Vital People Award Recipients Announced

Vital People Award Recipients Announced

In 2011, London Community Foundation identified a gap in the non-profit community: many organizations simply did not have the budget for professional development for their employees. LCF established the Vital People award to address this need and allow local agencies to nominate their employees for a professional development grant of up to $2,000.

Get to know this year’s winners by clicking on their names below!

Brianne Curry Deirdre Crilly Ermina Melkic Jacqueline McKernan Jamie Fenton Melissa Pushelberg Rebecca Milec Valerie Kerr Nikki-Lee Venair

Brianne Curry ReForest London

How will the Vital People award impact your work? This award provided me with an incredible opportunity to build my skills and understanding of some best practices for community engagement and consultation, including developing an approach for our upcoming community consultations here at Westminster Ponds Centre. It's critical that we design effective community engagement sessions so that as we move forward in developing the Westminster Ponds Centre for Environment and Sustainability, it is truly a 'built-for-London' model that will drive real, powerful action and move the needle towards environmental sustainability in our community. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? I love working for an organization that is dedicated to making a healthier and greener future for our community and our planet. I have always been an environmentalist, and I find it fulfilling that my work aligns so closely with my personal values.

Deirdre Crilly Let's Talk Science

How will the Vital People award impact your work? The Vital People award allowed me to take the Business Strategy course at Western Continuing Studies and learn how all the departments or teams of an organization are intertwined in the delivery of program and services and how these departments and teams can optimize their activities to achieve organizational efficiency. I’ve been able help ensure that we are able to continue to deliver engaging STEM-learning resources to youth and educators in London through remote program delivery. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? The most rewarding aspect of working for Let’s Talk Science is the knowledge that my work contributes to developing a passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in youth. As a life long Londoner, I value the opportunity to give back to the city I love through both my employment and volunteer work.

Ermina Melkic Learning Disabilities Association of London Region

How will the Vital People award impact your work? As an individual and as a part of the team at the Learning Disabilities Association – London Region, I am very grateful and thankful for the acknowledgment and recognition. While being recipient of the Vital People award, I also received the support to enhance certain skills that will be beneficial and supportive to my position and contribution to the LDA – London Region’s dedicated work and much recognized need within our community. It will specifically help with enhancing our analytical, organizational and planning abilities that will directly contribute to increased efficacy and efficiency in how services and programs are offered and delivered, while quality of the existing services will remain intact. This is especially true in the present challenging times for any non-profit and charitable organization. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? The most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit is sense of belonging to the family of dedicated coworkers that work toward achieving specific goals set out for the betterment of our community. The sense of being a part of the contributing team to either individual or group success of the youngest population in our community, who have much potential, is priceless. At the end of the day, it is a pleasure knowing that I was fortunate enough to be a part of that success.

Jacqueline McKernan Northern Bridge Community Partnership

How will the Vital People award impact your work? The Vital People Award has already impacted my work through the relationships I have created and community members I have had the opportunity to support. The Vital People Award has given me the opportunity to study Crisis and Trauma Counselling, which is applicable to not just my work, but to everyday life as well. The skills I am learning have enabled our team to develop and shape programming that takes into consideration the mental health of the participants and understand the individual impacts that trauma may have had on each participant. This empathy and understanding had allowed our organization to connect more authentically with the people whom we serve and solidifies our commitment to the work that we do, and each community that we are privileged to work with. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? One of the most significant aspects is the passion and resolve that each of my team members brings to the table every day to drive our mission forward. I am fortunate to not only work with a dedicated team, but also have the privilege to learn from the people whom we service. I am constantly being challenged and given opportunities to reflect on my own personal beliefs.

Melissa Pushelberg Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario

How will the Vital People award impact your work? Being able to sign up for these continuing education courses will allow our agency to learn new techniques and strategies to engage donors, clients and the community with fundraising initiatives, events, education and support! By learning effective ways to build and plan a marketing strategy or campaign, our agency will hopefully see an increase in reach and financial support from the community. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? The most rewarding aspect of working for a charity is knowing that what you do matters and will make a difference in the lives of others. For me, as a Multimedia Designer, I know that the small design aspects won't impact a family or individual living with epilepsy as much as an educator's knowledge. But, if I can make it easier for them to navigate on a website to find the resources they need, promote a fundraiser or event in an aesthetically pleasing way that will appeal to a larger audience and engage a higher level of reach and possible donors, clients or community engagement....then it's worth it!

