My n
ame is Beth Aubrey and I am so pleased to introduce myself as the new Executive Director with Big Brothers Big Sisters Grey Bruce (BBBSGB). Having grown up in this community, as a visitor on Saugeen Ojibway First Nation, I am deeply compelled and privileged to join this organization.
I first experienced the beauty of mentorship during my undergraduate degree. Volunteering as an in-school mentor with BBBS, instilled in me the desire to pursue social services as a vocation. Over the last ten years, I have worked both within BC and Ontario and have continued to invest in both community based social services and educational pursuits. Now having nearly completed my post-graduate studies in Community Engagement, Leadership and Development, I am thrilled to be back near my home community and working with such an integral organization.
During my time in Victoria, BC, I worked as the Director of Youth and Family Services with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre as well as oversaw the operations of two domestic violence Shelters. In addition, I worked closely with the City of Victoria, the University of Victoria and the Coalition to End Homelessness to engage in social justice oriented, community-based research. I have also partnered with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, supporting various youth mental health initiatives.
These experiences, among others, have afforded me the opportunity to witness such resilience and strength both within youth and their communities. They have also made evident the importance of preventative care, upstream approaches and community-led initiatives. As a leader in mentorship-based wellness services, I am thrilled to represent BBBS here in Grey and Bruce counties.
I truly look forward to strengthening our relationships within Grey and Bruce and welcome connections from the community. If you would like to reach out around partnerships or to learn more, please feel free to email me directly at ed.greybruce@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.