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Kate introduced Wayne Paddick and Wayne has spent 18 years in the field of mental health, from Grand River Hospital, Homewood in Guelph and now moving to the Shelter. Wayne has taken over from Ann Tinker who retired in 2019 for the second time and was the person that started the Bridges many years ago. From the start of the Bridges many things have changed and it has been very challenging addressing the increased need of the region and our community. The change has been a focus on housing people in our region first and foremost - they are supporting 80 people and trying to get them work and engaged in the community Wayne talked about community projects regarding landscaping and shovelling for residents. Wayne mentioned that 40% of their clients are seniors - considering the demographics that number can easily go up and really they don't have procedures in place in many areas to deal and help seniors. They have overflow housing with Super 8 an their goal is very much to find their residents housing and help them keep their finances in check to support what is required for indpendend living . The shelter offers programs to help with financials, counselling and addiction services. They work closely with Cambridge Self help Foodbank, the Waterloo region Foodbank, CCAC and Cambridge Memorial Hospital. They also work with Trinity Church, and other organizations for lunch bag lunces. They have been really fortunate they never had to worry about food shortage. They are really making a change in how people perceive the shelter. Their main goal is to get people well enough to be housed- having housed 215 people. Wayne's goal it to create awareness and change how we think about the Shelter. Unfortunately my wifi went down so this is a joke Prez. Todd would consider - What's the Best thing about Switzerland ??? I don't know but the flag is a BIG plus! |
