Lucky me - I love my job! But my path to get here was a little roundabout… My very first contact with Ometz occurred when I was about 10 years old and a student at the Shaare Zion Academy. Jewish Vocational Service/JVS (one of the 3 agencies that merged to become Ometz in 2008) administered a Stanford University evaluation test to all Jewish day school students – my first contact with the agency. My late father was also active on the JVS board and suggested later that as a teenager unsure of a career path, I try the JVS career orientation tests. Somehow JVS was just always lurking there in the background… By sheer coincidence, while at McGill Law School, I once worked at JVS as a student summer placement counsellor. Never did I suspect that I would later return in a professional capacity. While practicing law for more than 25 years, I remained an active volunteer at Federation CJA and many other community organizations. In 2011, my ‘volunteer career’ resulted in my being recruited to sign on as Executive Director of the agency.

I was in place as Executive Director for about 5 years when I became an early champion of the merger of the three agencies that formed Ometz. I understood that we would be able to simplify and enhance the process for many clients who were accessing services at all three agencies. It has been both challenging and rewarding to help lead and solidify the merger.

One of my fondest memories concerns the JEM workshop, an adapted workplace for people with special needs and disabilities. Since its launch in 1950 it has served thousands of our most vulnerable community members. We were fortunate enough to be able to purchase the JEM building when it became available in 2005. Along with a dedicated group of volunteers, we raised $2 million to renovate the building to better respond to the needs of our workers. We are proud of our partnership with Emploi Quebec which allows us to offer work to 80+ intellectually challenged individuals.

There will unfortunately always be people who need our services. For 150 years we’ve been looking after the most vulnerable parts of the community, and most probably, that role will continue. We have to plan today for a community that may become a little smaller in the future but will still be committed to looking after our most needy. In a period of increased funding challenges, I think Ometz is capable of leading by example—we review our services to make sure we maximize our resources, and we strive to ensure excellent and responsive services for those who need them.

It’s a delight and an honor to be able to work everyday with dedicated volunteers and professionals who are passionate about their work. I consider myself very lucky.