CCWN 2023/24 Board Members

Elizabeth Klassen

 President

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I currently serve as President of CCWN, and have been actively involved in the Building and Nominations Committees.  I have also acted as Chair of the Human Resources Committee, Marketing Committee, and Brand Protection Committee. Being actively involved and providing strong leadership are important to me as a director with CCWN. I love being part of a team that provides support and guidance to our community members at their most vulnerable moments.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you?
Living in the Niagara Region all of my life and the Town of Lincoln for the last 29 years has brought to my attention the needs in our community. I feel like being a part of a community also translates to giving back to our community by becoming involved with incredible organizations like CCWN.  It was an easy decision to join this amazing team and work together to support our community.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
Not only does CCWN provide supports to the community but they rally the community together to care for one another.  In providing supports, CCWN also assists people to progress to self-sufficiency providing a sense of achievement and dignity for our clients that other organizations do not provide.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
When first introduced to CCWN, I saw that they were an exceptional organization that is a cornerstone to the community.   Having been a director and volunteering with CCWN I have been an active part of the exceptional work that I saw.  What I didn’t realize looking from the outside in, was how significant and diverse the impact that CCWN had on our community. Experiencing involvement with CCWN has confirmed my choice to join as President and have a positive impact on our community.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
As a member of the Board, I hope to contribute to the legacy that CCWN represents in our community.  With over 50 years of providing to the community, I want to assist in reaching our community through the supports that are needed.  I feel that my time serving on the Board of CCWN will translate to a positive impact on our community equivalent to the many blessings I have experienced living in this incredible community. 

Would you like to include something about yourself – unique to you?
Being a Commercial Digital Photographer has given me the opportunity to travel to many locations and the chance to see the prevalent needs in these communities.    Each time I return to the Town of Lincoln confirms the fact that we live in an incredible community that is willing to give generously of themselves and their resources.  I feel very blessed to be a part of such an active community that assists others in their time of need.

Stewart Capell

Vice President

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I am currently the Vice President of CCWN and serve as a member of the Finance Committee, Building Committee, Human Resources Committee, the Marketing Committee, and Nominations Committee.
I was also on the committee overseeing the Catch the Ace, Every Bowl Full fundraiser.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
I truly believe that we should give back to our local community and to build bridges to self-sufficiency for all people of the community.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
I believe that CCWN, through all of its programs, has evolved into a true leader in the community to meet and exceed the expectations of the clients, community supporters in our ever-changing community.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I was involved in the Loaf of Bread community dinners, and when it was disbanded I felt there was still a strong need. I wanted to be involved more in this community resource.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I believe that the Board needs to be a good mix of skills and walks of life. I see my skills in being a good listener to all opinions, and gathering information that will help us make informed decisions that meet the needs of the community and form the Legacy of CCWN.

Jean Brohman

Treasurer

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have been on the Board since November 2021. I have sat both on the Finance and Marketing Committee, as well as the recent Catch the Ace Lincoln committee.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
Being a Board Member is important to me because I have always tried to be active in my community.  Whether it was my children sports or schools, or team in my workplace, I have always felt the responsibility to contribute.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
Providing the range of services that CCWN does within our somewhat ‘rural ‘communities is important to those with limited access to transportation, something many of us take for granted.  The span of support beyond the food bank offered to residents is amazing (i.e. housing and dental assistance, Back to School and Jumpstart support, to name a few).

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
Having participating in volunteer days at local food banks and community support facilities, I am reminded how much need there is within our community. I am inspired by those who dedicate themselves to improve and sustain the welfare of others. 

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
Although I am a professional accountant, I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and contributing in any way I can.

Leigh Anne Siebert

Secretary

What is your current involvement with CCWN and/or CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have known about CCWN over the years and recently participated in the Food Drive.  I joined the Board of Directors last year, and sat on the Human Resources Committee and was actively involved in Lincoln’s Catch the Ace fundraiser.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
I grew up in Beamsville and I feel it is good to be able to give back to the community where you grew up.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
It lets residents have a more fulfilled life, a place that they feel they belong and can go to trusted organization when in need.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I was encouraged to consider a leadership role with CCWN by a friend and it’s a good time in my life to consider this type of community involvement.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I hope that I'm able to contribute in anyway possible, new perspectives, new ideas.  I will probably learn just as much as I hope to provide.

Paul Litschko

Director

What is your current involvement with CCWN and/or CCWN’s Board of Directors?
Currently I have been a board member for one year and have assisted in many projects.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
The Board is important to help make critical decisions about the future of continuing to help the people in need.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
The positive impact is to show that we are a community, and we help each other. CCWN assists people in need and gives them a place to go and be heard.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I believe that it is very important to give back to the community and be more involved in the community. 

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
As a Board Member, I want to ensure that we are focused on helping the community and making good decisions ensuring that the focus stays on those in need now and in the future.

Christine Manuel

Director

What is your current involvement with CCWN and/or CCWN’s Board of Directors? 
Current Board of Director.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
I believe it’s important to be part of something that allows you to make a real difference, especially when you can give back to your community. I look forward to being a part of a group that cares and truly wants to make an impact to the lives of others.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
Growing up in Niagara Region, I’ve been able to see first-hand the support CCWN can provide to individuals and families. CCWN provides the necessary support while allowing our community residents to have gain independence, stability, empowerment and overall confidence in themselves.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I wanted to support truly local initiatives that help bridge the gap and support others in the community.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I hope to bring my experience and skills, personally and professionally, to add to the dynamics of the Board.  I believe that together, our perspectives will ensure ongoing growth to the programs that CCWN provides and supports.

