House of Shalom teams with United Way

By Jolene Perron

The House of Shalom has teamed up with United Way for the benefit of Windsor and Essex county.

During their “Seven Days of Caring” throughout Essex County, the House of Shalom collected canned goods. These canned goods were dropped off at the House of Shalom between Sept. 20 and Sept. 27.

Holly Kirk-McLean, executive program coordinator at the House of Shalom, said the United Way has funded the House of Shalom for most of its entire 43 years. She was happy to offer the large space and central drop-off location.

“I am pleased to do this for them, especially because the contributions that come in are going to stay in Amherstburg,” said Kirk-McLean. “So it will go to the Food and Fellowship Mission, it will go to St. Vincent De Paul.”

The House of Shalom operates a weekly peer support meeting for teenagers in grades 9 through 12. The United Way has helped to keep the doors open and expand their reach to youth now in Grade 8 who can drop in on Friday nights.

“The program has been very successful,” said Kirk-McLean. “We’ve been here 43 years, if it didn’t work we wouldn’t be here. The fact that it’s still working and it’s 43 years old is a huge testament to our founder Father John Ware.”

Kirk-McLean has also reached out into the community by being a part of the United Way’s county connection program. The House of Shalom has been able to partner-up with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Windsor Essex Big Brothers Big Sisters will also benefit from the canned food drive as they kick off their after school programs.

Rebecca Deline, activities and events coordinator at the House of Shalom, said she was impressed by the additional support from local businesses.

“A lot of businesses also came out and supported us whether it was through canned good donations or through financial donations,” said Deline. “It’s nice that the community is helping us and surrounding us to help bring this in.”

The House of Shalom also finds it important to involve their members in all functions. While only 40 hours of community service are needed to graduate high school, Kirk-McLean has heard of her members exceeding 100. This is why members such as Julia Allman were excited to help out.

“I gave my time and I came out and volunteered,” said Allman. “It’s important that members donate to the canned drive because of the reputation for the House. It shows we’re really good people.”