|
|
 |
|
|
|
Canada
Without Poverty is pleased to announce
the appointment of Marc Laferriere (MSW,
RSW), of Brantford, Ontario, to its
Board of Directors, representing an
At-Large seat on the Board.
From Marc's introduction to the members and supporters of Canada Without Poverty: "I grew up in poverty, relying with my Mother on what was at the time called 'mother's allowance', and, later, as the teenager in a family that sustained itself on the Ontario Disability Support Program. After high school, I lived well below the Low Income Cut-Off, relying on student loans and full time work (often 2-3 jobs at a time). The intersection between student debt, long-term debt and educational opportunities is an important one to examine. I speak as a member of the first generation in this country likely to do worse financially than the generation before it. It is my dream to see that change. "As a researcher I have conducted research on aging and health and I have designed and implemented client centered research on community development needs for those in affordable housing in the Brantford area. This research has been widely used in my community. "As a former coordinator and leadership team member of the Brant/Brantford Roundtable on Poverty (www.bbrop.ca) I have been part of a great group of volunteers who have successfully worked with a multitude of citizens, agencies, businesses, faith groups and politicians on a collaborative approach towards poverty reduction. This dedicated volunteer group has successfully raised the profile of this issue in our community and has gained support across various spiritual, political, and socio-economic groups. "As the current Co-Chair of the Brantford Community Garden Project, I am grateful to be able to work with so many dedicated community members to help create a ground-up community development model that has led to several community gardens being created for use by those in Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations Territory. Our first garden created in Brantford in 2009 had a 3,000 pound yield of fresh, healthy food of which 2,000 pounds was donated to local food providers. This has also created community hubs where free food, health, knowledge and healing programs are delivered in areas with high needs. "As a social worker I have worked with Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services and the Grand River Community Health Centre (CHC). The intersection between poverty and mental and physical health is an important one. Not making this link has strong fiscal and social consequences. At the CHC I work with a team that helps to create less-oppressive service models in my community and whose focus is on those with barriers to adequate health care. "I truly believe that a focus on collaboration is the best way to eliminate poverty and will create more effective outcomes in our communities and our country. The implementation of a pan-Canadian poverty strategy is of the utmost importance. It is a gap that needs to be filled. It is my sincere goal to help create an environment in this country where we see poverty as not just a not-for-profit issue. To solve the poverty problem we require the input and action of a diverse assembly of citizens, governments, businesses, agencies, and other stakeholder groups. “I am excited to contribute to this work with the rest of the supporters, partners, staff and board members of Canada Without Poverty.” Founded in 1971 as the National Anti-Poverty Organization, Canada Without Poverty is a registered charity (#13091 6638 RR0001) with a mission to eradicate poverty in Canada by promoting income and social security for all Canadians, and by promoting poverty eradication as a human rights obligation. Canada Without Poverty is governed by people who have experienced poverty. Rob Rainer
Executive Director / Directeur executif |
All Original Contents
Copyright © 2008
National Aboriginal Housing Association (NAHA)
Website designed by
