Cribwolf Talks

In Part 3 of our 3-part series, we focus on a crucial issue close to the heart of Gary O'Neill, Executive Director of Kerr Street Mission: the urgent need for more affordable housing with integrated support services in our community. In this episode, Gary shares his views on how housing is a fundamental pillar of stability for individuals and families, and why it’s essential for communities to come together to support those in need.

Gary discusses the role of Kerr Street Mission in advocating for solutions that offer both safe, affordable housing and the wraparound services that in...

In Part 2 of our 3-part series, we continue our deep dive into Kerr Street Mission (KSM) and its transformative impact on the Oakville community. In this episode, we focus on the organization’s core programs, exploring how they address the unique needs of children, youth, families, and individuals in distress.  In this episode, we focus on Youth Development Programs and Family Services Programs

Youth Development Programs
KSM is passionate about helping youth become confident, capable adults. The Youth Development program provides a safe, stimulating environment where young people can engage in enriching activities, develop leadership skills, and...

In Part 1 of this 3-part series, we’re putting the spotlight on Kerr Street Mission (KSM), a remarkable organization based in Oakville, Ontario. For years, KSM has been committed to empowering the local community through its four core programs, each designed to address the specific needs of individuals and families facing hardship.

We’re excited to take you behind the scenes of KSM’s impactful work, and we’re honored to have Gary O'Neill, the Executive Director of Kerr Street Mission, joining us for an in-depth interview. Gary will share his insights on the organization’s mission and the tr...

In June 1969, 16-year-old Philip Porter disappeared in Kimberley, BC, and a ransom note demanding $100,000 was sent to his family. The case was eventually linked to a disgruntled Cominco employee, but despite efforts to pay the ransom, Philip was never found. Intriguingly, the suspect in the kidnapping died in the 1974 Pan Arctic flight crash. The question remains—could there be a connection between the two events? The mystery of Philip's disappearance endures, with no clear answers even today.

In this exclusive video, Stephen Rowe, the President of Fare Share Food Bank Oakville, gives a heartfelt introduction to the vital work being done at our facility. Get an inside look at how they are dedicated to fighting hunger and making a difference in the Oakville community.

Fare Share Food Bank Oakville collects and distributes food donations to families in need, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. Their incredible team works tirelessly to organize food drives, collaborate with local businesses, and coordinate volunteers to ensure that they can serve those who need it most.
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Join Ann Bilodeau, President of KW Habilitation, as she takes us on an exclusive interview about their new Kitchener-Waterloo facility. KW Habilitation is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing personalized services and supports to children with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities.  KW Habilitation, believes in fostering a good life through early learning supports, inclusive living services, community involvement, and employment opportunities.

Our work is guided by our Vision Statement: "A community where everyone belongs and participates," and our Mission Statement: "Together with our community, KW Habilitation inspires abilities to enrich the lives of children, y...

Mogan Wright, an Associate Architect at mcCallumSather, is making a significant impact as an architect specializing in complex mass timber buildings and sustainable design. With a focus on merging traditional techniques with innovative solutions, Mogan creates structures that are environmentally responsible and architecturally cutting-edge. Her work has earned numerous prestigious awards, including an Ontario Wood Works Design Award and a Kitchener Urban Design Award for her contribution to the YW Kitchener-Waterloo Supportive Housing for Women—an inspiring project that highlights her dedication to community and sustainability. As a Project Architect, Mogan continues to influence the future of architecture, and to...

Ivan Vasyliv and Betty Vuong from Serotiny Group, who recently presented at the Intentional Community Consortium Housing Forum on October 8, 2024, are here today to share their expertise. Their presentation, titled 'Reuse Not Rework', focused on innovative, sustainable housing solutions by highlighting the potential of adaptive reuse in construction. Through their work, Ivan and Betty are helping shape the future of eco-friendly design. Today, they’ll share their insights on how we can rethink building practices to create a more sustainable future.

