It’s a family affair for Jenn Dubé, the office manager at Pelham Cares.
“My mom volunteers her time, my brother is our bread deliverer, and my husband, Steve, packs food for our clients to pick up,” she said.
A Welland resident, Dubé joined Pelham Cares in 2020, just as the Covid pandemic was rearing its ugly head. She was previously an employment counsellor in Niagara Falls. Dubé’s job involves liaising with a board of six directors to carry out the organization’s strategies and programs.
She is one of two part-time staffers at Pelham Cares. The other is Beth Cotter, who handles reception and an array of administrative duties. Together they oversee a small army of 60 volunteers, some who provide transportation for clients to medical appointments.
“We log about 1900 visits a year by clients for food and counselling,” Dubé said. “Food pickups are currently done on Fridays, but we will be offering a second weekly pickup day to meet the increased demand.”
There is no single profile for Pelham Cares clients. They come from Fonthill, Fenwick, Ridgeville, North Pelham, and Short Hills. Young and old, singles and families. The common thread is that they have very little income.
“People are coming in these days not just for food supplies,” said Dubé. “They're dealing with personal and family challenges, everything from addiction concerns, to having their hydro cut off because of non-payment, to threats of eviction. We'll sit down with them and have a conversation about resources that are available such as legal aid, discuss the landlord-tenant act, and provide referrals. It takes a fair amount of time.”
Despite the evolving complexities of the job, Dubé said that it is gratifying work.
“We had a client that came in for counselling in 2020 when he lost his job due to Covid lockdowns,” she said. “He ended up getting back on his feet in 2022, and promptly came in and gave us a nice donation, just to show his appreciation.”
Having worked previously in government jobs, Dube said that she enjoys the non-profit sector, which is more client-focused. The job can still be stressful, and she has developed a life outside of Pelham Cares to maintain her equilibrium.
“I have a part-time gig at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines which I love, tending bar at the Icedogs games, and at special events. I worked the Bryan Adams concert, and got to go backstage to meet him. Same with stand-up comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham.”
She is a Fonthill Lion, like her spouse. Dubé is also a full-time caregiver for her aging parents, and with a background in sign language is active with the Niagara Association for the Deaf.
Dubé has three grown children. One son has partnered with her husband in real estate. Another son is an HVAC apprentice, while their daughter is studying nursing at Mohawk College.
Other interests of this community supporter?
“Wine,” she said with a laugh, “and Beth and I like to go for hikes when the weather is warmer.”
