Telling Our Stories

Partial Excerpt from Larry Schneider Facebook Post - August 25, 2025:

Like most gardens in the area, the Rodney Community Garden is the brainchild of Stephanie Skelding and other staff at the West Elgin Community Health Centre. The garden is supported by the Municipality of West Elgin and other area groups.

They are harveting a bumper crop of tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables, following hard upon the heels of a wonderful crop of small purple raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, kale, and lettuce. Today we brought home several meals worth of green beans, roma, cherry, and beefsteak tomatoes, a few beets, lots of herbs, mint, parsley, and basil.

There are several raised garden beds, planted and harvested by individuals and families as well as in-ground beds which are either for all who participate in the garden or the family who planted them. Scattered throughout are vaious seasonal flowers including my favourite, my mother's beloved gladiolas! A handsome fence was built around the in-ground beds this summer, by Dirt Devils, with funds acquired from the Elgin-St. Thomas Community Fund covering the cost of the fencing and gate supplies, while an Enbridge Fueling grant covered the Dirt Devils' fee for the build. 

Thanks and congratulations once again to all the gardners digging in and watering, weeding and watching as the crops, and abundant stubborn weeds, took root and thrived! Thanks to Stephanie for continuing as our fearless leader and to all who tilled the soil and picked the plentiful produce! As always, more gardeners are invited to join us next year! Please keep Stephanie's name in mind. Surplus produce is always shared with local seniors and the food bank. This is indeed our COMMUNITY GARDEN!

Raising the Pride flag is a symbol of support and acceptance for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Pride is all about celebrating who we are in all our diversity and creating a space where everyone feels safe, respected, and free to be themselves. 

It's also a moment to reflect on the progress that's been made over the years and to recognize that there is still work to do.

Members of the the 2SLGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination, higher rates of mental health struggles, and the fear of being their authentic selves in certain spaces. Trans and non-binary individuals, in particular, face heightened risks of violence and prejudice. And too often, people still have to make the difficult choice between safety and visibility. Pride is to remind us that we all have a role to play in building a world where no one has to hide who they are or fear being judged for it.

And that's where allies are so important. Being an ally means more than just believing in equality. It's about showing up, speaking out, and standing alongside our 2SLGBTQ+ community. Allies help amplify voices, challenge discrimination, and create a culture where inclusion isn't just a value we talk about, but something we live every day.

We hope that flying the Pride flag at our Centre is more than a symbol for today. It's something we should strive to carry with us in our actions and attitudes all year round.

~ WF

"What an impact you made with our client by playing a game of cribbage. Our client said that he needs to get his mind working more and this allowed him to do something different that he enjoys. He was very invested in telling me the rules of the game today during our visit. I think its such a great idea!" - TS

Meet Will, a wonderful member of our Mental Health team at the Centre. Each day Will works with individuals of all ages helping them navigate life's challenges and to realize their potential. For him, being part of a multidisciplinary team isn't just about collaboration - it's about making a meaningful impact on our community's well-being.  

"To me, community health care means providing accessible and holistic support that meets the needs of all individuals within the community. It's about creating equal opportunities for everyone to receive care and addressing both physicial and mental health in a collaborative way".

It sounds like things are very stable with your support in place. The client's daughter is able to maintain her job and other committments knowing her parent is in good hands. Kudos! - A thank you to our Assisted Living Team received from a Coordinator with Health at Home Community Care.

Taraesa is a vital part of our Assisted Living team, dedicated to helping residents in West Elgin remain in their homes by providing essential support. What drives her every day? The wisdom, joy, and heartfelt appreciation of the seniors she serves.  

Community health care, to Taraesa, means connecting residents in the community with resources, classes and events of interest. The community knows that they can rely on the Centre and the trust that has been built is vital.

Outside of work, Taraesa enjoys volunteering, attending local events, spending time with her pets, and serving on her municipal council. She loves the close-knit, welcoming spirit of West Elgin where "we are all each other's neighbours."

Betty-Jo Drent, our dedicated Assisted Living Coordinator at the Centre, is part of the Community Support Services for Seniors.  Betty-Jo leads a team of Support Workers who provide compassionate, client-centred care to high-risk seniors, helping them live independently with dignity. Her role is all about empowering her team to make a positive impact in the lives of seniors ensuring that they receive the care and respect that they deserve.

With 14 years of experience with the Centre, Betty-Jo has witnessed countless heartwarming moments from supporting clients in their final moments to watching her team go above and beyond for those in need. Her passion for meaningful, community-focused work shines through every day.

When she is not at work, Betty-Jo enjoys gardening, kayaking, and spending quality time with her grandchildren. She loves the small-town feel of West Elgin - from local fairs, community gardens and farmers markets to the beautiful walking trails.

Hi Kaitlyn,

It has taken a while to get this email to you... but I wanted to let you know how much my children enjoyed the teen cooking box last month!! All three of my children worked together to make dinner for the family that night. They were so proud of what they made. They set the table beautifully and we're so excited to cook and share what they had made.  It was a beautiful experience. ~ JW, Community Member

I've had the opportunity to work together with Shelly on several mutual clients over the past few years. Recently we have had some particularly difficult mutual clients. I am always in awe at how Shelly goes above and beyond to support the people of the West Elgin Community. Shelly thinks outside the box and makes every effort to support every one that needs it. Shelly is never one to avoid the issue or shy away from a difficult situation. She is quick to respond to calls/emails and always has great ideas for how to best support the client. Shelly is kind, knowledgeable, and non-judgemental of the clients she serves.  

The role of systems navigator/health promoter is so important but what Shelly brings to the role is even more important. ~ JJ, Care Coordinator

Working with the Centre for over 7 years, Debra has a strong sense of belonging and immense pride being a part of the West Elgin Community Health Centre. With the ongoing series "Humans of WECHC", Debra is inspired by the outpouring of appreciation for our staff, programs and services. For her, the community feedback speaks volumes about the difference the Centre makes and the vital impact the community health model has on our clients' lives every day.

As a certified HR Leader, Debra embraces the Centre's values and tries to bring joy and kindness to our workplace. She shares that "it's a privilege to walk along side and support such a dedicated and amazing healthcare team". Debra noted that working at the Centre was like coming home as she attended middle school here many, many years ago! Upon reflection Debra simply said "a heartfelt thank you has always been the most precious gift someone can give me".

Outside of work? Soccer, soccer, soccer! Go Manchester United! And, of course, her adorable grandchildren Nolan and Rain who brigthen her days and fill her heart.