The Working Centre founders reflect on past 40 years supporting community, transforming operations

The Working Centre started out small in response to unemployment and poverty back in 1982. Now, it's transformed to serve more than 1,000 people every day through various supports such as housing units, three emergency shelters, St. John's Kitchen, an employment centre and much, much more.

Stephanie and Joe Mancinilaunched the organization during a time of economic crisis and pivoted again to support the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the organization helped the region generate about 300 additional shelter spots.

"The commitment to shelter wasn't a questionit was a response to what we know and who we know," said Stephanie in an interview with CBC K-W'sThe Morning Editionshow host Craig Norris.

The Mancinis are being recognized as a pair of Waterloo regionChangemakers.

40 years serving community

During the interview, the pair reflected on the last 40 years serving the community and how much they've had to adapt. They credit much of the work to the team and community that's rallied around them to help others.

The Mancinissay the most fulfilling part of their journey has been helping individuals.

"It always is the reality of supporting an individual and it's almost always every day when you come face to face with someone. And it's at every level," said Joe.

They even reflected on their own partnership, balancing work and their personal lives over the past decades.

"This is our life really. It's not like there's work, and then there's home. I think the commitment that we made is to do what needs to be done and it's been a partnership in doing that," said Stephanie.

"Sometimes the work sustains you, sometimes the relationship sustains you. And both contribute and complement each other over time."

Watch a clip:

In this video clip, Joe and Stephanie Mancini reflect on the most fulfilling part of their careers and what it took to pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WR Changemakers: Joe and Stephanie Mancini

12 months ago

Duration 2:53

Joe and Stephanie Mancini, founders of The Working Centre, are being recognized for their work supporting people experiencing unemployment and homelessness.

Listen to the full interview:

Waterloo region Changemakers14:34Waterloo region Changemakers: Joe and Stephanie Mancini

CBC K-W's Waterloo region Changemakers project aims to highlight people who have made a positive impact on the community through their work and story. The project is to honour the team's 10 year anniversary in the region. Joe and Stephanie Mancini, founders of The Working Centre, are being recognized for their work supporting people experiencing unemployment and homelessness.