United Voices WRC

In this episode of United Voices , Senior Director of Community Engagement & Communications Scott Hamilton sits down with longtime broadcaster and community champion Mike Farwell . Best known as the voice of the Kitchener Rangers and host of The Mike Farwell Show , Mike opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his lifelong commitment to giving back—including how the loss of his sist...

This special episode is a collaboration between United Voices and Onward Media Group, co-produced and shared with slight variations across both platforms. In this lively conversation, Darren Bondy and Jill Lawrie reflect on 18 months of partnership; celebrating collaboration, impact, and growth. Expect plenty of laughter, memorable stories, and one big takeaway: the power of connection and the uni...

In this episode of United Voices , we sit down with Meg from the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region to unpack the growing issue of renovictions - when tenants are forced out of their homes under the guise of major renovations. We explore what renovictions mean for individuals and families in Cambridge, North Dumfries, and across the region, and how this practice contributes to housing insec...

In this special back-to-school episode, United Voices welcomes Erin Moraghan, CEO of Nutrition for Learning , for a conversation about food, equity, and opportunity. Serving more than 2 million meals every year , Nutrition for Learning is a game-changer for students across Waterloo Region. Erin discusses the organization’s bold vision: moving beyond being just a band-aid for hunger to becoming a v...

In this episode of United Voices , we sit down with Tara Bedard, Executive Director of Immigration Partnership , to explore how Waterloo Region is supporting newcomers as they settle, work, and belong . Tara shares insight into why building a strong network of services is critical for immigrant success — and why, even amid federal cuts to permanent resident targets, supporting immigrants matters n...

In this episode of United Voices , we speak with Robin Heald, Executive Director of the Child Witness Centre, to explore the organization’s vital role in supporting children and youth navigating the justice system after abuse or violence. Robin also shares her own powerful personal story - a moving reminder of why this work matters. To learn more about the Child Witness Centre and they work they d...

In this special double length episode of United Voices, we shine a light on the intersection of housing, humanity, and community with special guest Cameron Dearlove, Executive Director of Porchlight. Cameron shares his personal journey into community work and the bold vision behind Porchlight’s efforts to tackle housing instability and build lasting support systems in Waterloo Region. From the cha...

In this episode of United Voices , we speak with Chris Prosser , Executive Director of The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region . Chris shares how adult literacy, numeracy, and digital skills are essential tools for equity and inclusion and how The Literacy Group is helping people build the confidence and skills they need to thrive. Whether it’s reading to a grandchild, filling out a job application,...

In this special Pride Month episode of United Voices, we sit down with Bryan Causarano-Bolton, co-founder of Grand River Pride. From its beginnings as a small drag show in Cambridge to becoming a major force for LGBTQ+ celebration and support across the region, Grand River Pride is helping to build safer, more joyful, and more inclusive communities. Bryan shares the story behind the movement, the...

In this episode of United Voices , we speak with Jennifer Hutton , CEO of Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region , about how healing from trauma often begins with compassion and a safe environment. Jennifer shares how their innovative music therapy program is helping women and children recovering from domestic violence rebuild their confidence, express emotion, and find moments of peace. We al...

In this powerful episode of United Voices , we speak with Andrea Ferguson, Executive Director of oneROOF Youth Services, about the realities of youth homelessness in Waterloo Region. Andrea sheds light on the growing crisis, the systemic challenges young people face, and the crucial role oneROOF plays in helping youth aged 12 to 25 find stability, shelter, and a path forward. From emergency servic...

In this episode of United Voices, we sit down with Wayne Paddick, Executive Director of Cambridge Shelter Corporation. Wayne is a true community leader, dedicated to addressing homelessness with compassion and innovation. We discuss how Cambridge Shelter Corp and other organizations are evolving to support mental health, housing stability, and community integration. We learn about how their social...

