Cribwolf Talks Podcast

05/08/2025

Kerr Street Mission: Affordable Housing with Integrated Support Services & facility tour.

In Part 3 of our 3-part series, we focus on a crucial issue close to the heart of Gary O'Neill, Executive Director of Kerr Street Mission: the urgent need for more affordable housing with integrated support services in our community. In this episode, Gary shares his views on how housing is a fundamental pillar of stability for individuals and families, and why it’s essential for communities to come together to support those in need.

Gary discusses the role of Kerr Street Mission in advocating for solutions that offer both safe, affordable housing and the wraparound services that individuals require to thrive, including access to mental health support, job training, and community-building programs. He emphasizes the concept of "community caring for community"—a vision where local residents, businesses, and organizations work together to create lasting change.

Additionally, we’ll take you on a tour of the Kerr Street Mission facility, offering a firsthand look at how the organization operates and the space where so much of this life-changing work happens. From the community meals to the outreach programs, this behind-the-scenes tour showcases the heart of KSM’s operations and its commitment to making Oakville a stronger, more compassionate place for all.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0wCvM4bbsY

02/07/2025

In Part 2 of our 3-part series, we continue our deep dive into Kerr Street Mission (KSM) and its transformative impact on the Oakville community. In this episode, we focus on the organization’s core programs, exploring how they address the unique needs of children, youth, families, and individuals in distress. In this episode, we focus on Youth Development Programs and Family Services Programs.

Youth Development Programs
KSM is passionate about helping youth become confident, capable adults. The Youth Development program provides a safe, stimulating environment where young people can engage in enriching activities, develop leadership skills, and connect with positive adult and peer mentors. By inspiring youth through opportunities and responsibilities, KSM equips them for success in school, relationships, work, and life.

Family Services Programs
KSM’s Family Services programs aim to provide immediate support and long-term stability for families struggling to make ends meet. Through compassionate care and practical support, KSM works to reduce financial burdens and empower families to achieve a better, more sustainable future.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3ttXwJ7QKs&t=9s

26/06/2025

In Part 1 of this 3 part series, we’re putting the spotlight on Kerr Street Mission (KSM), a remarkable organization based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. For years, KSM has been committed to empowering the local community through its four core programs, each designed to address the specific needs of individuals and families facing hardship.

We’re excited to take you behind the scenes of KSM’s impactful work, and we’re honored to have Gary O'Neill, the Executive Director of Kerr Street Mission to share his insights on the organization’s mission and the transformative programs that make KSM such an essential part of the Oakville community.

We’ll be diving into KSM’s core programs:

1. Children's Programs
2. Youth Development
3. Family Care
4. Neighbour Care Network

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f7MwizEkW8

29/04/2025

On June 1969, 16-year-old Philip Porter disappeared in Kimberley, BC, and a ransom note demanding $100,000 was sent to his family. The case was eventually linked to a disgruntled Cominco employee, but despite efforts to pay the ransom, Philip was never found.
Intriguingly, the suspect in the kidnapping of Philip Porter died in the 1974 Pan Arctic flight crash. The question remains—could there be a connection between the two events? The mystery of Philip's disappearance endures, with no clear answers even today.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGNauKcnArE

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29/04/2025

On June 1969, 16-year-old Philip Porter disappeared in Kimberley, BC, and a ransom note demanding $100,000 was sent to his family. The case was eventually linked to a disgruntled Cominco employee, but despite efforts to pay the ransom, Philip was never found.
Intriguingly, the suspect in the kidnapping of Philip Porter died in the 1974 Pan Arctic flight crash. The question remains—could there be a connection between the two events? The mystery of Philip's disappearance endures, with no clear answers even today.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGNauKcnArE

09/04/2025

Fare Share Food Bank Oakville collects and distributes food donations to families in need, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. Their incredible team works tirelessly to organize food drives, collaborate with local businesses, and coordinate volunteers to ensure that they can serve those who need it most.

Stephen Rowe, President of Fare Share Food Bank Oakville, gives a heartfelt introduction to the vital work being done at their facility. Get an inside look at Fare Share Food Bank is dedicated to fighting hunger and making a difference in the Oakville community.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cApwOh-y8SU&t=183s

02/04/2025

Today, on World Autism Awareness Day Cribwolf Talks Podcast celebrates the neurodiversity and uniqueness of people with autism. Let us fully recognize the active and diverse contributions of persons with autism to our societies – and let us embrace and work together with persons with autism to build an inclusive and accessible world for all.

Found on Google from autismontario.com

02/04/2025

Morgan Wright, an Associate Architect at mcCallumSather, is making a significant impact as an Architect specializing in complex mass timber buildings and sustainable design. With a focus on merging traditional techniques with innovative solutions, Morgan creates structures that are environmentally responsible and architecturally cutting-edge. Her work has earned numerous prestigious awards, including an Ontario Wood Works Design Award and a Kitchener Urban Design Award for her contribution to the YW Kitchener-Waterloo Supportive Housing for Women—an inspiring project that highlights her dedication to community and sustainability. As a Project Architect, Ms. Wright continues to influence the future of architecture, and today, she’s here to share her insights on how mass timber can help build a more sustainable and resilient future.

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVTApWa4LLs&t=272s

25/03/2025

Join Ann Bilodeau, President of KW Habilitation, as she takes us on an exclusive interview about their new Kitchener-Waterloo facility. KW Habilitation is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing personalized services and supports to children with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities. KW Habilitation, believes in fostering a good life through early learning supports, inclusive living services, community involvement, and employment opportunities.

Watch as Ann showcases the impactful work KW Habilitation is doing to empower individuals and create a more inclusive and supportive community.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R0DpAyDn6I&t=9s

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17/03/2025

Ivan Vasyliv and Betty Vuong from Serotiny Group, who recently presented at the Intentional Community Consortium Housing Forum are here today to share their expertise.

Their presentation, titled 'Reuse Not Rework', focuses on innovative, sustainable housing solutions by highlighting the potential of adaptive reuse in construction.

Through their work, Ivan and Betty are helping shape the future of eco-friendly design. Today, they’ll share their insights on how we can rethink building practices to create a more sustainable future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyzNHj9EWko&t=335s

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06/03/2025

Nadia Venafro, a representative for Multi-Unit Housing Solutions at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has been a key advocate for affordable housing initiatives across Canada. Today, she’s here to share valuable insights on the latest funding options and opportunities available to developers, along with important updates from CMHC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BZQVA3p5ds&t=124s

05/03/2025

Join Cribwolf Talks for an insightful session with Tim Welch, President TWC Inc., who recently delivered a compelling presentation titled "Key Factors for Successful Afforable Housing Projects". Tune in to hear how developers and communities can work together to address housing challenges and create thriving, inclusive communities.