The Poverty Task Force is pleased to announce the appointment of Welcome In, Drop In Executive Director Gail Hoekstra as the new co-chair of the Poverty Task Force’s member committee. Hoekstra who joins Stuart Beumer in the role says she is “really excited to be involved with the Poverty Task Force’s work. The individuals at the table represent such a wide spectrum of services and supports, as well as individuals with lived experience, who have a real passion to create positive change. It has been amazing to see how the work of the Poverty Task Force has already created change in the lives of individuals and families living in poverty in our community.”

Hoekstra has been in the Executive Director role at the Welcome In, Drop In since 2012 and previously worked in mental health from 1992-2012 in a variety of roles for what is now the Canadian Mental Health Association. Hoekstra holds a Masters of Social Work and brings with her to the co-chair role a wealth of knowledge and experience. The Poverty Task Force welcomes her leadership.