News & Updates

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Amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet and Start Me Up Niagara

Amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet and Start Me Up Niagara

Posted Nov 10th, 2022 in News & Updates

Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) is very excited to announce the amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet (NMC) and SMUN to help those most in need in our communities. SMUN and NMC have a long history of ensuring that those living in low income areas and those experiencing homelessness have access to clean, new clothes, hygiene products and other community services. This mobile program allows individuals easier access to clothing, allows individuals to grow and to participate.

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Warming Centre to open in St. Catharines for the vulnerable

Warming Centre to open in St. Catharines for the vulnerable

Posted Jan 24th, 2022 in News & Updates

Jan. 24, 2022 – With temperatures dropping, Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN), Silver Spire United Church and Niagara Region have worked jointly to open a warming centre to give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a safe, warm indoor place to rest and access amenities in St. Catharines. Silver Spire United Church located at 366 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines will be opening its doors for the warming centre on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022.

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OTF GRANT GIVES COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM A BOOST

OTF GRANT GIVES COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM A BOOST

Posted Oct 19th, 2021 in News & Updates

In 2020, Start Me Up Niagara received a $75,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to deliver a project to conduct a feasibility study towards creating a comprehensive volunteer program. With a goal of building inclusive and engaged communities, this project will allow citizens to have a say in shaping services that matter to them and has an impact on the lives of 500 people in the community.

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Susan Venditti Named 2021 T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award Recipient

Susan Venditti Named 2021 T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award Recipient

Posted Aug 7th, 2021 in News & Updates

Start Me Up Niagara is pleased to hear of Susan Venditti receiving the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian award. Susan has been a guiding light in the city and region for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, and other significant life challenges. Susan has been a guiding light in the city and region for those experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, and other significant life challenges.

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New Resource Drop-In Centre Opens in Niagara Falls

New Resource Drop-In Centre Opens in Niagara Falls

Posted Jun 21st, 2021 in News & Updates

Start Me Up Niagara is proud to announce the opening of a new remote Resource Drop-In Centre in Niagara Falls. This additional Resource Centre will assist local Niagara Falls residents experiencing significant life challenges such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, disabilities, addictions and mental illness by helping them to access the resources and programs that will provide them with opportunities to stabilize, participate and grow.

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A Time for Reflection

A Time for Reflection

Posted Jun 17th, 2021 in News & Updates

In contemplation of human disconnectedness, author Leo Buscaglia once wrote, “too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” So let’s find small, honest, and meaningful ways to connect and grow as a more thoughtful community.

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Art Me Up Niagara Awarded Grant from the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation

Art Me Up Niagara Awarded Grant from the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation

Posted Apr 27th, 2021 in News & Updates

The MDRT Foundation has awarded a $1,500 grant to Start Me Up Niagara's Art Me Up program, a program designed for SMUN participants to archive their individual creative past and present. Through the exploration of multi-disciplinary arts, Art Me Up participants will have various opportunities in a safe studio environment, including workshops, facilitated open studios, access to a digital lab, and the establishment of web-based exhibition space to express personal memories and to map their jo...

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Vaccinating The Homeless: Protecting Our Vulnerable Population

Vaccinating The Homeless: Protecting Our Vulnerable Population

Posted Mar 19th, 2021 in News & Updates

A total of five clinics have been set up at different shelters across the Region – the last clinic being held today. Planning for the vaccine clinics began in January. Still, Stobbe said administering the flu shot last fall also helped prepare REACH and the Region for the COVID clinics. Niagara Public Health is working with the Region’s homelessness services and medical professionals from Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare (REACH) Niagara. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of tho...

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A Different Kind of Walk

A Different Kind of Walk

Posted Mar 2nd, 2021 in News & Updates

Because of the compassion and hard work of the people of St. Catharines and Niagara, Start Me Up Niagara will be able to continue its mission to provide a variety of services to individuals who face significant life challenges to provide them with opportunities to stabilize, participate and grow.

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Meet SMUN's New Executive Director

Meet SMUN's New Executive Director

Posted Dec 11th, 2020 in News & Updates

Laura Dumas comes to Start Me Up Niagara with over 30 years’ experience in the not for profit world. She has had the privilege to work with volunteers and marginalized individuals in many organizations within and outside of the Niagara Region.

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