through offering 26 unique programs and services, we aim to focus on four pillars of support & guidance for the Windsor-Essex community – basic human needs, employment services, training and education, and newcomer settlement services. We are a ‘hub’ based in the community, for the community.

Contact Information:

Phone: (519) 944-4900

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.uhc.ca/

Follow on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram @UHCWindsor

“Inspiring Community” is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

Connect with WECAS & Hosts:

www.wecas.on.ca

[email protected]

Socials: WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we speak with Joan Simpson, Co-Founder & Program Coordinator of Beauty is Me (BiM).

Joan Simpson holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work and is a longstanding community worker and activist who continues to lead projects that promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace. Joan is one of the Co-Chair for the Black African Caribbean Canadian (BACC) Committee for children in and out of care of the Windsor Essex Children Aids Society. The proudest area of her life is her family; a devoted wife and mother of two daughters and one son. Through her community work, Joan endeavours to leave an imprint for her daughters and black girls everywhere.

Joan shares the inspiration behind BiM and how the program has already positively impacted the lives of so many young black girls. With this episode being released during Black History Month, we discuss how BiM is so significant in the fight against anti-black racism.  While this month is a time for celebration, it is also a time for deep reflection and learning. Joan shares her personal reflections on why this month is so important to her, and her message to all black children and youth.

Beauty is Me (BIM), an organization founded in 2020 by dedicated individuals who recognized the need for support within the Black community and the Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society (WECAS).

Their primary focus at Beauty is Me is to address the unique needs of Black foster parents and guardians caring for Black children within the WECAS community. They identified a crucial need for connecting non-Black caregivers with community resources to properly care for Black children's hair. These resources aim not only to address the practical aspects of hair care but also to foster a sense of self, belonging, and confidence in these young individuals.

BiM also provides free distribution of storybooks and affirmation books to children, encouraging self-love, strong cultural connections, and building confidence. They believe that offering diverse books to children reflects the rich tapestry of the community and contributes to positive self-perception.

BiM is funded through the Community Foundation of Canada and Equity Fund, with support from the Government of Canada and the Windsor Essex Community Foundation for the Perfectly Me Project.  An Ontario Trillium Foundation grant funded expanded  supports to parents, caregivers and guardians.

Contact Information:

Email at [email protected]

Phone: 226-344-8484.

Website is beautyisme.ca

Follow on Facebook and Instagram @beautyisme.ca

“Inspiring Community” is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

Connect with WECAS & Hosts:

www.wecas.on.ca

[email protected]

Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS