“ Last week’s cases (now resolved) in our Emergency Shelter and RISE Youth Housing Program come after two extremely stressful years for YES clients and staff, who are operating a frontline emergency service for a vulnerable population. That being said, I am proud to be the one who will lead the YES Shelter for Youth and Families through the remainder of the pandemic,” said Le Lagadec. “Stepping into this role in the midst of COVID-19 has been extremely challenging.
Since 2018, Le Lagadec has been the manager of the Outreach Program at YES, overseeing a team of YES staff directly supporting youth and families to avoid, recover from and exit homelessness. She previously worked at Eva’s Initiatives in Toronto, known for its wrap-around support of young people experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Originally from South Africa, Le Lagadec brings over 10 years of progressive experience in the social services field with a specialization in youth homelessness and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Each entry will result in a $10 donation to Peterborough’s local Habitat for Humanity organization. The Meaning of Home contest invites children in grades 4-6 to enter a piece of writing sharing what home means to them. The Coldest Night of The Year walk is a family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. McFadden also hopes that his week long sleepout will bring attention to other initiatives happening around the city. Updates throughout the week will be posted to the event Facebook page. McFadden’s fundraiser page can be found here. The virtual sleep out encourages participants to educate themselves on homelessness and share their learnings with other participants, friends and family. “As a teacher we do things together, we don’t do things on our own.” McFadden hopes that his campaign will encourage people to participate in the virtual sleep out being hosted on March 25. “I realized, just because I’m working doesn’t mean I can’t do this,” he said.
Because he is back to full time teaching he will only be sleeping outside for 12 hours at a time, from 7 p.m. He will be spending his nights outside beginning on Sunday until Feb. I’ve gone there, as a teacher, there’s a lot of good work and learning that happens there It’s such an important resource in our community, it was easy to pick them to donate to.” This year McFadden’s fundraiser will look a bit different. “Just recognizing that the Youth Emergency Shelter has always been an important charity. “I have three kids and I’m a teacher,” said McFadden.
He donated it to YES, and decided he would sleep outside, during the coldest week of the year, to raise awareness and money for youth homelessness and YES. Last year after COVID cancelled McFadden’s travel plans he thought he would put the money he had saved for his trip to good use. “We also know that transitional housing is typically required for young people and families exiting homelessness.” The project will begin this spring and will be completed by the summer of 2023.
“This is a natural fit.” Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club President stated “We are proud of our community involvement with this project and pleased to work with the Peterborough Club to make this important project happen” “Right now, the homelessness rate in Peterborough is far too high and housing has not become more available or affordable through the pandemic,” said Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director. “Many of our members feel very strongly about housing in Peterborough,” said Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president. The funding is part of a $100,000 pledge with Peterborough Rotary Club committing $75,000 and $25,000 from Kawartha Rotary. This funding is a part of Rotary’s Centennial Celebrations, helping the community in their 100th year. The money will build the units, as well as renovate an existing 12-plex building to allow for the additional capacity. The two new housing units are part of YES’ RISE Youth Housing Program.