We are back under Vision A&C (Art and Culture). Our first episode, "A Fresh Start," is out now. In this episode, we discuss community projects, our perspective on recent news, and what's next. Tune in to join the conversation!
https://www.visionartandculture.org
The second part of the interview is out.
We continue our conversation with Corey Balsam, the National Coordinator of Independent Jewish Voices.
Corey’s longstanding involvement with Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) began in his hometown of Ottawa and continued during his time in Toronto. After spending nearly four years in Palestine working with Oxfam in research, advocacy, and program management, he has now settled in Montreal.
https://www.ijvcanada.org
corey@ijvcanada.org
We conclude July with a challenging but necessary conversation. In this two-part episode, we speak with Corey Balsam, the National Coordinator of Independent Jewish Voices.
Corey has been involved with Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) for a long time, originating from his hometown of Ottawa and later in Toronto. He currently resides in Montreal after spending nearly four years in Palestine, where he worked for Oxfam in roles related to research, advocacy, and program management.
https://www.ijvcanada.org
corey@ijvcanada.org
Georgia Carstea Radu is a dedicated street outreach worker (in homelessness and residential instability) with Prévention CDN-NDG. She focuses on supporting individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. Her work involves building trust with community members, providing essential information and resources, making referrals to appropriate services, and offering ongoing support. Georgia is committed to meeting people where they are, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and connected to the help they need.
Polaroid cover pic. Sometimes you just gotta check in with your podcast buddy! In this episode, we talk about our exciting upcoming community projects and our involvement in our work. Plus, we cover that crazy (but painful) Game 1 loss for the Knicks against Indiana. Sorry, Knicks fans! Enjoy the episode
This episode features two dedicated School Community Outreach Workers (ICS, Intervenantes communautaires scolaires): Audrey and Mia.
Audrey:
With over 12 years of experience as a dedicated community worker, Audrey is passionate about building connections, creating impact, and supporting others through meaningful engagement. She's an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and a firm believer that even small actions can lead to significant change.
Once known as Shaggy, she's traded the Mystery Machine — now she's out here solving real-life mysteries, one community at a time (Scooby Snacks not included).
Mia:
Mia's natural curiosity drives her interest in big ideas and small ones, including everyday actions that create meaningful change. Individuals' journeys, knowledge, and experiences fuel her passion for education and community outreach.
She is committed to building strong connections and helping weave a social safety net that leaves no one behind. She moves forward, believing that every initiative, no matter how small, can grow into something greater.
Who they are:
They are School Community Outreach Workers (ICS, Intervenantes communautaires scolaires). Think of them as human search engines, except instead of links, they offer real support.
Their role is to help families and community members find the services available, from basic needs like food baskets and clothing to enrichment opportunities like day camps, swimming lessons, sports, and arts programs.
They connect, inform, guide — and, most of all, they care.
https://www.instagram.com/ics.cdn/
Hans Heisinger
Executive Director of the Carrefour Jeuness Emplois NDG
In this interview, we have Hans Heisinger, who has been leading the CJE NDG since its inception. As a trained social worker, his open-minded and collaborative leadership style has been essential in creating an inclusive space for youth and job seekers, ensuring that no one is left behind. Over the years, he has represented the organization on various boards and committees within NDG and beyond. Originally from Germany, Hans has maintained an international perspective on CJE projects. He has kept up-to-date on demographic and political trends to ensure that their services adapt to the changing needs of our clients.
