Dr. Nila Das, Executive Director of the Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC). With a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and an MBA from the University of Windsor, she combines scientific expertise with strategic vision to drive organizational growth and improve service delivery for children and youth. Dr. Das is passionate about non-profit leadership and community engagement, advocating for equity and addressing systemic barriers from a young age. As a dedicated ally of children and youth, Dr. Das is committed to empowering young individuals and creating inclusive environments. Her role as an ally is central to her work, ensuring that the voices of children and youth are heard and valued. Dr. Das envisions a future where every child and youth can thrive in a supportive, non-judgemental, and equitable community. She believes in fostering leadership skills, promoting mental health, and ensuring access to resources that enable young people to reach their full potential. Dr. Das's dedication to advocacy and her inclusive leadership style makes her an inspiring guest for discussions on child and youth empowerment. This episode explores the vital services and supports they provide and we discuss some of the most common challenges that child/youth victims of abuse and crime face today along with some effective strategies that can support these young individuals both legally and emotionally. Contact Information: Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre Website: https://wecyac.ca/ Phone: 519-995-3974     Email: info@wecyac.ca Socials: https://www.facebook.com/wecyac https://x.com/WE_CYAC https://www.linkedin.com/company/wecyac/   https://www.instagram.com/we_cyac/   Listen to "Inspiring Community" on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify and Podbean Inspiring Community is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society Connect with WECAS & Hosts: www.wecas.on.ca info@wecas.on.ca Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we speak with Stephanie Segave-Tiessen. Stephanie is a creative community leader with over two decades of experience working in the not-for-profit sector. She is currently working as a Project Manager with United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, leading an innovative West Windsor School Lunch Pilot Program. She has been a passionate advocate for children and community issues and was directly involved in advancing advocacy work for a national school meal program. As a mom of three boys, her favourite spot to be is at local hockey arenas and soccer fields. This episode looks at the benefits to students when there is equitable access to lunches through a school nutrition program, including a positive association between nutrition and learning, reducing school absenteeism, and encouraging prosocial behaviours. Canada’s recent commitment to a National Food Policy and a $1 billion investment over 5 years is a step in the right direction but not yet a reality for Ontario. Stephanie shares how our region is contributing to realizing this goal and other innovative projects and partnerships that are underway.     Stephanie invites everyone to get involved by visiting https://www.healthyschoolfood.ca/. Here, The Coalition for Healthy School Food details the actions that individuals can take. Contact Information: United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent Website: https://www.weareunited.com/ Phone: 519-258-0000Email: info@weareunited.com Socials: https://www.facebook.com/unitedwayweck https://twitter.com/unitedwayweck https://www.linkedin.com/company/unitedwayweck/ https://www.instagram.com/unitedwayweck/   Listen to “Inspiring Community” on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify and Podbean Inspiring Community is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society Connect with WECAS & Hosts: www.wecas.on.ca info@wecas.on.ca Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we speak with Nadine Manroe-Wakerell. Nadine is the Director of Clinical Practice at the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre's Teen Health site. Nadine joined the wonderful team at weCHC in 2019, since that time she has overseen various programs such as COVID-19 response services for those affected by homelessness, Hepatitis C, primary care, youth sexual health, Eating Disorders, SAPACCY, mental health, and addictions. Nadine has been an advocate for strategically bridging the gap in healthcare and social services.  With over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Nadine is motivated by the resilience of others, the dedication of the team, and her own lived experience, and is honoured to support services that improve the lives of those in our community.  This episode focused on the services they provide to the youth population (12 – 29 yrs), served through the Teen Health Centre. Nadine shares a wealth of information on what is impacting youth today and why a wrap-around and interdisciplinary approach to treatment and ongoing support is vital to the health and well-being of young people in our community. As a community health centre, weCHC continuously aims to support the people of Windsor and Essex County by offering equitable, safe, quality care that is client-centered and close to home. Visit their website to learn more: https://wechc.org/   Contact Information: Main Office: 3325 College Avenue, Windsor, ON N9C 4E6 P: 519-258-6002 Teen Health Centre: 1361 Ouellette Avenue, Unit 101, Windsor, ON N8X 1J6 P: 519-253-8481 Socials: @weCHC519 @WECHC   Listen to “Inspiring Community” on Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify and Podbean Inspiring Community is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society Connect with WECAS & Hosts: www.wecas.on.ca info@wecas.on.ca Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

