Blog

From Poverty to Equity: Expanding the Lens in Dufferin County

From Poverty to Equity: Expanding the Lens in Dufferin County

by | April 2022

When you think of the word poverty, what do you see? Many see visions of people without access to drinking water in faraway places or of sprawling metropolises with rough-looking, crime-ridden neighborhoods. Most people have a hard time seeing poverty in their own charming little town, even though it exists. Poverty doesn’t always resonate with all people and all human service providers in the same way. Read more from County of Dufferin’s Director of Community Services, Anna McGregor, on the work being done to address poverty and equity in this community.

Responding to Human Trafficking During COVID

Responding to Human Trafficking During COVID

by | April 2022

The importance of having a sensitive and informed response to domestic sex trafficking was put to the test during COVID-19. Many expected human trafficking would slow down during a global pandemic. What the Durham Human Trafficking Response Team saw was the exact opposite. Learn more about the experience from Jocelyn Siciliano of Durham Region Social Services.

An Interview with Grace Mater

An Interview with Grace Mater

by | March 2022

Throughout her years in public service, Grace Mater has been committed to collaborative approaches that enhance the lives of children and families in Hamilton. She stepped into the Operations Chief role for the City of Hamilton’s pandemic response as well as the General Manager, Healthy and Safe Community Department role prior to her retirement. Grace is also the recipient of the 2021 OMSSA Lifetime Achievement Award. OMSSA sat down with Grace to discuss human services, her career, and involvement with OMSSA.

Community Paramedicine in Sault Ste. Marie

Community Paramedicine in Sault Ste. Marie

by | March 2022

After years of seeing gaps between the care people need and the traditional programs offered, Sault Ste. Marie paramedics will finally have the chance to provide even better community-based healthcare to their patients. Soon, Sault Ste. Marie will have its own Community Paramedic program, a concept that has proven itself time and time again throughout Canada and is long overdue in this Northern community. Read more from Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Chief Katie Kirkham on this program and its importance to the community.

How Can Human Services Empower Young Leaders?

How Can Human Services Empower Young Leaders?

by | February 2022

As young leaders we know we have only hit the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our career development. We are two of the three co-founders of the Multiculturalism Group. The group focuses on cultural inclusion through empowering, engaging and educating staff about multiculturalism. This opportunity has allowed us to develop our leadership skills through coaching, leading and mentoring individuals. We would like to share a few of the lessons and skills we have developed as leaders that can be applied across all of the human services sectors. Read more from OMSSA’s 2021 Young Leader Award recipients.

An Interview with ADM Cordelia Abankwa

An Interview with ADM Cordelia Abankwa

by | February 2022

Cordelia Abankwa is the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Employment and Training Division with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and an executive leader and relationship builder with 30 years of experience in municipal and provincial public service where she has led innovation in complex, multidimensional environments. She is also the recipient of the 2021 OMSSA Patti Moore Human Services Integration Award. OMSSA sat down with Cordelia for an interview to discuss her work with the Ministry and experiences over her career within municipal and provincial settings.

The Rollout of Employment Services Transformation in Haldimand-Norfolk

The Rollout of Employment Services Transformation in Haldimand-Norfolk

by | January 2022

As one of the prototype locations for Employment Services Transformation (EST), it has been nearly a year since the roll out in Haldimand-Norfolk. EST is the first major step of the Social Assistance (SA) transformation in Ontario, quickly followed by centralized intake in February. We know we are in the first stages of an ongoing transformation which will continue until 2024. Learn more about the experience in Haldimand-Norfolk.

Reconceptualizing Indigenous History

Reconceptualizing Indigenous History

by | December 2021

In recent years, many Canadians have begun to question their historical literacy, especially as disturbing facts about Indigenous history continue to be brought to light. With the knowledge that Canadian history is a focal point of our education system, recent events have caused many to ask, “Why do I know so little about Indigenous history?”

An Interview with Dr. Kwame McKenzie

An Interview with Dr. Kwame McKenzie

by | December 2021

Dr. Kwame McKenzie is the CEO of the Wellesley Institute and is an international expert on the social causes of mental illness, suicide, and the development of effective, equitable health systems. He is also the recipient of the 2021 OMSSA Champion of Human Services Award. OMSSA sat down with Dr. McKenzie for an interview to discuss the work of the Wellesley Institute and his insights and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.