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guests: Ivan Vasyliv and Betty Vuong from Serotiny Group

Nadia Venafro, a representative for Multi-Unit Housing Solutions at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has been a key advocate for affordable housing initiatives across Canada. Today, she’s here to share valuable insights on the latest funding options and opportunities available to developers, along with important updates from CMHC. With her extensive experience in navigating government programs and driving growth in multi-unit housing, Nadia will guide us on how to effectively utilize these resources to support meaningful community development.

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guest: Nadia Venafro, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Join us for an insightful session with Tim Welch, President of TWC Inc., who recently delivered a compelling presentation titled 'Key Factors for a Successful Affordable Housing Project' at the Intentional Community Consortium Housing Forum on October 8, 2024. With his extensive experience in the affordable housing sector, Tim is the perfect expert to delve into the essential strategies that can drive success in creating sustainable and impactful affordable housing. Tune in to hear his valuable insights on how developers and communities can work together to address housing challenges and create thriving, inclusive neighborhoods.

Credits:
Host: Lino A...

The Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) held a two-day housing conference in Ottawa, Canada with various members of our Federal Government on March 19th & 20th, 2024. The conference was designed to bring MPs, Senators, and members of the ICC together to discuss the critical housing shortage and hear perspectives and potential issues from all sides.

We are presenting the conference "On the Hill '24" in a series of episodes. In this seventh and 'final' episode, the leaders of various successful organizations share their messages:

Speakers:
Michelle Brooks - Chair, Provincial Network on Developmental Services
MP...

The Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) held a two-day housing conference in Ottawa, Canada with various members of our Federal Government on March 19th & 20th, 2024. The conference was designed to bring MPs, Senators, and members of the ICC together to discuss the critical housing shortage and hear perspectives and potential issues from all sides.

We are presenting the conference "On the Hill '24" in a series of episodes. In this sixth episode, the leaders of various successful organizations share their messages:

Speakers:
Ann Bilodeau - Director, ICC | Executive Director, KW Habilitation
Brad Saunders...

The Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) held a two-day housing conference in Ottawa, Canada with various members of our Federal Government on March 19th & 20th, 2024. The conference was designed to bring MPs, Senators, and members of the ICC together to discuss the critical housing shortage and hear perspectives and potential issues from all sides.

We are presenting the conference "On the Hill '24" in a series of episodes. In this fifth episode, the leaders of two powerful organizations share their messages:

Bryan Keshen - President & CEO, Reena
David Petkau - Executive Director South District, Karis...

The Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) held a two-day housing conference in Ottawa, Canada with various members of our Federal Government on March 19th & 20th, 2024. The conference was designed to bring MPs, Senators, and members of the ICC together to discuss the critical housing shortage and hear perspectives and potential issues from all sides.

We are presenting the conference "On the Hill '24" in a series of episodes. In this fourth episode, we hear from the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation:

Jeremy Tessier - Specialist & Knowledge Transfer, Outreach at CMHC

Credits:
Host: Lino A...

The Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) held a two-day housing conference in Ottawa, Canada with various members of our Federal Government on March 19th & 20th, 2024. The conference was designed to bring MPs, Senators, and members of the ICC together to discuss the critical housing shortage and hear perspectives and potential issues from all sides.

We are presenting the conference "On the Hill '24" in a series of episodes. In this third episode, leaders from various impactful organizations share their messages:

Gary Gladstone - Chair, ICC | Lead Stakeholder Relations, Reena
Dr. Claudine Cousins - Vice-Chair, OASIS...

The Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) held a two-day housing conference in Ottawa, Canada with various members of our Federal Government on March 19th & 20th, 2024. The conference was designed to bring MPs, Senators, and members of the ICC together to discuss the critical housing shortage and hear perspectives and potential issues from all sides.