Jacqueline P. Cheng is a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Parenting Coach, Family Law Attorney, and mother of three young boys. With a multicultural background from England, Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada, she offers a unique viewpoint in her work. Jacqueline’s parenting journey began when she faced challenges with her toddler son’s behavioural struggles. Instead of focusing solely on his behaviour, she embarked on a path of self-healing, addressing her childhood traumas. This transformative experience led her to become certified by the Jai Institute for Parenting and Positive Discipline Association. Now, she combines evidence-based strategies with personal insights to guide parents in breaking generational cycles of blame, shame, guilt and punishment. She has almost 20 years of legal expertise in family law, understanding complex family dynamics and helping parents navigate them with clarity and compassion. Her coaching and workshops emphasize self-regulation, clear communication, and conscious leadership, empowering parents to create nurturing environments where both they and their children can thrive.   Contact Information: Website: www.jacquelinepcheng.com Socials: @jacquelinepcheng Email: support@jacquelinepcheng.com

   In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth Dulmage, the Executive Director of Brentwood Recovery Home. Elizabeth’s nursing education and training have inspired her to a career with various health service organizations for over 40 years. For the past 3 years, she has been in this role and has seen the evolution of addictions, leading to our current opioid crisis. She is deeply committed to Brentwood remaining steadfast in their mandate while adapting to be an inclusive service provider. Brentwood incorporates a non-denominational approach that delivers a ‘spiritual program’ focusing on body, mind and spirit, as key to an individual’s recovery. Elizabeth provides her insight on what government and our local community needs to do to ensure adequate funding and support to those experiencing addictions so that the successes they gain through treatment are sustained. “We need every agency working together in a coordinated, collaborative and non-competitive way to make a difference.”     Brentwood Recovery Home has served over 20,000 men and women primarily from Windsor and Essex County, and from all over Canada and the United States. The Brentwood Residential Addiction Treatment Program provides lifelong compassionate, evidence-informed treatment including counselling, intensive group therapy, psychoeducation and psychotherapy. Brentwood also offers lifelong aftercare as part of our Alumni program.   Contact Information: Brentwood website: https://www.brentwoodrecovery.com/ Brentwood Socials: @BrentwoodRecoveryHome Phone: (519) 253-2441 Email: info@brentwoodrecovery.com   

In this episode we speak with 2-time Olympian Brandon McBride about his Track & Field Career and the local not-for-profit organization he founded with partner, Yesmina Captan called the McBride Youth United Association (MYUA) located in Windsor, Ontario.  An organization dedicated to serving at-risk youth in our community through mentorship opportunities. Brandon attributes his athletic and academic success to having strong mentors present throughout his life, so naturally, he wanted to create the same positive environment for other young people.   MYUA’s vision is to alleviate poverty and reassert a sense of hope in the Windsor-Essex County youth. Their mission is to empower at-risk, underrepresented, and racialized youth, guiding them toward reaching their full potential. Through the provision of mentorship, comprehensive educational programs, and the creation of safe spaces, they aim to foster environments where learning and personal growth are not just encouraged but flourish. Their mission is to be a beacon of support and opportunity, ensuring every young person they serve has the tools and resources to navigate life's challenges and succeed.   Contact Information: Website: https://www.mcbrideyouthunited.ca/ Socials: @McBrideYouthUnited Phone: 519-982-2591 Email: info@mcbrideyouthunited.ca    

In this episode of Inspiring Community, we speak with the new President of St. Clair College, Michael Silvaggi. Michael has over 24 years of experience in the postsecondary education sector. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours Business Administration) from the University of Windsor and holds a Master of Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University. Michael began his career at St. Clair College in November 2000 as a Clerk in the Accounts Payable Department and worked his way to the position of Vice President, Academic, and now as the 7th President of this esteemed College.   Michael is passionate about St. Clair College and the role that it plays in our community. He vigorously believes that they are charged with developing the minds and vocational competencies of their students so that they may forge a path within our society that allows for growth, sustainability and a future for generations. Michael also strongly believes in community engagement as he feels it is their responsibility to educate, nurture and prepare students with the tools and supports necessary to ensure that they are well-positioned to continue their life journey and overcome the inevitable challenges and obstacles that lie ahead. As a parent and an educator, Michael has supported local elementary and secondary schools through leadership and service. Michael currently serves on the Board of Governors at Assumption University and is a current member of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board Parent Involvement Committee. Through these community engagements and many others, he is well-suited to offer insight about post-secondary education and for creating opportunities to collaborate and create positive results for the College and local community. Michael truly personifies all that St. Clair College stands for, “excellence in all he does” and “transforming lives and strengthening communities”. It was our great pleasure to get to know him better and hear all about what the College is focussed on as it continues to grow. Contact Information: Website: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/ Phone: 519-966-1656 Email: info@stclaircollege.ca Social: @StClairCollege  