In Episode 13 of United Voices , we sit down with Scott Hamilton, Senior Director of Philanthropy at United Way Waterloo Region Communities. Scott shares his journey from academia to philanthropy, his role in leading the Campaign Cabinet, and insights from the recent Spirit Awards. We delve into the importance of unity and small acts of generosity during challenging economic times, echoing the the...

In this powerful episode of United Voices , we sit down with Sara Casselman from the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC) to explore the rising crisis of gender-based and sexual violence in our community. We talk about the realities of sex trafficking, intersectionality, and the devastating effects of shelter closures on women, girls, and gender-diverse people seeking safety. Th...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Scott and Larissa Schneider from House of Friendship to talk about homelessness, supportive housing, and the power of community. We’ll explore how their ShelterCare model is changing the way Waterloo Region supports people experiencing homelessness, why 24/7 wraparound care matters, and how initiatives like Friendship Village are creating long-term impact....

In this episode of United Voices, we sit down with Babur Mawladin, CEO of Reception House Waterloo Region, to explore the journey of refugees and the impact of a strong support system. With his lived experience and leadership, Babur sheds light on the challenges newcomers face and the role of the United Way network in helping them build new lives. Tune in for a powerful conversation about resilien...

In this episode of United Voices , we sit down with Nancy Priest, a dedicated United Way Campaign Cabinet member and the founder of Glass of Learning. Nancy shares her insights on leadership, the power of giving back, and why rallying together as a community is essential to creating lasting change. We discuss the goals and impact of the United Way Campaign Cabinet—how it brings together passionate...

In this episode of United Voices , we dive into the critical work of the YWCA , with Kim Decker and Roz Gun from the YWCA Cambridge, and Jennifer Breaton and Liz Monteiro from the YW Kitchener-Waterloo, exploring their unwavering commitment to gender equity, childcare, housing, employment, and advocacy . Our discussion sheds light on the unique challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness ,...

Kind Minds Family Wellness is more than a support organization—it’s a lifeline for many in the Black community across Waterloo Region. In this episode, Dr. Zino Ojogbo, shares how their programs help individuals navigate challenges like immigration, employment, and mental health while fostering a strong sense of belonging. We also discuss the importance of Black History Month , the power of collec...

In this episode of the United Voice Podcast, we hear from David, and Levi from the Social Development Centre and explore why it’s crucial to include people with lived expertise in shaping solutions for homelessness and substance use. They share powerful insights on how meaningful change happens when those directly impacted are part of the conversation. Tune in to learn how collaboration and commun...

In this episode of the United Voice Podcast, we sit down with Joan Fisk, United Way Waterloo Region Communities, to learn a bit about her history, and discuss leadership, community impact, and the importance of collaboration. Join us as we explore her insights on building a stronger, more connected community.

In this episode, we welcome Duaa Al-Aghar, Executive Director of Muslim Social Services of Kitchener-Waterloo. MSS provides vital support for newcomers, refugees, and marginalized communities through culturally sensitive programs as well as providing general community outreach. Join us as we discuss their impact, challenges, and how we can all foster inclusivity.

In this episode of United Voices, Julie Kalbfleisch from Sanguen Health Centre delves into the complexities of the housing crisis affecting our community. As the Director of Fundraising and Communications, Julie brings a unique perspective on the intersection of health care, homelessness, and community action. Tune in as she discusses the challenges of vulnerable populations in the Waterloo Region...

Episode 2: Amplifying Support in the Community - Langs at MACS In this episode of United Voices , we take a deep dive into the vital work being done at the Multi-Agency Community Space (MACS), a hub of collaboration and support in our community. This conversation features Cristalle, an outreach worker, and Peter, a Nurse Practitioner, both from the Langs Community Health Team who have been working...

United Voices, a podcast from United Way Waterloo Region Communities, where we amplify the important, yet often-overlooked issues and voices that help shape our community. In this first episode, Jill Lawrie and Brian Kamm from the United Way WRC team, speak with folks from ACCKWA – Aids Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area to shed light on the important work being done in this spac...