We are presenting the conference "On the Hill '24" in a series of episodes. In this second episode, three directors of the ICC and two persons with diverse abilities share their message:

ICC Director: Patricia Franks
ICC Director: Ann Bilodeau
...

The Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) held a two-day housing conference in Ottawa, Canada with various members of our Federal Government on March 19th & 20th, 2024.  The conference was designed to bring MPs, Senators, and members of the ICC together to discuss the critical housing shortage and hear perspectives and potential issues from all sides.

We are presenting the conference "On the Hill '24" in a series of episodes. In this first episode, we hear from the following parliamentary guest speakers:

Speaker Of the House: The Honourable Greg Fergus
MP: The Honourable Marco Mendocino, Liberal - E...

We go on-site with Robin Bailey and Jason Clark to the Burlington Foodbank's new Feed Halton Distribution Centre to discuss how this new initiative is addressing hunger and food insecurity in the Halton Region. From January to September 2022, there was a 24% increase in the number of people accessing food banks in Ontario compared to the previous year. Shockingly, 1 in 3 visitors were first-time users, indicating the growing need for food assistance. The situation seen in Burlington mirrors these statistics, indicating a strong need for better access to nutritious food and essential support service providers like Feed Halton in our community.<...

Peggi Shepherd DeGroote discusses Wellbeings Pain Management & Dependency Clinic and the fundamental belief that every person deserves the right to be treated with dignity, respect and privacy, and live a pain-free life, unencumbered by addiction. The organization treats all types of chronic and acute pain, offering modern, scientifically based and cutting-edge treatments. They also provide mental health counselling for pain related challenges and addiction treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), drug use, and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

For more information on Wellbeings, visit:
https://wellbeings.ca/

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guest...

In this first episode of a three-part series, Lino connects with Matt George, Co-Executive Producer for Cribwolf Talks, to provide an overview of Disability Employment. The two discuss the road to employment and the many hurdles that still stand in the way of many individuals with disabilities seeking to join the workforce. Their conversation sets the stage for the more detailed interviews to follow in the upcoming episodes.

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guest: Matt George | Co-Executive Producer for Cribwolf Talks
Production: Cribwolf Talks Team
Music by: Dr. Ian Bates

In this second episode in our three-part series on Disability Employment, Lino sits down with Carolyn McDougall, the Ontario Co-ordinator for Project Search, and Dr. Jennifer Crowson, the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist for the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN). Carolyn and Jennifer provide a detailed look at the important work they do for the disability community; Project Search is a unique school-to-work training program for students with disabilities utilizing on-site learning and support, and ODEN is a provincial organization connecting businesses and Employment Service Providers to increase employment opportunities for job seekers who have a disability. The trio discuss...

In this final episode in our three-part series on Disability Employment, Lino sits down with Jody Tick, the Executive Director at Sunflower Bakery in Rockville, Maryland. The two discuss Sunflower's unique set of hospitality and pastry arts workforce development training and pre-employment exposure programs for youths with learning differences. Jody highlights the importance of building compentency, confidence, and customer service skills to ensure program graduates are able to thrive in both professional kitchen and front-of-house environments.

For more information about Sunflower Bakery, visit:
https://www.sunflowerbakery.org/

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
...

Lino connects with  Matt George (Producer) to review some of Cribwolf Talks’ recent episodes to reflect on the various projects that some prominent charities are currently involved in that are making an impact! The organizations are: 

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guest:  Matt George
Production: The Cribwolf Talks Team
Music by: Dr. Ian Bates

Sean Ferris discusses Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, an independent, not-for-profit charity that builds affordable housing and promotes homeownership in the Hamilton region. They mobilize local volunteers, community members and corporate partners, seeking to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Sean highlight's the organization's on-going development model called the Home Build Program, and explains how they cover all their operational costs through sales at the Hamilton ReStore, to ensure 100% of all donations go directly to helping local families in need.

For more information on how Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is making a difference, visit:
www.habitathamilton...

