CFUW Guelph October General Meeting

“Reducing Poverty: Community Building & Sustainability”

Elaine Weir

Elaine Weir is a Public Health Nurse with Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health and certified Bridges out of Poverty facilitator who brings 33 years of experience and expertise to the Bridges initiative. Elaine has worked in a variety of organizations including hospitals, communities and educational settings.  Elaine’s work as a public health nurse on the front lines has given her first hand knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty.  Elaine’s expertise, combined with the art of caring, has made her indispensible in the community.

Bridges out of Poverty helps professionals who work in all sectors of the community open their minds to the culture of poverty and helps build relationships that create a sustainable community. Elaine has facilitated over 300 presentations and spoke to close to 7000 people, across Ontario and Webinars Nationally.

To request a Bridges out of Poverty presentation, call 1-800-265-7293 ext 4395

Mary Crome MSW RSW

Mary is a Community Social Worker with a passion for inclusion.  She believes firmly that every human being comes into the world with a gift to contribute and works tirelessly with people to find their gifts, dreams, and highlights opportunities in the community for them to contribute.

Mary is the Ongoing Support Manager at Lakeside HOPE House and the Circles Coach for Circles Guelph Wellington.  In this role she has demonstrated a solid track record of developing supportive relationships, exceptional leadership skills and outstanding counselling and group facilitation.  She applies exceptional assessment skills as she identifies needs and develops and implements therapeutic programs, coordinates with partnering agencies to make referrals and connect clients to resources to help with poverty-related issues.   Mary is a leader in the field providing mentorship to students from the MSW program with the University of Calgary, and a number of students from the University of Guelph and Conestoga and Mohawk College.

Mary Holds a B.A. in Social Developmental Studies and a certificate in Social Work from Renison College University of Waterloo and a Master’s in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University.  Mary has completed professional training workshops in trauma, working with parents who use drugs, facilitation, Bridges out of poverty, and Circles training.

Louise Brooks

Louise Brooks is a Health Promotion Specialist at Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. With over 20 years of experience in communication, marketing and a Masters in Public Relations, Louise specializes in building relationships, community development and engagement.