JD Pachereva

Director

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have always volunteered with and advocated for the work of CCWN. I currently serve as Secretary for the Board, and over the past year served on the Brand Protection, Finance and Marketing Committees. I am also very proud to Chair the Building Committee, as we undertook a long overdue and very much needed renovation project. This improved accessibility for clients, volunteers, residents and staff.  As highlighted above, I am an annual volunteer at the Lion’s/CCWN Food Drive.  As a Councillor with the Town of Lincoln, I also liaise between CCWN and the Town on certain matters and have done so for the better part of the last decade and half.  Recently, the Housing and Homelessness Task Force has evolved to the Town of Lincoln’s Housing Select Committee, and have continued serving on this committee. 

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you?
I care about Lincoln and am a passionate advocate for our residents. But this is more than just making sure people are happy, what this means to me is that I want to ensure that our citizens realize that CCWN is so much more than a food bank.  Especially now more than ever we have a moral obligation to help those less fortunate and to help effectively address the issues of poverty and economic insecurity. Finding a cause that is greater than one’s self, and in some ways larger than just one community, or one region is what the CCWN at its core stands for.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
As CCWN is in my community, I have been actively involved in public awareness events, fundraisers, and supported the mission of this vital organization for many years. Residents of Lincoln have come to us for help when they are facing some of the most difficult circumstances of their lives. It has been a privilege to witness the shift in them. To see them with hope, a new outlook and optimism after contacting us or being in to seek help. This is life changing for many individuals and families.

Is there something that compelled you to seek involvement?
Over the years, in addition to my personal and direct involvement with CCWN, I have attended Town meetings where the Executive Director made presentations regarding their programs and services. These updates alerted me to the continuous growth and diversification that was occurring in the best interest of our community. I wanted to be a part of this. Through my parents and our family business we were always huge supporters of GBF, now I feel it is my obligation to contribute to my community.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
My priorities are to strengthen our community and encourage its vibrancy for years to come. I will collaborate to leverage resources, knowledge, contacts, and synergistic relationships to improve the lives of our clients.

Would you like to include something about yourself – unique to you?
I have been fortunate to be married to Melanie and we are parents to two children, Alec and Blair. I have been a Lincoln resident my whole life, a proud graduate of BDSS; I am Chair of the Grants and Stewardship Committee for Wise Guys Charity and my family has roots in the local grocery industry.
I am an outspoken advocate for my community, and for those issues that impact it, popular or not. I believe we have an obligation to do what we can to assist all those who require a helping hand, a hand up and a shoulder at times. I live by the adage that “to whom much is given, much is expected”. I am truly humbled to be working with the team at CCWN.

Stuart Reimer

Director

What has been and/or is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
Over the past year I have served on the Building Committee, Human Resources Committee, Brand Protection Committee as well as the Marketing Committee. Throughout the year I provide logistics support to CCWN’s Bottle Recycling Program.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
It is important to me that this vital part of the fabric of our community is guided and governed by and an engaged board of directors, who ensure the stability of the agency and the programs it delivers.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
I believe the positive impact is two-fold. One, our programs and services are there for our residents when they need them. Two, for our residents who don’t need help, CCWN is a secure and trusted place to contribute their time and talent.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
I believe the positive impact is two-fold. One, our programs and services are there for our residents when they need them. Two, for our residents who don’t need help, CCWN is a secure and trusted place to contribute their time and talent.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
As a local small business owner, employer and life-long resident of the town, I hope to use my personal and professional resources to support CCWN’s board agenda, as well as the staff and programs they administer.

Phil Rose

Director

What is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have prior Board involvement and have been continuing my support through volunteering.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
It's important to me because of the importance of the organization itself, and the value it provides to the communities it serves. I have also enjoyed meeting many people through this work that I would not perhaps have had the opportunity to meet.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
CCWN's positive impacts include helping vulnerable residents negotiate difficult times and especially the enhanced difficulties presented at present. They also include allowing residents a responsible outlet through which to express their charitable impulses, and the knowledge that such an agency exists to help their neighbours in need.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
Having an outlet through which to express my own charitable impulse, and working together with a like minded group of people.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I hope to play a role in the continuing stewardship of the organization and its mission.

Dave Thompson

Director

What is your current involvement with CCWN’s Board of Directors?
I have been on the Board for 2 years and serve on multiple committees and Chair the Nominations Committee.

Why is being a Board Member with CCWN important to you? 
Giving back to the community you live in is very important, there are many ways to do so, being able to bring my life experiences to the table to provide a contribution to the vision and direction to an organization that has such a meaningful impact on so many within the community is an enriching and fulfilling experience.

What positive impact do you believe CCWN has on our residents?
CCWN provides important opportunities and services to assist community members who may be experiencing difficult situations in their lives, by providing these services CCWN gives a hand up and provides supports that reduce the stress associated with the challenges of everyday life for these community members. Providing more positive outcomes in our community.

Is there something in particular that compelled you to seek involvement?
Involvement in activities and contributions of time and effort to organizations that enhance the wellbeing of our community are vital to a vibrant and sustainable community, this helps to develop a sense of inclusiveness and belonging within our community while raising up those with the greatest needs, these are activities that I wish to be an active and engaged participant in, to give back to a community that has provided for my family over the years.

What contribution do you hope to make as a Board member?
I will utilize my talents and expertise collaboratively at the board table to provide input, insight and direction to the organization so it can best fulfil the needs of our community.

Remembering Rich Gark

Board Member (2020-2023; 2004-2009)