Carman Wellness Connections (CWC) is a non-profit organization that addresses poverty and promotes wellness in Carman and the surrounding area.
Volunteers are the heart of Carman Wellness Connections Inc., playing a crucial role in advancing its mission to improve community well-being. The CWC Board is composed of dedicated volunteers who provide essential leadership and strategic guidance.
“This volunteer-driven approach ensures we remain deeply connected to the needs and aspirations of the people we serve,” said Lisa Lehmann, CWC Coordinator. “Furthermore, we have six active working groups, comprised of passionate volunteers. These groups are focused on identifying gaps in services and programs while learning from and with people who have lived experiences.”
By involving individuals who truly understand the challenges faced by the community, CWC can develop innovative, creative solutions that are both effective and impactful.
“Volunteers not only bring their skills and knowledge but also a commitment to meaningful change,” said Lehmann. “Their time, energy, and diverse perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of Carman Wellness Connections and the broader community.”
One of the many CWC volunteers is Susan Weppler, who first moved to Carman in 1999 with her husband and two young children. She had grown up in a small town in southern Ontario and volunteered often in her younger years.
“I believe strongly in helping to create the kind of community that I want to live in,” said Susan Weppler. “I like meeting new people and building new relationships as I think that makes for a healthier and happier community.”
Weppler notes that Carman Wellness Connections grew out of a round table on poverty and its impacts in November 2019. She attended that one-day event organized by concerned citizens (teachers, doctors, public health officials, and ministers).
A steering Committee was established, which eventually became the CWC Board. Weppler has been a member of the Board since 2020. She is also the Lead for the Affordable Recreation and Leisure Working Group and a member of the Housing Working Group.
The Affordable Recreation and Leisure Working Group organizes free or low-cost activities for community members. Some of the activities have been free bowling in the spring and fall, pool rentals in the summer, and Intro to Pickleball and Intro to Disc Golf. Weppler’s group has partnered with GPAC to offer Drop-In Art and also partnered with the local Dufferin Historical Museum to help with Christmas at the Museum.
“I became involved with this Working Group because I was concerned about newcomers to Canada not knowing how to swim,” said Weppler. “That evolved into the pool rentals to introduce people to our town pool. We have offered this opportunity for four summers now.”
Weppler has also volunteered with other organizations in Carman, such as the Carman Family Resource Centre and the Carman Skating Club, and sponsored two Refugee families.
Another volunteer, Melissa Emerson-Froebe, decided to join CWC to help with the fight to end poverty.
“I’m community-oriented and was drawn to this organization’s commitment to making this community a better for all,” said Melissa Emerson-Froebe. “I have been with them since the fall of this year, and I have volunteered myself in an anti-racism discussion group. This group has been amazing to be a part of. I also did ASSIST training, and as a group, we are trying to find a way to use this training to better our community. I have also experienced EngageFest, which was put on by the Tamarack Institute. It was about how to improve life for people and the community, and it was all just very inspiring.”
Please visit the Carman Wellness Connections website at www.carmanwellnessconnections.ca or email carmanwellnessconnections@gmail.com if you’d like to get involved.
