WINDSOR-ESSEX CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Community Hub - Local not-for-profits to establish offices at St. Michael's

Students, families and anyone who is new to the Windsor-Essex community will have access to a wide range of resources and settlement services when four agencies establish new offices at St. Michael's Adult Catholic High School.

Representatives from the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc., and Centre communautaire francophone Windsor-Essex-Kent, met with WECDSB administrators at the school on June 25 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will see each of them offer their services there.

"Utilizing our schools to help our community partners offer a diverse range of services for not only our students, but the broader community as well, makes perfect sense," said Director of Education and CEO Emelda Byrne. "By hosting these agencies in one location, we provide a service model that supports the entire family unit. This hub will be easily accessible by public transit and provides the services our learners use daily."

The WECDSB expects that these new offices should be operating by the middle of September, but more details will be provided closer to the expected opening. Some of the specific services these agencies will provide include one-on-one meetings with clients, advice on settlement and integration issues, skills training for minority women, educational and settlement-related workshops, and information sessions that connect individuals and families to valuable community resources.

Ronnie Haidar, Chair Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership, applauded the WECDSB for its leadership in establishing the community hub.

"By bringing multiple community organizations together in one accessible location, the WECDSB is demonstrating a strong and tangible commitment to supporting newcomers and their families," he said. "This hub will play an important role in reducing barriers, improving access to services, and helping newcomers feel welcomed, connected, and supported as they navigate life in Canada. It is a powerful example of how collaborative, community-driven approaches can strengthen inclusion and create more responsive systems that meet people where they are."

Quotes from Partner Agencies

"The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County is proud to be part of this new community hub and to continue our long-standing partnership with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board" said Daniel Beliciu, Director of Programs and Development. "Together, we have supported students, families, and newcomers from all over the world who have chosen Windsor-Essex as their new home. This hub will create greater access to services, strengthen community connections, and help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We look forward to being part of a space that reflects the diversity, growth, and welcoming spirit of our community."

"WEST is honoured to be part of the new Community Hub and grateful to St. Michael's Adult Catholic High School for bringing forward this wonderful initiative," said Rose Anguiano Hurst, Executive Director, Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. "As a longstanding community partner of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, we have had the privilege of working alongside their dedicated staff to support students and families across our community. This new hub strengthens that partnership by bringing community organizations together in one accessible location, allowing us to better support the St. Michael student community, women, and families through services, resources, and opportunities that help them thrive and succeed. This initiative brings us closer as a community and reflects the power of collaboration in creating a more connected, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone."

"The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is pleased to partner with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and fellow community organizations in the creation of this new Community Hub," said Jacquie Rumiel, Vice President of Newcomer and Community Services. "Through our provincially funded settlement services, we are committed to supporting newcomer families as they navigate life in Windsor-Essex. This hub strengthens our collective ability to provide accessible, coordinated supports in a welcoming environment. By working together in one shared space, we can better respond to the needs of students and their families, foster meaningful connections, and help newcomers feel a true sense of belonging in their new community."

"The Centre communautaire francophone Windsor Essex Kent (CCFWEK) is pleased to partner with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board in supporting newcomer students and their families throughout their settlement and integration journey," said Director Yasmine Joheir. "We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Community Hub and to work collaboratively in fostering welcoming, inclusive, and supportive school environments where Francophone and Francophile newcomers can thrive, build meaningful connections, and develop a strong sense of belonging. Through this partnership, we look forward to helping students and families access the resources, services, and community supports they need to succeed both academically and socially."