We are back under Vision A&C (Art and Culture). Our first episode, "A Fresh Start," is out now. In this episode, we discuss community projects, our perspective on recent news, and what's next. Tune in to join the conversation!

https://www.visionartandculture.org

The second part of the interview is out.

We continue our conversation with Corey Balsam, the National Coordinator of Independent Jewish Voices.

Corey’s longstanding involvement with Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) began in his hometown of Ottawa and continued during his time in Toronto. After spending nearly four years in Palestine working with Oxfam in research, advocacy, and program management, he has now settled in Montreal.

https://www.ijvcanada.org

corey@ijvcanada.org

We conclude July with a challenging but necessary conversation. In this two-part episode, we speak with Corey Balsam, the National Coordinator of Independent Jewish Voices.

Corey has been involved with Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) for a long time, originating from his hometown of Ottawa and later in Toronto. He currently resides in Montreal after spending nearly four years in Palestine, where he worked for Oxfam in roles related to research, advocacy, and program management.

https://www.ijvcanada.org

corey@ijvcanada.org

Georgia Carstea Radu is a dedicated street outreach worker (in homelessness and residential instability) with Prévention CDN-NDG. She focuses on supporting individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. Her work involves building trust with community members, providing essential information and resources, making referrals to appropriate services, and offering ongoing support. Georgia is committed to meeting people where they are, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and connected to the help they need.

Polaroid cover pic. Sometimes you just gotta check in with your podcast buddy! In this episode, we talk about our exciting upcoming community projects and our involvement in our work. Plus, we cover that crazy (but painful) Game 1 loss for the Knicks against Indiana. Sorry, Knicks fans! Enjoy the episode

This episode features two dedicated School Community Outreach Workers (ICS, Intervenantes communautaires scolaires): Audrey and Mia.

Audrey:

With over 12 years of experience as a dedicated community worker, Audrey is passionate about building connections, creating impact, and supporting others through meaningful engagement. She's an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and a firm believer that even small actions can lead to significant change.

Once known as Shaggy, she's traded the Mystery Machine — now she's out here solving real-life mysteries, one community at a time (Scooby Snacks not included).

Mia:

Mia's natural curiosity drives her interest in big ideas and small ones, including everyday actions that create meaningful change. Individuals' journeys, knowledge, and experiences fuel her passion for education and community outreach.

She is committed to building strong connections and helping weave a social safety net that leaves no one behind. She moves forward, believing that every initiative, no matter how small, can grow into something greater.

Who they are:

They are School Community Outreach Workers (ICS, Intervenantes communautaires scolaires). Think of them as human search engines, except instead of links, they offer real support.

Their role is to help families and community members find the services available, from basic needs like food baskets and clothing to enrichment opportunities like day camps, swimming lessons, sports, and arts programs.

They connect, inform, guide — and, most of all, they care.

https://www.instagram.com/ics.cdn/

Hans Heisinger

Executive Director of the Carrefour Jeuness Emplois NDG

In this interview, we have Hans Heisinger, who has been leading the CJE NDG since its inception. As a trained social worker, his open-minded and collaborative leadership style has been essential in creating an inclusive space for youth and job seekers, ensuring that no one is left behind. Over the years, he has represented the organization on various boards and committees within NDG and beyond. Originally from Germany, Hans has maintained an international perspective on CJE projects. He has kept up-to-date on demographic and political trends to ensure that their services adapt to the changing needs of our clients.

What would society be like without community workers? In this episode, we talk to four different community workers from Prevention CDN/NDG about their motivations and experiences. During a live audience recording, they provide insight into their work, sharing what drives them, their approaches, and what led them to pursue careers in community service. If you do not know them yet you should! Enjoy

(From left to right)

Olivia Mabote; Coordinatrice des programmes d'arts, genre et égalité,

Arielle Laurion; Travailleuse de rue en itinérance,

Ornella Mbombo,Msc; Chargée du projet CCC (cultivons la culture du consentement)

Jean-Edouard P. Toussaint; Travailleuse de rue Prox Team,