Telling Our Stories

At our Centre we are truly grateful for our Assisted Living and Community Support teams' unwavering compassion to serve our clients and communities and, as co-workers, for their support of each other.

A few Assisted Living Personal Support Workers share their "why" stories below.

"I work as a PSW because, for me, it's not a job its a calling and what greater honour is there than to serve the people in my own community. I am able to do this through the Centre, a place that not only supports our community with its many programs and services but supports its employees as well."

"Being there for someone at their lowest and making even a small positive impact is deeply rewarding and motivates me everyday. The Centre feel like home because of the amazing, supportive people who keep it running. Everyone is kind, approachable, and always willing to help, creating a safe and welcoming place to work and grow."

"I have compassion for others, dedication, and empathy wanting to make a difference improving (clients') quality of life. The Centre is a respectful workplace treating everyone with professionalism and consideration. And with the Centre's values and mission, I am excited about the care given to clients and the Centre's dedication to the community".

"I call the Centre home because its family, supportive, with amazing coworkers and amazing management."

"The Seniors in our community helped shape West Elgin and Dutton Dunwich into the places we are proud to call home today. They deserve our respect, gratitude, and support during their senior years. I consider it a privilege to be there for them and giving back to those who gave so much."

~Happy Community Support Month!~

One of our employees has been recognized by St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services. The case worker shared how amazing our employee is and how they went over and above to support a mutual client in their journey.

The client also shared that they are so grateful for all the work done by our employee and by the Centre. It is a "biggest shoutout from the heart" to say thanks and noting that "you definitely make a difference to this community and to the people you work with".

Received from a Caseworker at West Elgin Outreach, St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services

For privacy reasons, names have not been included in this note of appreciation.

On behalf of MPP Flack and our entire team, I want to extend our sincere thanks to you (Michelle Johnston) and everyone at the West Elgin Community Health Centre for organizing such a thoughtful and engaging Seniors Fair in Rodney/West area. The event was a fantastic success - from the warm hospitality to the delicious lunch and wonderful music, every detail was clearly planned with care and with our seniors in mind. It was heartening to see so many community members enjoying themselves, connecting with resources, and celebrating together.

Please extend our thanks to everyone involved. We look forward to continuing to work together in the future.

Warm regards,

Barb Gonyou/Operations Manager

MPP Rob Flack Constituency Office Elgin-Middlesex-London

Partial Excerpt from Larry Schneider Facebook Post - August 25, 2025:

Like most gardens in the area, the Rodney Community Garden is the brainchild of Stephanie Skelding and other staff at the West Elgin Community Health Centre. The garden is supported by the Municipality of West Elgin and other area groups.

They are harveting a bumper crop of tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables, following hard upon the heels of a wonderful crop of small purple raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb, kale, and lettuce. Today we brought home several meals worth of green beans, roma, cherry, and beefsteak tomatoes, a few beets, lots of herbs, mint, parsley, and basil.

There are several raised garden beds, planted and harvested by individuals and families as well as in-ground beds which are either for all who participate in the garden or the family who planted them. Scattered throughout are vaious seasonal flowers including my favourite, my mother's beloved gladiolas! A handsome fence was built around the in-ground beds this summer, by Dirt Devils, with funds acquired from the Elgin-St. Thomas Community Fund covering the cost of the fencing and gate supplies, while an Enbridge Fueling grant covered the Dirt Devils' fee for the build. 

Thanks and congratulations once again to all the gardners digging in and watering, weeding and watching as the crops, and abundant stubborn weeds, took root and thrived! Thanks to Stephanie for continuing as our fearless leader and to all who tilled the soil and picked the plentiful produce! As always, more gardeners are invited to join us next year! Please keep Stephanie's name in mind. Surplus produce is always shared with local seniors and the food bank. This is indeed our COMMUNITY GARDEN!

Raising the Pride flag is a symbol of support and acceptance for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Pride is all about celebrating who we are in all our diversity and creating a space where everyone feels safe, respected, and free to be themselves. 

It's also a moment to reflect on the progress that's been made over the years and to recognize that there is still work to do.

Members of the the 2SLGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination, higher rates of mental health struggles, and the fear of being their authentic selves in certain spaces. Trans and non-binary individuals, in particular, face heightened risks of violence and prejudice. And too often, people still have to make the difficult choice between safety and visibility. Pride is to remind us that we all have a role to play in building a world where no one has to hide who they are or fear being judged for it.

And that's where allies are so important. Being an ally means more than just believing in equality. It's about showing up, speaking out, and standing alongside our 2SLGBTQ+ community. Allies help amplify voices, challenge discrimination, and create a culture where inclusion isn't just a value we talk about, but something we live every day.

We hope that flying the Pride flag at our Centre is more than a symbol for today. It's something we should strive to carry with us in our actions and attitudes all year round.

~ WF

"What an impact you made with our client by playing a game of cribbage. Our client said that he needs to get his mind working more and this allowed him to do something different that he enjoys. He was very invested in telling me the rules of the game today during our visit. I think its such a great idea!" - TS

Meet Will, a wonderful member of our Mental Health team at the Centre. Each day Will works with individuals of all ages helping them navigate life's challenges and to realize their potential. For him, being part of a multidisciplinary team isn't just about collaboration - it's about making a meaningful impact on our community's well-being.  

"To me, community health care means providing accessible and holistic support that meets the needs of all individuals within the community. It's about creating equal opportunities for everyone to receive care and addressing both physicial and mental health in a collaborative way".

It sounds like things are very stable with your support in place. The client's daughter is able to maintain her job and other committments knowing her parent is in good hands. Kudos! - A thank you to our Assisted Living Team received from a Coordinator with Health at Home Community Care.

Taraesa is a vital part of our Assisted Living team, dedicated to helping residents in West Elgin remain in their homes by providing essential support. What drives her every day? The wisdom, joy, and heartfelt appreciation of the seniors she serves.  

Community health care, to Taraesa, means connecting residents in the community with resources, classes and events of interest. The community knows that they can rely on the Centre and the trust that has been built is vital.

Outside of work, Taraesa enjoys volunteering, attending local events, spending time with her pets, and serving on her municipal council. She loves the close-knit, welcoming spirit of West Elgin where "we are all each other's neighbours."

Betty-Jo Drent, our dedicated Assisted Living Coordinator at the Centre, is part of the Community Support Services for Seniors.  Betty-Jo leads a team of Support Workers who provide compassionate, client-centred care to high-risk seniors, helping them live independently with dignity. Her role is all about empowering her team to make a positive impact in the lives of seniors ensuring that they receive the care and respect that they deserve.

With 14 years of experience with the Centre, Betty-Jo has witnessed countless heartwarming moments from supporting clients in their final moments to watching her team go above and beyond for those in need. Her passion for meaningful, community-focused work shines through every day.

When she is not at work, Betty-Jo enjoys gardening, kayaking, and spending quality time with her grandchildren. She loves the small-town feel of West Elgin - from local fairs, community gardens and farmers markets to the beautiful walking trails.