s,,Blog Post by: Susan Mifsud, Director, The Hope Centre
“Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” – Nelson Mandela
Laughter, brightly painted faces, dunk tank splashes and BBQ aromas filled the air as the Client Appreciation Community Fun Day Event took place in August as part of The Hope Centre’s 50th anniversary celebration. It was a time for our clients and their families, as well as staff and volunteers, to put struggles aside, if only for a couple of hours.
An open house in the afternoon highlighted the work of the Centre and our community partners and celebrated the supports available to the most vulnerable people of Welland and the surrounding area.
From its humble beginnings in 1974, The Hope Centre, then known as Welland Community and Action Centre, has shown what a small group of individuals and organizations can do when they come together to support their neighbours in need.
“The Hope Centre grew from a grassroots initiative run entirely by volunteers,” notes Stephanie Anger, current Chair of the Board of Directors. “Since that time, we have expanded to now include dedicated staff members while continuing to also rely on the support of our committed volunteers.”
Today, our clients receive help with housing instability, food insecurity, and wellness challenges in a compassionate, caring, and respectful environment. Through collaboration with other community organizations, the Centre also houses a Community Hub offering individuals a central access point to a variety of client-centred partners providing services including physical, mental health, and addiction services.
Over the years, The Hope Centre has evolved and changed. During the past decade we moved locations, from East Main to the current building on King Street, and pivoted to best serve clients dealing with complex and overlapping concerns. During the COVID “lockdowns” further innovations ensured that our most vulnerable and isolated community members continued to receive much needed services.
Since the return to “normal,” high rental and food costs have seen unprecedented increases in our food bank and housing support services usage. After 50 years of serving the Welland and surrounding community, the need is greater than ever.
Yet it is not by accident that ‘hope’ remains front and centre for all involved with The Hope Centre. The compassion and commitment of our community to supporting the vulnerable continues to be our cornerstone.
“We are stewards of the generosity of the Welland community,” says Jon Braithwaite, CEO. “As we continue to expand our services, we do so with a vision of a community where every person has their needs met through support and compassion.”
Whether through community food drives, events like Julia’s Hope Cup, or contributions from local businesses, the community continues to embody the spirit of those original volunteers who saw a need and filled the gap.
It is, therefore, with humble gratitude that The Hope Centre invites our community to join us for an evening celebrating the past, present, and future of The Hope Centre on September 26, 2024 at the Croation National Home in Welland. Click here to learn more.