In this episode of Inspiring Community we speak with two community champions from "Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women (W5)." Olivia Brezeneau has been with W5 for the past 20+ years and is the Chief Executive Officer. She is proud to lead an organization that provides support to newcomers, women, job seekers, seniors, and youth in the Windsor-Essex community. Her passion for assisting underprivileged populations has led W5 in grassroots service initiatives and collaboration development with many local and provincial networks. Terry Johnson is President of the Board of Directors of W5. Terry retired from Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid in March 2020 following 37 years in child welfare; both in providing front line services as well as in senior leadership roles. Terry is well versed in the needs of children and families and has worked collaboratively with many community organizations.  In retirement Terry is afforded the opportunity to continue to work with organizations such as W5.   W5 has grown exponentially over it’s 43 years and is committed to making a difference I the lives of newcomer women and families through their expansive and diverse programs and services. Their current strategic plan has a focus on: client supports; building relationships with other community organizations; achieving financial stability; and raising the profile of W5’s programs and services within the community.   Contact Information: W5 website: https://www.wwwwiw.org/ W5 Socials: @WWWWIWORG Phone: (519) 915-5588 Email: info@wwwwiw.org

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Compassion”.   In this episode, we speak with Kim Willis is the Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch. She has over 20 years of fundraising and communications experience primarily in the education and healthcare sectors. In her current role, Kim is responsible for fundraising, communications, mental health promotion and the Youth Wellness Hub. Working with her team, they launched the Sole Focus Project campaign in 2017 to be proactive in making Windsor-Essex a mentally healthier community. Kim has her Masters of Arts in Journalism from Western University. She has served on the Boards of AFP, CAGP, the AFP Canadian Foundation, Brain Injury Association, and the Teen Health Centre. Most recently, Kim won the Business Ambassador of the Year Award at the #2024BEA event sponsored by the Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.   CMHA is a mainstay in the Windsor-Essex community. Over 5 decades it has grown significantly, with 20+ programs that respond to the complexities of those in need of their services.   Kim shares so much valuable information about how they address the mental health challenges faced by so many. We also learn more about how they focus their advocacy efforts and what the community can do to help.    Contact Information: CMHA website: https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/ CMHA Socials: @CMHA-WECB             Phone: 519-255-7440             Email: mhp@cmha-wecb.on.ca   “Inspiring Community” is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society Connect with WECAS & Hosts: www.wecas.on.ca info@wecas.on.ca Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS

In this episode, we focus on student wellbeing with Kelly Ann Bull, Superintendent of Education & Danielle Campo-McLeod, Mental Health Lead, with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB)   With a focus on student mental health & wellbeing, the WECDSB recognizes that today’s students face a completely different set of challenges than their parents did. They are committed to knowing and understanding every student entrusted to their care, so that they can promote their intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. To do that, they strive to create positive, welcoming, safe learning environments where every child can achieve success.   Contact Information: Board Office Phone: 519-253-2481 Board website: wecdsb.on.ca Board Socials: @WECDSB Student Mental Health & Wellbeing Link: https://www.wecdsb.on.ca/students/student_well_being Follow at WECDSB Wellness for mental wellness resources and/or contact them at wecdsbwellness@wecdsb.on.ca.     

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) Housing support case management targeting keeping shelter stays infrequent and short in duration. Family support case management for high acuity/need families with additional barriers, with a focus on children’s school attendance and system access Children’s on-site recreational programming Harm reduction programming for agency clients and community members, that provides access to available Needle Syringe Programming (NSP) and sexual health supplies. On-site, once weekly general practitioner support to shelter service users, as part of the Shelter Health Network Twice weekly drop-in program targeting prior shelter system users who are transitioning into housing and seeking additional social supports and peer engagement. Peer Engagement Program to connect women in shelter with trained peer engagement workers who support healthy, informed, and peer supported shelter stays. Contact Information: Website: http://www.welcomecentreshelter.com/ Social links: https://linktr.ee/welcomecentreshelter Email: info@welcomecentreshelter.com 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 info@wecas.on.ca 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: 519-258-0000Email: info@weareunited.com     “Inspiring Community” is a production of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society Connect with WECAS & Hosts: www.wecas.on.ca info@wecas.on.ca 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: uhc@uhc.ca 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 info@wecas.on.ca 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 beautyisme.ca@gmail.com 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 info@wecas.on.ca Socials: @WindsorEssexCAS