About WJS Canada

WJS Canada has been nurturing change and healing in children, youth, adults and families in communities across Canada since 1983. All our programs provide high quality, personalized and culturally responsive care in even the most complex cases.

Our dedicated and caring staff help those we serve overcome their challenges and develop their strengths. We forge friendships and a sense of belonging and encourage community inclusion for all.

We are an employee-owned company therefore everything we do is inspired by the commitment and passion of our employees to provide only the very best programs and services to those in our care.

Father and son smiling and taking a selfie

Mission, Vision, Values

Our Mission

We serve individuals and families with high quality, personalized,
and culturally responsive support.

Our Vision

To strengthen people and transform communities across Canada.

young smiling service worker helping an elderly man

Our Values

Accountability
We understand that actions both big and small make a difference to the well-being and satisfaction of the people we serve. We carefully consider the possible impact of our decisions and are transparent to all involved about how and why decisions are made.

Integrity
We engage with those we serve in a way that is honest, respectful and inspires trust. We advocate on behalf of families and individuals to get the best service to meet their long term needs. Our professional and ethical standards ensure the people we serve are at the centre of all we do.

Passion
We share our positive energy and enthusiasm for what we do and encourage everyone to share great ideas and bring the best of themselves to providing care for others. We celebrate and recognize the hard work and accomplishments of others and those we serve.

Quality
We are committed to achieving the highest quality of service delivery of which we are capable and strive for excellence through continuous improvement, measured by the difference made in people’s lives.

Teamwork
We believe the ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others requires a cooperative effort. We value and appreciate the skills, talents and experience of our fellow team members and know everyone’s contribution is important for the team to succeed.

2023 Annual Report

"Others are recognizing the passion, team work, integrity, accountability and quality that WJS and SOY have focused their work on for the past few years" - CEO Caroline Bonesky

2022 Annual Report

Our focus on supporting employees personal journeys, coupled with organizational commitment, ensures that we continue to learn and grow." - CEO Caroline Bonesky

Strategic Plan 2022-2024

See the highlights of WJS Canada's vision and priorities to ensure positive experiences for employees and clients.

Service Delivery Model

Our service delivery model is not one-size-fits-all. It guides our daily work, recognizing the needs and uniqueness of each region, individual, and approach.

Impact Assessment

The B Impact Assessment rigorously evaluates how WJS Canada's operations affect our workers, community, environment, and customers, ensuring we meet high social and environmental performance standards.

meet our team

National Management

Mike Fotheringham

Michael Fotheringham

Chief Executive Officer
Sharla Drebit, COO

Sharla Drebit

Chief Operating Officer
Rob Dykes

Rob Dykes

Chief Financial Officer
Donna Phillips

Donna Phillips

ExEcutive Director
Rudy Newbury

Rudy Newbury

Executive DIRECTOR
Alex Hayer

Alex Hayer

DIRECTOR Information Technology
JT Aujla

JT Aujla

Executive Director

TBD

DIRECTOR OF QUALITY ASSURANCE
Alberta
Donna Phillips

Donna Phillips

Executive DIRECTOR
Lisa LaForge

Lisa LaForge

Program Director

Tracy Atkin

Program Director
Brenda Slopianka

Brenda Slopianka

Program Director
Trina Cameron

Trina Cameron

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Alishia Hollington

Alishia hollington

Program Director
Rudy Newbury

Rudy Newbury

Executive DIRECTOR
Andrew Achoba

Andrew Achoba

Program Director
Ken Benson

Ken Benson

Program Director
Aaron Hachkowski

Aaron Hachkowski

Program Director

British Columbia

JT Aujla

JT Aujla

Executive DIRECTOR
Marissa Taylor

Marissa Taylor

Program Director
Marta Vargas

Marta Vargas

Program Director

SPIRIT OF OUR YOUTH

Verna Longmore

Verna Longmore

Program DIRECTOR

Board of Directors

Gail Stepanik-Keber

Gail Stepanik-Keber

Chair
Alex Hayer

Alex Hayer

Director
Donna Phillips

Donna Phillips

Director
Lisa LaForge

Lisa LaForge

Director
Aaron Hachkowski

Aaron Hachkowski

Director
Helen Ambali, Director

Helen Ambali

Director

who we work with

WJS Canada is proud to work with government ministries in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario as well as other community and social organizations. These agencies fund and refer individuals to our programs.

WJS is a good neighbour – we partner with local businesses and groups to create long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between those we serve and their communities.

WJS Canada wishes to respectfully acknowledge that we operate on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples across Canada.