The new director of The Community Exchange in Altona says he’s eager to get to work supporting the organization’s various programs and making connections with the people they serve.
Paul Peters and his family arrived in Altona just a few weeks ago and is excited to be a part of the organization which acts as a hub, connecting people and fostering community events and services.
Peters is familiar with the region, growing up in Gnadenthal and attending Garden Valley Collegiate and Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI). He studied international development at CMU, later acting as a program manager there, and was also a student life director at MCI for four years. In 2021, after living in Altona for 10 years, he and his wife and their children moved to Ontario to be closer to her family.
“I did construction work in Ontario. It was a nice break, and we enjoyed our time there. But I was eager to get back to work that is community-minded, that puts people first, and was about building relationships. When this new position became available, we had some conversations, I applied, and here we are. We’re coming back with fresh eyes, with new experiences that will benefit what we do here.”
Board chair Cal Funk says Peters is a great fit for this new role.
“His proven leadership abilities and dedication to community service make him the perfect choice to guide our organization forward,” he said. “We look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on Altona and the surrounding area.”
Peters’ responsibilities include overseeing operations, forging partnerships, spearheading innovative projects, and leading initiatives that address the evolving needs of Altona and surrounding areas.
Funk notes that many of the people they’ve supported with their myriad of community-building and support programs have gone on to become volunteers who help others access their services.
“The Community Exchange provides a forgiving, understanding space to find agency,” he says. “We’re connected with a variety of people. We want to be that type of organization. Anyone is welcome to walk through our doors.
“My hope is that we are seen as a space that bridges gaps that may have grown over the years or have always been there. That could be economic, cultural or religious. We can be a bridge, and create a space at the table for you, and make sure you feel welcome here. And maybe we start to recognize our shared humanity. That’s what gets me excited.”
Peters marvels at how the organization has grown since it began less than two years ago.
“The growth has been amazing. We have so many opportunities. We also have a really active board, and they care about this place deeply. They are the reason it’s become what it is today.”
He says, right now, his main role is to listen and learn.
“I wear a lot of hats. I want to be a listener first. I’m not here to change everything. There are beautiful things happening here. Now how do we create some structure around the programs we get involved in, and make sure our staff and volunteers are cared for? Just because the opportunities are plenty, that doesn’t mean that we as an organization are ready to jump into all of them
“I am eager to work alongside residents, volunteers, board members, and partners to build a stronger, more vibrant community together.”
