Resilience Rising: A CFS Counselling + Wellbeing & United Way Simcoe Muskoka Podcast

Resilient Futures - Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives

Fri, 02 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest: Mina Fayez-Bahgat – General Manager, Social & Community Services Division, County of Simcoe

As the World Health Organization says: When communities adopt empowerment processes, their people – especially those experiencing socio-economic disadvantages, gain “increased control over their lives.” This is seen as a pathway to inclusion and equity for all. That’s what we’re talking about today: Right now, on Resilience Rising.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Guest

Mina Fayez-Bahgat

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Brian Shelley

Amanda Fellows

Michele Lawson

Studio Producer/Director

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistant

Deanne McCallum

Santi Curet

Music

Sunshine – Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons:

By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org

With Funding From United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Presented by

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

In association with Rogers TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aging with Dignity: Addressing Older Adult Poverty

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest: Jenna Wickens – MatureMinds Coordinator, CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

More than 9,000 older adults in Simcoe County are living in poverty – with those living alone more vulnerable than those living with family. At 10%, the poverty rate here is nearly double the national rate. In this episode, we explore the complex factors contributing to senior poverty and discuss innovative supports for ageing with dignity. Right now, on Resilience Rising.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Guests

Jenna Wickens

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Brian Shelley

Amanda Fellows

Michele Lawson

Studio Producer/Director

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistant

Deanne McCallum

Santi Curet

Music

Sunshine – Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons:

By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org

With Funding From United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Presented by

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

In association with Rogers TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unlocking Potential: Empowering Youth in Transition

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest: Tracy Johnson – Director of Services, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions

There are about 12,000 young people in the care of Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies. Youth leaving care are more likely to experience homelessness, mental health concerns, unemployment, lack of education and involvement in the justice system. Why is this happening? What’s being done about it? That’s what we’re talking about today. Right now, on Resilience Rising.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Guests

Tracy Johnson

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Brian Shelley

Amanda Fellows

Michele Lawson

Studio Producer/Director

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistant

Deanne McCallum

Music

Sunshine – Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons:

By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org

With Funding From United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Presented by

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

In association with Rogers TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Indigenous Resilience: Reclaiming Dignity and Self-Determination

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest: Chenoa LaCaille – Registered Social Worker, F.A.C.T.S.

On today’s episode, we travel to the heart of Indigenous resilience, exploring the ongoing journey of reclaiming dignity and self-determination in the face of systemic challenges and historical trauma. Our discussion centers on how Indigenous communities are breaking cycles of poverty through strength-based approaches and traditional wisdom. Right now, on Resilience Rising.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Guests

Chenoa LaCaille

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Brian Shelley

Amanda Fellows

Michele Lawson

Studio Producer/Director

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistant

Deanne McCallum

Santi Curet

Music

Sunshine – Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons:

By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org

With Funding From United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Presented by

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

In association with Rogers TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unmasking Racial Disparities: Poverty and BIPOC Communities

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest: Laura LaChappelle – Program Director, Making Change

Statistics Canada reports 1 in 9 Canadians live in poverty, with racialized groups experiencing higher and longer-lasting rates of poverty than the population considered White. Today, we take a closer look at the complex relationship between racial disparities and poverty. Right now, on Resilience Rising.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Guests

Laura LaChappelle

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Brian Shelley

Amanda Fellows

Michele Lawson

Studio Producer/Director

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistant

Deanne McCallum

Santi Curet

Music

Sunshine – Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons:

By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org

With Funding From United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Presented by

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

In association with Rogers TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Safety and Empowerment: Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest: Sophie Grogan – Child and Youth Worker. My Friend’s House Crisis Centre

The Ontario Association of Interval & Transitional Houses has a vision for a province that is safe, equitable and just, for all women, girls, and gender-diverse communities. Today’s episode shines a light on the harsh realities of domestic abuse and the invaluable front-line work being done to support survivors. Right now, on Resilience Rising.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Guests

Sophie Grogan

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Brian Shelley

Amanda Fellows

Michele Lawson

Studio Producer/Director

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistant

Deanne McCallum

Music

Sunshine – Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons:

By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org

With Funding From United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Presented by

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

In association with Rogers TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence & Where it Starts

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest: Wil Fuentes – PAR Program Manager, CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

In 2023, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario recognized that gender-based/ intimate-partner violence is an epidemic in Ontario that requires urgent and coordinated government action. In Ontario alone, on average, more than one woman is killed each week due to gender-based violence. In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of gender-based violence and its roots. Right now, on Resilience Rising.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Guest

Ep2: Wilfredo Fuentes

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Brian Shelley

Amanda Fellows

Michele Lawson

Studio Producer/Director

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistant

Deanne McCallum

Music

Sunshine – Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons:

By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org

With Funding From United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Presented by

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

In association with Rogers TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Intersectionality and Poverty - Understanding the Compounding Impacts

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Guest: Irena Pozgaj Jones – Director, Child, Youth & Family Coalition of Simcoe County

Intersectionality has become the buzz word describing relative privilege and oppression across the many social identities that each of us hold since scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw introduced the term in 1989. On this episode, we’ll unpack what that means in Simcoe County in 2025. Right now, on Resilience Rising.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Guest

Irena Pozgaj-Jones

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Brian Shelley

Amanda Fellows

Michele Lawson

Studio Producer/Director

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistant

Deanne McCallum

Santi Curet

Music

Sunshine – Kevin MacLeod

Licensed under Creative Commons:

By Attribution 3.0 License

creativecommons.org

With Funding From United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Presented by

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

In association with Rogers TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community Collaboration: Everyone is In, So No One is Out

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:00:44 GMT

Today, we talk to two people who work at organizations that champion collaboration. One heads up a very new grassroots non-profit whose members first came together on Facebook to create a safe and supportive community at the onset of the pandemic. The other works at a registered charity that’s been around for decades. Together, we’ll discuss how collaborative approaches to poverty reduction can empower those experiencing hardship and make a long-lasting difference in local communities. It’s all right here, on Resilience Rising.

