Inspiring Community

Windsor Essex Children‘s Aid Society

The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS) is excited about offering an innovative new podcast, Inspiring Community. WECAS is very aware of the diverse, multi-faceted elements of our community that come together to support children, youth and families as they celebrate success and rise to overcome significant financial, social and mental health challenges. Hosts Mike Clark and Tina Allen will be reaching out to many of WECAS’ community partners and resource organizations to provide insight and helpful suggestions. These will in turn provide a tool kit for listeners to apply in terms of managing parenting issues, financial strain, strengthening relationships, self-care and so much more. Join us as we look at new ways to reach for a better tomorrow.

  1. FEB 21

    Ensuring the Voices of Children and Youth are Heard and Valued

    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

    37 min
  2. Clear Benefits of a School Nutrition Program

    JAN 23

    Clear Benefits of a School Nutrition Program

    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: 519-258-0000 Email: 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

    34 min
  3. JAN 9

    Serving our youth population

    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

    1h 1m
  4. 07/31/2024

    Brentwood Recovery Home - Providing lifelong compassionate, evidence-informed treatment

    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

    53 min
  5. 06/18/2024

    St. Clair College - Transforming Lives and Strengthening Communities

    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

    34 min
  6. 05/30/2024

    W5 – Empowering newcomer women and their families

    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

    31 min

About

The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS) is excited about offering an innovative new podcast, Inspiring Community. WECAS is very aware of the diverse, multi-faceted elements of our community that come together to support children, youth and families as they celebrate success and rise to overcome significant financial, social and mental health challenges. Hosts Mike Clark and Tina Allen will be reaching out to many of WECAS’ community partners and resource organizations to provide insight and helpful suggestions. These will in turn provide a tool kit for listeners to apply in terms of managing parenting issues, financial strain, strengthening relationships, self-care and so much more. Join us as we look at new ways to reach for a better tomorrow.