Every Kid in Our Communities Celebrates Local Champions for Youth
June 23, 2025
LEEDS AND GRENVILLE — The Every Kid in Our Communities Coalition (EKIOC) proudly hosted their 10th annual Recognition of Asset Builders event on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the YMCA of Eastern Ontario in Brockville. This special event celebrated individuals, organizations, and businesses across Leeds and Grenville that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and youth- our community’s asset builders.
Through a public nomination process, 31 asset builders were selected and recognized at the celebration for their dedication and contributions to the positive development of young people. We are proud to recognize the following individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions: Ashley Truesdell; Bonnie Tackaberry; Carl Dietschweiler; Connections Team; Denise Kelly; DIFA Foundation; Girls Inc Team; Hayden Walker; Henry Balder; Jacey Kellar; Jacob Froggatt; Jeremy Conway; Julie Marshall; Karen Coates; Laura Lee Davies; Lesley Hubbard; Lyn Public School; Megan Grotenhuis; Okhwa (Yuri) Yu; Philip Ling; Reabel’s Plumbing; Rhonda Bird; Sarah Hicks; Scouts Canada 1st Brockville Group; Shane Geraghty; Stephanie Feltmate; Suzzanne Thompson; Tim East; Society of Saint Vincent de Paul- Weekender Program; Willow Anderson; YMCA of Eastern Ontario.
“These 31 asset builders are helping shape our community by inspiring, supporting, and empowering the next generation,” said Tawnya Boileau, Chair of EKIOC’s Developmental Assets Work Group. “We’re incredibly fortunate to live in a region where so many individuals and organizations care deeply about our youth.”
To keep the spirit of asset building alive, EKIOC is encouraging residents to take part in the “Start with Hello” initiative. The idea is simple but impactful: greet a young person and, when possible, build a caring, supportive relationship. By fostering these everyday connections, EKIOC aims to create communities where children and youth feel a strong sense of belonging, are supported by caring adults, and know they are valued.
To learn more about how to build strong, supportive relationships with youth, visit the Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework: https://searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships.
For more information about EKIOC, and how you can get involved, visit www.everykid.on.ca
Contact
Jane Hess, Coordinator of EKIOC
Phone: 613-802-6716
Email: [email protected]
Tawnya Boileau, Member of EKIOC
Phone: 613-345-5685 ext. 2226
E-mail: [email protected]