04/15/2014
A farewell message from Mary
When I was invited to sit on the Board of Directors of an unnamed fledgling organization 10 years ago, I had no idea what a truly profound impact the decision to join that group would have on me. Little did I know that I would be encouraged to apply for the position of the inaugural Executive Director, and that the Board would entrust me to lead the organization from concept to reality.
My journey began with a vision of a safe place for youth and has ended with the satisfaction of having safely sheltered over 800 young men and women.
To quote one of my favourite artists, Amanda Marshall, "the joy is in the ride". From acquiring funding from the Region of Durham, to locating our wonderful little house in Ajax, to renovating it to make it safe and comfortable for 13 kids, to experiencing the warm welcome from the Town of Ajax, to developing the policies and procedures to help make things run smoothly, to the pleasure of hiring and training our first staff, to renaming our shelter after a committed Chair, to partnering with the Durham District School Board to offer an awesome school program, to making acquaintances or friends with the many Directors, volunteers, partners, funders, supporters and staff, it has truly been a joyful ride.
I have been privileged to know many, many wonderful young people, some of whom have the capacity to become the leaders of tomorrow. Every single one of them, even the most problematic, is deserving of our nurturing and care. Every single one of them came into this world a perfect innocent being and should be valued for his/her potential. A little encouragement along the bumpy road to adulthood goes a long way. I will miss the kids tremendously. They really have been my "raison d'être".
While I look forward to spending more time with my family, I will surely miss all of you who helped bring the vision to fruition. I am optimistic that the shelter will continue to grow and thrive under the leadership of the Board, the incredibly dedicated staff and the many volunteers and supporters. It is my fervent hope that DYHSS will find a way to provide longer term supportive housing for the kids when it is time for them to move on from the shelter.
I pray that the day will come when young people don't need to seek shelter away from their homes and that all youth will feel safe and loved by their families. Until that day comes, may Joanne's House continue to welcome and offer refuge to those in need.
Thank you for all of the wonderful memories.
Adieu.