Karen Madho dicusses DeafBlind Ontario Services, an organization that provides specialized services for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, non-verbal with a developmental disability, and deafblind across Ontario. At a Community Services level, supports are customized to each person’s unique needs, method of communication, and goals to live their best life.

Cribwolf Talks is proud to highlight this vital support services organization in June, as it is National DeafBlind Awareness Month. Every year, people who are deafblind, service providers, and supporters come together to help others develop an understanding of, and a comfort with, the people in th...

Lino spotlights the recent Intentional Community Consortium (ICC) housing conference called "A Day on the Hill", held on March 27th 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The conference focused on affordable & supportive housing for individuals with developmental disabilities.

This is the ICC's second housing conference; their first conference was held pre-COVID, back in February of 2019.

Many MPs from various political parties and a few Senators showed their support by attending and participating in the conference. "A Day on the Hill" was co-hosted by the honourable Ja’Ara Saks, MP, the Liberal Party Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of...

Ann Bilodeau, Executive Director for the KW Habilitation, discusses the organization's mission and vision. KW Habilitation is a local not-for-profit organization that provides a wide range of individualized services and supports to children with any special need and adults with developmental disabilities. They believe that a good life is fostered through early learning supports, inclusive living services, community involvement, and employment supports.

To learn more about the KW Habilitation and their services, visit: www.kwhab.ca

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guest: Ann Bilodeau | Executive Director for the KW Habilitation
Production: Cribwolf...

Robin Bailey, Executive Director for the Burlington Food Bank, discusses the organization's mission to collect, purchase, grow, and distribute food directly to families in Burlington that need a little help. A client can visit the food bank once every three weeks and they provide between seven and ten days’ worth of food and hygiene products. They also provide baby items, such as diapers, formula and baby food to new parents.

To learn more about the Burlington Food Bank and their services, visit: www.burlingtonfoodbank.ca

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guest: Robin Bailey | Ex...

Graham Hill, Executive Director of Food for Life, discusses how the volunteer-powered, grassroots-driven organization thrives on the spirit of teamwork. With an unparalleled network of support from individuals, corporations, and various foundations in the Halton region, Graham shares that Food for Life's operation is defined by their collaboration; through their trusted alliances, the organization is able to turn every $1 donated into $7-worth of good food for those in need.

To learn more about Food for Life and their services, visit: foodforlife.ca

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guest: Graham Hill | Executive Director of...

Lino connects with the other Directors of Cribwolf Foundation, Sunil Balakrishnan and Matt George (Co-Founder) to review Cribwolf Talks’ very first webcast “Providing a Person-Centered Housing Solution” released a year ago. The trio revisit, reflect on, and provide expanded context for many of the important insights Bryan Keshen (President and CEO of Reena) presented in his candid discussion with Lino regarding the critical need for more multi-unit residential communities (MURC) for people with varied abilities.

How to access Lino’s original session with Bryan:
Watch at: Cribwolf Talks: Reena - Providing a Person-Centered Housing Solution - YouTube<...

David Petkau , discusses Christian Horizons' changing culture that is based on the belief that People who experience disabilities belong to communities in which their God-given gifts are valued and respected. Christian Horizons' change in strategic direction focuses on allowing the people they service to have choice and a voice on services and what which community they wish to live in.

To learn more about Christian Horizons and their services, visit, Christianhorizons.org.

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Guest: David Petkau | Director of Community Engagement, Christian Horizons
Production: Cribwolf Talks Team.
Music...

Gary Gladstone is the Principal Consultant of Gladstone Consulting and the Head of Stakeholder Relations for Reena. Gary is a strong community advocate; addressing the housing and employment challenges faced by persons with disabilities.  

Gary is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive with over 25 years of non-profit, corporate, government and volunteer leadership experience; a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and was the Federal Liberal candidate in the riding of Thornhill in 2019 and 2021.

