After extensive collaboration and planning the new Community Developer and Support Worker, Cody Cunningham, officially begins work addressing social isolation in St. Marys.

“To be able to address such a pressing need with the help of our partners at United Way Perth-Huron and Family Services Perth Huron is very rewarding,” said St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee. “I know St. Marys will benefit from Cody’s work supporting community members, especially those living in and around social housing.”

Cunningham’s role will see him supporting tenants in social housing, working to understand their challenges and connecting them with services. Part of the CDSW’s mandate is also developing stronger community networks and devoting time to education around safety, homelessness, poverty and other social issues. In the future, Cunningham will also work to create community events that build bridges among residents.

“I’m looking forward to getting out and introducing myself to the community,” Cunningham said. “I really want to focus on building even stronger social ties in St. Marys. If there’s more connection between people, and the community is a healthier, happier place on a day-to-day basis, everyone benefits. I hope people will reach out to me at 519-273-1020 x110 so we can open up a dialogue and listen to one another with empathy and understanding.”

“It’s great to see this partnership come to fruition,” added Deputy Mayor Rob Edney, who is also co-chair of United Way Perth-Huron’s St. Marys and Area Community Committee. “UWPH’s St. Marys committee has been working hard raising money to help fund this role because it’s a key piece of building stronger connections between residents. Cody represents what we can achieve as a community through partnerships with organizations like United Way.” 

Part of the St. Marys committee’s fundraising efforts included the Coldest Night of the Year walk, held February 20–28. In total, 176 walkers including 42 teams raised $47,478.

“Supporting St. Marys residents through important initiatives like the Community Developer is our committee’s mission,” added St. Marys and Area Community Committee Co-chair Leslie Edney. “We’ll continue working to identify challenges in the community and addressing them in ways that will build on the work United Way already does locally. We’re happy to welcome Cody to the community.”