Rebecca Milec Children's Heatlh Foundation

How will the Vital People award impact your work? The Vital People award has been instrumental in helping me to continue my education by supporting tuition for my Master in Communications Management degree at McMaster University. One year into the program, the courses have taught me valuable information that has helped me to improve the communications and marketing tactics at the Children's Health Foundation. Particularly throughout the pandemic, what I have learned in class has allowed me to lead the launch of a campaign that has increased fundraising revenue during a very difficult time. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? Working in the non-profit sector means that the work I do every single day is making a positive difference in the lives of others. Specifically, working at Children's Health Foundation, I am privileged to have the opportunity to save and improve kids' lives by way of raising funds for Children's Hospital, Thames Valley Children's Centre, and Children's Health Research Institute. Having met children who have directly benefitted from funds we raise, I am driven to continue to do the best I can to help them and the thousands of others that need support.

Valerie Kerr Hutton House Association for Adults with Disabilities

How will the Vital People award impact your work? I’ll be able to use the tools, skills and information from the courses I’ll be taking thanks to the Vital People award to better serve the participants of Hutton House, increasing the types of classes offered. This opportunity for professional growth provides me with the necessary education for career advancement thereby giving the surrounding community increased educational opportunities through potential workshops, classes or sessions. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? Working in a non-profit is very rewarding. In particular, I work in the adult education department which allows me to provide services to adults with disabilities and I find it very rewarding to work with this population – they’re often so positive and cheerful. Some of the most memorable and gratifying experiences I’ve had is when I would teach a skill and finally have my pupil have an "ah-ha moment" when they understand the concept.

Jamie Fenton London Children's Museum

How will the Vital People award impact your work? The Vital People award will allow me to attend the world's largest professional development opportunity for children's museums. By attending I hope to expand my abilities creating programming and managing a staff team, specific to a children’s museum setting. As we plan to expand our facility, programs, and our team with the build of the new location, having the opportunity to learn development skills in a museum specific setting would ensure the scaling up of our current service team is done effectively. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? What I love most about working in the non-profit sector is the impact we have on the lives of families in our community. We create opportunities for all children to learn through play within our daily programming, education or day camp activities. We have the ability to support families who struggle with access to quality programming to provide truly inclusive experiences.

Nikki-Lee Venair Indwell Community Homes

How will the Vital People award impact your work? My personal goal is to excel and grow with Indwell long term. The Vital People award will allow me to participate in professional development that will, in turn, benefit the individuals we serve directly. As a Peer Support Worker, honing my skills to be an effective and successful leader supports our community and inspires our tenants to become leaders themselves. What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit? Indwell is an extremely rewarding charity to work for. Through my work and connection with tenants, I am able to see how the available supports have a positive impact on a daily basis. It is very humbling to witness individuals flourish, maintain stable housing and recover from any previous struggles. To be part of a team that truly makes a difference and supports individuals health, wellness and belonging is more than fruitful.

Brianne Curry Deirdre Crilly Ermina Melkic Jacqueline McKernan Jamie Fenton Melissa Pushelberg Rebecca Milec Valerie Kerr Nikki-Lee Venair

Brianne Curry

ReForest London

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

This award provided me with an incredible opportunity to build my skills and understanding of some best practices for community engagement and consultation, including developing an approach for our upcoming community consultations here at Westminster Ponds Centre. It's critical that we design effective community engagement sessions so that as we move forward in developing the Westminster Ponds Centre for Environment and Sustainability, it is truly a 'built-for-London' model that will drive real, powerful action and move the needle towards environmental sustainability in our community.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

I love working for an organization that is dedicated to making a healthier and greener future for our community and our planet. I have always been an environmentalist, and I find it fulfilling that my work aligns so closely with my personal values.

Deirdre Crilly

Let's Talk Science

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

The Vital People award allowed me to take the Business Strategy course at Western Continuing Studies and learn how all the departments or teams of an organization are intertwined in the delivery of program and services and how these departments and teams can optimize their activities to achieve organizational efficiency. I’ve been able help ensure that we are able to continue to deliver engaging STEM-learning resources to youth and educators in London through remote program delivery.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

The most rewarding aspect of working for Let’s Talk Science is the knowledge that my work contributes to developing a passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in youth. As a life long Londoner, I value the opportunity to give back to the city I love through both my employment and volunteer work.

Ermina Melkic

Learning Disabilities Association of London Region

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

As an individual and as a part of the team at the Learning Disabilities Association – London Region, I am very grateful and thankful for the acknowledgment and recognition. While being recipient of the Vital People award, I also received the support to enhance certain skills that will be beneficial and supportive to my position and contribution to the LDA – London Region’s dedicated work and much recognized need within our community. It will specifically help with enhancing our analytical, organizational and planning abilities that will directly contribute to increased efficacy and efficiency in how services and programs are offered and delivered, while quality of the existing services will remain intact. This is especially true in the present challenging times for any non-profit and charitable organization.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

The most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit is sense of belonging to the family of dedicated coworkers that work toward achieving specific goals set out for the betterment of our community. The sense of being a part of the contributing team to either individual or group success of the youngest population in our community, who have much potential, is priceless. At the end of the day, it is a pleasure knowing that I was fortunate enough to be a part of that success.