Join Lino Fera, as he has an interesting conversation with Gary on the values and benefits of a newly formed organization, t...

As a survivor of severe and sustained abuse, Sandra discusses the importance of being connected to community to rebuild a sense of belonging and purpose. She shares her personal journey and the hope that being both an advocate and voice for other survivors brings her, and her continued desire to inspire, encourage, and empower others on their own healing journeys.

To reach Sandra for feedback, or for speaking engagements, please contact: 
Rising Angels
Email: info@risingangels.net 

Credits: 
Guest: Sandra 
Host: Lino A. Fera 
Sound & IT: Cyber Stream
Production: The C...

Lately, there has been resounding discussion on the historical devastation from the Residential Schools of our Indigenous Peoples, historically a more vulnerable population.  Similar challenges are also faced today by persons with disabilities being subjected to multiple violations of their rights, including acts of violence, abuse, prejudice and disrespect because of their disability, which intersect with other forms of discrimination based on age and gender, among other factors.  

Join us as we connect the dots and peel back the layers by discussing the power of advocacy and basic human rights.

Matt George discusses the options for buying a home or building a home in an inflated real estate marketplace. If you are looking to get some information on the costs associated with building a home vs. buying a home and require some guidelines on creating a barrier-free, accessible environment for anyone with a disability, this is the podcast for you.

Guidelines for renovating or building an accessible home:
https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/professionals/industry-innovation-and-leadership/industry-expertise/accessible-adaptable-housing

Credits:
Host: Matt George
Sound & IT  by: Cyber Stream
Music by: Dr. Ian B...

Join Matt George as he revisits the affordable housing crisis affecting the IDD community and discusses how it relates to Ontario's affordable housing crisis, which has become increasingly pervasive over the past several decades. Much of the problem is a result of reduced government investment in affordable housing and lower income individuals have consistently been bearing the brunt of the crisis, facing unaffordable rent/mortgage rates and having little left to survive or save for a proper future.

Credits:
Host: Matt George
Sound & IT  by: Cyber Stream
Music by: Dr. Ian Bates
Production: T...

Jim Caruk, Founder of Renos for Heroes joins Lino on Cribwolf Talks, for a discussion on the various challenges faced over the years by Renos for Heroes, a not-for-profit organization providing renovation and building services for the military men and women who have sustained injuries while serving our country.

Many Canadian military personnel have incurred life-altering disabilities while serving in the Canadian military. Some of these soldiers still do not have complete mobility in their homes. While the government helps, there is often a huge gap between the renovations that are covered versus what soldiers truly need...

Lino is joined by Safehaven’s CEO Susan Bisaillon who provides valuable information about their organization, a not-for-profit that has provided residential and respite care to individuals with complex needs for over 30 years. At Safehaven, their resilient clients live full, meaningful lives, not defined by developmental disabilities and medically complex care needs.

Safehaven is proud to provide exceptional residential care, respite care, and recreational programming to youths living – and thriving – in the face of developmental disabilities and medically complex care needs. With five locations across the GTA, Safehaven serves almost 200 families every year. Their residential and re...

Lino is joined by Npower Canada's Andrew Subryan; Manager of Outreach & Engagement and Sharon Minos; Account Manager of Community Engagement. 

NPower Canada envisions a diverse technology workforce, where people from any cultural ethnicity, gender or socio-economic background, including those with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD), can succeed in our digital economy.

80% of graduates from NPower Canada’s skills trainings are placed into meaningful employment and/or higher education opportunities within 6 months post-program graduation. These industry-recognized certifications provide participants with in-demand digital and professional skills trainings at no cost!

Successful graduates from each program benefit fro...

Mental illness has been around forever and now after a decade of increased awareness and humanity's acceptance, we can talk openly.   Let's push aside judgment and prioritize compassion for persons affected by mental illness. 

Credits:
Host: Lino A. Fera
Music by: Dr. Ian Bates
Production: The Cribwolf Team