What would society be like without community workers? In this episode, we talk to four different community workers from Prevention CDN/NDG about their motivations and experiences. During a live audience recording, they provide insight into their work, sharing what drives them, their approaches, and what led them to pursue careers in community service. If you do not know them yet you should! Enjoy
(From left to right)
Olivia Mabote; Coordinatrice des programmes d'arts, genre et égalité,
Arielle Laurion; Travailleuse de rue en itinérance,
Ornella Mbombo,Msc; Chargée du projet CCC (cultivons la culture du consentement)
Jean-Edouard P. Toussaint; Travailleuse de rue Prox Team,
You know her as the founder of Project W.O.R.D., a dedicated community worker at Carrefour Jeunesse Emplois in NDG, and the co-host of our podcast. But do you know the artist Lynn Worrell? In today's episode, we explore the artist within her by interviewing our exceptional co-host. Plus, we have a quick segment discussing when we will get our mouth grillz done.
https://www.instagram.com/wotis_art/
https://linktr.ee/_thedepmedia
In this interview with City Councillor Despina Sourias, we discussed several topics, such as the housing crisis, the restructuring of short-term rentals, and the OMHM partnership for the Darlington project buildings. We also included some light-hearted small talk to catch up a bit. Be sure to tune in to get informed and enjoy the interview—we certainly did!
https://linktr.ee/_thedepmedia
https://projetmontreal.org/en/team/despina-sourias
In this episode, we have the opportunity to speak with City Councillor Stephanie Valenzuela from the Darlington district Borough of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Stephanie shares her journey into politics, reflects on her experiences growing up in Côte-des-Neiges, and discusses what it means to be a woman in the political arena. As a dedicated and visionary city councillor, Stephanie's leadership is marked by her commitment to community growth, innovation, and inclusivity. Enjoy!
In 2021, we interviewed Sam Karimi, a dedicated community leader and passionate advocate who discussed his experiences at recent protests, emphasizing the importance of unity and the significant presence of women and white allies. He highlighted the need for systemic educational changes, advocating for curriculum updates and culturally relevant teaching. Sam shared his journey as a community leader, emphasizing the impact of mentorship and the challenges of balancing community work with personal life. He criticized the focus on numbers over quality in community programs and stressed the importance of documenting individual success stories to highlight the true impact of community work.
An introduction to Lynn Worrell, founder of Project Word and co-host of the Dep podcast. Although their incredible 16th-anniversary celebration took place on August 1st, we were fortunate enough to sit down with her before this exceptional event. Tune in to our conversation and enjoy!
PART 3: As we wrap up, remember that finding what works best for your mental health is a personal journey. Keep exploring and taking care of yourself. A big thank you to our panel for sharing their insights and what works for them. And don't forget to reach out to the ones you love and check in on them, too.
PART 2: In 2021, amidst the Covid pandemic, we were invited to join an online panel discussion focused on Black mental health. Featuring a diverse group of individuals, including a doctor, educator, community leader, PhD student, mental health advocate, organization director and more, this insightful conversation is presented in three parts. Tune in and enjoy Part 2.
In 2021, amidst the Covid pandemic, we were invited to join an online panel discussion focused on Black mental health. Featuring a diverse group of individuals, including a doctor, educator, community leader, PhD student, mental health advocate, organization director and more, this insightful conversation is presented in three parts. Tune in and enjoy Part 1.
The Necessity Art Fair artist Podcast interview, hosted by the distinguished Guillermo Quintanilla and Leonardo Chatel, proudly features three innovative artists for the upcoming December 2024 event: Sin Original, Dank, and Abstract by Rouge.
Don't miss the chance to interact with these exceptional artists at the Necessity Art Fair in December 2024. It's a unique opportunity to experience their talent and creativity up close. And please join us at our Youth event on June 27th, 2024, at 5580 Upper Lachine from 5pm to 7 pm; support your youth!!
https://linktr.ee/_thedepmedia
https://www.instagram.com/misses_redhead/
https://www.instagram.com/sin_original_/
https://www.instagram.com/dank.mtl/
Katie is the Youth Mental Health Resource Coordinator of NDG and is highly regarded for her compassionate advocacy and leadership in youth mental health. Her responsibilities include communicating mental health resources to support the well-being of young individuals, providing workshops, and engaging in communication.Through her deep commitment to empowering and building resilience, Katie ensures our youth receive the guidance and support they need to thrive.
Instagram: @tablejeunessendg
Facebook:@Table de Concertation Jeunesse NDG