I am thrilled to be stepping into the executive director (ED) position at Family Transition Place (FTP) as of August 1, 2024. I’ve been part of the FTP team since 2001 when I started as a clinical counsellor working from both our Orangeville and Bolton offices. Over the years, I’ve held various leadership roles within the agency and have especially appreciated the last 17 years, working alongside our inspirational leader and ED, Norah Kennedy.
I feel honoured to be the next ED to work with our dedicated board of directors, skilled leadership team, and compassionate staff. We will continue to deliver and evolve our services to ensure they are inclusive and meet the changing needs of anyone affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in the Dufferin and Caledon communities.
There is still much work to be done. Throughout the last year, GBV was declared an epidemic by various levels of government and municipalities across Ontario.
It has always required immense strength and courage to leave an unhealthy relationship. The barriers to safety have increased significantly due to the current housing crisis and unstable economic climate.
Through education and advocacy, we need to continue to chip away at the stigmas that exist and encourage courageous conversations—in both our community and the systems we work within. This may seem like a daunting task, but I believe it’s possible if we work together. My values of wanting to work collaboratively, with empathy and responsibility, and my deep desire to make a difference, align with our agency values and purpose: to provide safety, support and hope to people in our community who need it.
I look forward to this next chapter and am excited to support our community together with our staff, board, and community partners. Coupled together with the generous support of our donors, funders and community stakeholders, we can realize our vision: a community free of abuse where all individuals are treated with compassion, equity and respect, and live their lives in healthy relationships.
Warmly,
Lynette
Photo: True Nature Media
