Our Year In Review (April 2024 - March 2025)
Dear Neighbours,
As we reflect on the past year, one word rises to the surface over and over again: connection. In every program, every conversation, every challenge overcome, we found purpose in our connections with staff, volunteers, and program participants. And through those bonds, we witnessed the transformation of individuals and communities. Connections are at the heart of transformation, as they create trust, collaboration, and a shared vision to drive meaningful, sustainable change.
This year was a reminder that real change does not happen in isolation. It happens when people come together—with open hearts and shared purpose.
Strengthening Our Connections
Over the past 12 months, we have deepened our relationships with the communities we serve. We listened more intently, collaborated more intentionally, and ensured that those closest to the issues were also closest to the solutions. Whether it was through community-led workshops, listening sessions, or new partnerships, we prioritized building trust and mutual respect. Woven throughout this year’s report, you will read stories of how ideas turned into action and how the relationships we continue to build can be truly transformative.
These moments remind us why we do this work. Transformation is not always immediate, but it is always possible, especially when people are given the tools, support, and belief they need to thrive.
Looking Ahead
The year ahead holds both promise and uncertainty. The social and political climate we are living in makes our work increasingly challenging and makes our work together all the more important.
We are more committed than ever to building a world where everyone has the opportunity to grow, to lead, and to live with dignity and purpose. That work will continue, with our relationships at the heart of it.
With gratitude and hope,
Devika and Kate
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Our Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, here at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. The Satyas (@the.satyas) got everyone moving with their infectious Latin rhythms and smooth grooves, while we enjoyed delicious Latin American dishes, thoughtfully prepared and served by our Between Women team, led by our very own Settlement Worker for the Spanish Speaking Community, Vicky Albarracin.
Sally Lee, our Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and longtime friend of MPNH, opened the meeting with a beautiful poem, A Ripple of Kindness. Her words were touching and inspirational, highlighting the compassion our Neighbourhood House brings to the community. She also led us in a prayer about the Breath of Life.
Kate Dunford, our Community Board Chair, welcomed our staff and the 18 community members in attendance. During our presentation, our Community Board Members highlighted stories from our Impact Report 2024-2025, which focused on “Transformation.” The stories were inspiring, showing how our programs and services bring communities together and foster collective growth.
During the meeting, we were thrilled to welcome five new Community Board Members: Beau Jackson, Jools Andres, Michael Low, Eli Mina, and Wendy Underwood. Devika, our Executive Director, also took a moment to express heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Board Members, Kate Dunford, Soraya Bellou, Adrian Wong, and Shayna Hornstein, for their dedication and support in helping MPNH thrive.
It was a meaningful and successful Annual General Meeting, which concluded at 6:50 PM.