The "Can Do" Spirit of Ronda Garrioch
In her twenties, single, and a stay-at-home mom living on social assistance, Ronda Garrioch remembers reaching the turning point in her life. Tired of feeling helpless, isolated and afraid, she wanted a better future for herself and her children.
"I had to decide whether I was going let life stay the way it was or find a new path," she says.
After graduating from a skills upgrade program, Ronda reached out to United Way supported programs and services that would allow her to further develop her skills and self-confidence. One such resource was Parents Helping Parents at Andrew's Street Family Centre (ASFC).
Beginning as a volunteer for the program making healthy snacks for kids, Ronda was inspired by engaging with other clients and seized an opportunity to work with the centre as an outreach worker.
"The sense of accomplishment I got from this kind of work was overwhelming," Ronda says. "I liked meeting new people and helping them improve their lives like I did. I think that by sharing with them how I struggled, they found encouragement," she recalls.
Her work at ASFC paved the way to a position as a Community Development Coordinator at the Community Education Development Association (CEDA)-another United Way funded organization. She quickly gained a reputation as someone who listens and gets things done.
"Ronda did a wonderful job helping Dufferin Avenue's neighbours build a stronger community for themselves," says Betty Edell, CEDA's Executive Director.
"I want all people to feel safe and be a vital part of their community," says Ronda.
Today Ronda has three children, Rosa (16), Stephanie (14) and Joey (6), and continues to work with people and support their goals of better lives and stronger communities. She's now an Intensive Support Supervisor with the Manitoba Corrections Justice Department, and works with young female offenders.
"I'm thrilled and happy at how my career has taken off," says Ronda. "But I'll always remember that it all started with my volunteering in my own neighbourhood. To me, that's what it's all about."
