The Working Centre founders reflect on past 40 years supporting community, transforming operations
CBC K-W is recognizing Changemakers who have had a positive impact on the community
Waterloo region Changemakers highlights people who have made a positive impact on the community through their work and stories. The project is part of CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's 10-year anniversary in the region. The Changemakers were chosen by a selection committee made up of community members and CBC.
The Changemakers will be featured online and in an interactive photo exhibit at the Kitchener Public Library. You're invited to the photo unveiling ceremony at the library on Friday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. The exhibit will run until Nov. 3.
The Working Centre started out small in response to unemployment and poverty back in 1982. Now, it's transformed to serve more than 1,000 people every day through various supports such as housing units, three emergency shelters, St. John's Kitchen, an employment centre and much, much more.
Stephanie and Joe Mancini launched the organization during a time of economic crisis and pivoted again to support the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the organization helped the region generate about 300 additional shelter spots.
"The commitment to shelter wasn't a question — it was a response to what we know and who we know," said Stephanie in an interview with CBC K-W's The Morning Edition show host Craig Norris.
The Mancinis are being recognized as a pair of Waterloo region Changemakers.
40 years serving community
During the interview, the pair reflected on the last 40 years serving the community and how much they've had to adapt. They credit much of the work to the team and community that's rallied around them to help others.
The Mancinis say the most fulfilling part of their journey has been helping individuals.
"It always is the reality of supporting an individual and it's almost always every day when you come face to face with someone. And it's at every level," said Joe.
They even reflected on their own partnership, balancing work and their personal lives over the past decades.
"This is our life really. It's not like there's work, and then there's home. I think the commitment that we made is to do what needs to be done and it's been a partnership in doing that," said Stephanie.
"Sometimes the work sustains you, sometimes the relationship sustains you. And both contribute and complement each other over time."
Watch a clip:
In this video clip, Joe and Stephanie Mancini reflect on the most fulfilling part of their careers and what it took to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Listen to the full interview:
With files from Carmen Groleau and The Morning Edition’s Craig Norris