Jacqueline McKernan

Northern Bridge Community Partnership

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

The Vital People Award has already impacted my work through the relationships I have created and community members I have had the opportunity to support. The Vital People Award has given me the opportunity to study Crisis and Trauma Counselling, which is applicable to not just my work, but to everyday life as well. The skills I am learning have enabled our team to develop and shape programming that takes into consideration the mental health of the participants and understand the individual impacts that trauma may have had on each participant. This empathy and understanding had allowed our organization to connect more authentically with the people whom we serve and solidifies our commitment to the work that we do, and each community that we are privileged to work with.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

One of the most significant aspects is the passion and resolve that each of my team members brings to the table every day to drive our mission forward. I am fortunate to not only work with a dedicated team, but also have the privilege to learn from the people whom we service. I am constantly being challenged and given opportunities to reflect on my own personal beliefs.

Melissa Pushelberg

Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

Being able to sign up for these continuing education courses will allow our agency to learn new techniques and strategies to engage donors, clients and the community with fundraising initiatives, events, education and support! By learning effective ways to build and plan a marketing strategy or campaign, our agency will hopefully see an increase in reach and financial support from the community.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

The most rewarding aspect of working for a charity is knowing that what you do matters and will make a difference in the lives of others. For me, as a Multimedia Designer, I know that the small design aspects won't impact a family or individual living with epilepsy as much as an educator's knowledge. But, if I can make it easier for them to navigate on a website to find the resources they need, promote a fundraiser or event in an aesthetically pleasing way that will appeal to a larger audience and engage a higher level of reach and possible donors, clients or community engagement....then it's worth it!

Rebecca Milec

Children's Heatlh Foundation

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

The Vital People award has been instrumental in helping me to continue my education by supporting tuition for my Master in Communications Management degree at McMaster University. One year into the program, the courses have taught me valuable information that has helped me to improve the communications and marketing tactics at the Children's Health Foundation. Particularly throughout the pandemic, what I have learned in class has allowed me to lead the launch of a campaign that has increased fundraising revenue during a very difficult time.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

Working in the non-profit sector means that the work I do every single day is making a positive difference in the lives of others. Specifically, working at Children's Health Foundation, I am privileged to have the opportunity to save and improve kids' lives by way of raising funds for Children's Hospital, Thames Valley Children's Centre, and Children's Health Research Institute. Having met children who have directly benefitted from funds we raise, I am driven to continue to do the best I can to help them and the thousands of others that need support.

Valerie Kerr

Hutton House Association for Adults with Disabilities

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

I’ll be able to use the tools, skills and information from the courses I’ll be taking thanks to the Vital People award to better serve the participants of Hutton House, increasing the types of classes offered. This opportunity for professional growth provides me with the necessary education for career advancement thereby giving the surrounding community increased educational opportunities through potential workshops, classes or sessions.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

Working in a non-profit is very rewarding. In particular, I work in the adult education department which allows me to provide services to adults with disabilities and I find it very rewarding to work with this population – they’re often so positive and cheerful. Some of the most memorable and gratifying experiences I’ve had is when I would teach a skill and finally have my pupil have an "ah-ha moment" when they understand the concept.

Jamie Fenton

London Children's Museum

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

The Vital People award will allow me to attend the world's largest professional development opportunity for children's museums. By attending I hope to expand my abilities creating programming and managing a staff team, specific to a children’s museum setting. As we plan to expand our facility, programs, and our team with the build of the new location, having the opportunity to learn development skills in a museum specific setting would ensure the scaling up of our current service team is done effectively.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

What I love most about working in the non-profit sector is the impact we have on the lives of families in our community. We create opportunities for all children to learn through play within our daily programming, education or day camp activities. We have the ability to support families who struggle with access to quality programming to provide truly inclusive experiences.

Nikki-Lee Venair

Indwell Community Homes

How will the Vital People award impact your work?

My personal goal is to excel and grow with Indwell long term. The Vital People award will allow me to participate in professional development that will, in turn, benefit the individuals we serve directly. As a Peer Support Worker, honing my skills to be an effective and successful leader supports our community and inspires our tenants to become leaders themselves.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working for a charity/non-profit?

Indwell is an extremely rewarding charity to work for. Through my work and connection with tenants, I am able to see how the available supports have a positive impact on a daily basis. It is very humbling to witness individuals flourish, maintain stable housing and recover from any previous struggles. To be part of a team that truly makes a difference and supports individuals health, wellness and belonging is more than fruitful.