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Episode Guests

Nikki Glahn

Executive Director

Barrie Families United

https://barriefamiliesunite.com

Rebekah Vaughan

Manager, Collaborations and Partnerships

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Healthy Health Care: A Person-centred Approach to Wellbeing

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 04:00:24 GMT

Those experiencing poverty have as much right to quality health care as any other member of our local communities. Two Simcoe County organizations – one in Barrie and the other in Orillia – are working to ensure equitable access to health care. Today we talk to Trish Holloway of The Lighthouse and Jo-Anne Flood from Compassionate Care Without Barriers. The question on the table is how we can return dignity to the process of health care. Right now, on Resilience Rising.

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Episode Guests

Trish Holloway

Partnerships & Operations Director

The Lighthouse

https://orillialighthouse.ca

Jo-Anne Flood

Founder

Compassionate Care Without Barriers

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094254644528

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dignity in Dining: Ingredients for Creating Food Security

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:00:42 GMT

Sometimes we think about poverty strictly in terms of income, without thinking about the impact of not being able to access the necessities of a healthy existence, or the complexities that create barriers for people to achieve those basic needs. Today we’ll be focusing on food security. What is it, how does it affect marginalized groups disproportionately, and what can be done to address this inequity.

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Episode Guests

Vanessa Hurley, BScHN (Hon), RD, MHSc

Public Health Nutritionist and Registered Dietition

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org

Chris Peacock

Executive Director

The Sharing Place

https://sharingplaceorillia.org

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing Up or Giving Up: Interventions to Keep Hope Alive for Youth

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:00:26 GMT

When people talk about the recent pandemic, it tends to be all about the very real medical impact of COVID-19. The silent pandemic that started about 20 years before COVID and began escalating through the roof in 2020 also needs some serious attention. Youth mental health has been deteriorating across the globe at record speeds and, unfortunately, our region is no exception. Those experiencing poverty are getting hit the hardest. How bad is it and what can we do about it? That’s what we’re talking about today on Resilience Rising.

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Episode Guests

Jessica Gourlie

Recreation Programmer

City of Barrie

https://www.barrie.ca

Dave Ward

Youth Outreach Coordinator

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://www.youthcall.ca

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seeking a Better Life: Overcoming Bumps & Barriers on the Canadian Dream Journey

Thu, 30 May 2024 04:00:53 GMT

On this episode, we talk to Noor Siddiqui about her personal story of immigration to Canada and how, after settling in Barrie, she turned her hard-won knowledge about the process into a profession to help others who are coming after her. Today on Resilience Rising.

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Episode Guest

Noor Siddiqui

Newcomer Outreach Coordinator

CFS Counselling + Outreach

https://cfssc.ca

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myth-busting and Inclusion: Toward Inclusive Communities

Thu, 23 May 2024 04:00:32 GMT

Today, we’re talking to Sarah Tilley of The Gilbert Centre, who works on the front lines of harm reduction among our region’s most vulnerable citizens. Together, we’ll do some myth-busting as we discuss the reality of Safe Consumption Sites and what they actually mean to their communities. That and more right now on Resilience Rising.

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Episode Guest

Sarah Tilley

Harm Reduction Manager

The Gilbert Centre

https://gilbertcentre.ca

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cracks in the Local Housing Crisis: It’s Horrible, but Not Hopeless

Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:42 GMT

We’ve all heard about the housing crisis, but is it really more complex than high prices and a lack of inventory? What does it mean to the people who live in our community? What caused the crisis? Is anyone doing anything to end it? What about the long-term impact? These questions and more are what we’re talking about today on Resilience Rising.

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Episode Guest

Jennifer van Gennip

Director, Communications & Advocacy

Redwood Park Communities

https://redwoodparkcommunities.com

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Defining Poverty: An Issue Rich in Complexity

Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:59 GMT

If we want to do a podcast about local poverty, we better start by defining what we mean by that simple but complex term. Our guests will share their insights on the impact poverty has on local individuals and families – and what’s being done about it. Join us now for the conversation on Resilience Rising.

EPISODE CREDITS

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Episode Guests

Christine Bushey

Chair

Simcoe County Poverty Reduction Task Group

https://simcoecountycoalition.ca/poverty-reduction-task-group

Kelly Jones

Circles Muskoka Coordinator

Circles Muskoka

https://www.circlesmuskoka.com

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Resilience Rising (Trailer)

Wed, 08 May 2024 18:06:09 GMT

Join CFS Counselling + Wellbeing's Amanda Fellows and United Way Simcoe Muskoka's Brian Shelley for "Resilience Rising," the podcast that shatters poverty myths, sparks optimism and fuels innovative change through community-inspired discussions.

Hosts

Amanda Fellows

Community Programs Manager

CFS Counselling + Wellbeing

https://cfssc.ca

Brian Shelley

Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Executive Producers

Michelle Bergin

Amanda Fellows

Brian Shelley

Producer/Director

Michele Lawson

Podcast Producer

Patrick Melbourne

Video Producer

Jake O’Brien

Production Assistants

Ayla McCallum

Tiana Paolucci

Yeonjeong Kim

Music

"Sunshine" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With funding from

United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Recorded at

UP BeatBox Creative Studio, Barrie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.