Christine Whelan FEO, February 29, 2024, VOL. 5 ISSUE 13
Jeannette Grondin introduced herself to the community on social media as COPE’s new Office Manager the first week of February. Jeannette brings over 30 years of experience in Business and the Social Work field to the organization.
Community Outreach Program Erie (COPE), appropriately named, is an organization that assists people in coping with and working through difficult situations. Established in 1983, COPE has helped to alleviate the effects of poverty in the Greater Fort Erie area since that time.
Jeannette started out running her sub shop in Port Colborne. After not feeling fulfilled anymore, according to Grondin, she decided to take the journey towards her passion of working with and helping people. She started from the beginning, with the completion of her Grade 12 at age 24.
“From there, I went to college, completing Educational Resources and Special Needs.” Then finishing what she needed for her second diploma, which was Developmental Service Worker.
Jeannette took a job and worked in Welland for 16 years at Canalview Homes, a 57-unit building for independent living with daytime staff that implemented a variety of programs for the residents.
She feels her journey that brought her to the organization, both personally and professionally, has given her the insights and skills to make a difference.
Her assistant, Lynne Rey had been holding down the role until Jeannette came on board. Now they work together and things are going well.
“And I think Lynne and I make a good team.”
COPE was Lynne’s placement for college. When she finished school, she took over as the Interim Manager until Jeannette was hired.
Barb Völzke, who had been with COPE since 1983, when it was just five months old, and her daughter, Mandy Crosby, who was her assistant for over 20 years, both decided to leave the organization to the next capable sets of hands in the summer of 2023.
Lynne talked about the big shoes to be filled and the changes that have been happening. “It’s been a bit of a learning curve but I think we’re on track.”
Rey commented that the rumour going around about COPE closing was just that, a rumour. And she wanted to clarify that it was the farthest from the truth.
Jeannette says they are bringing in new things already.
A New Website: COPE now has a new website with a PayPal option and an Amazon Wishlist so donations can be made easily and online.
“In May, BRO Niagara, will be putting on a big event, “Cover the Kids Run”, with proceeds going to COPE.”
Watch for the organization’s displays and donation barrels at the community events this summer.
The organization has been present at several past events providing awareness and collecting non-perishables and monetary donations.
Jeannette and Lynne encourage residents to donate at the 32 Dufferin Street location during any COPE business hours. They are also looking for stores that are interested in donating. All donations receive tax receipts.
Grondin added, “Help us help others.”
COPE is 100% funded by donations from our community. Generous donations of food items are received from individuals, churches, schools, service organizations, businesses, and sponsored food drives.
The organization is largely known for its food bank, providing food and other necessities in emergencies as available to residents of the Fort Erie area. The food bank assists approximately 500 people every month. Support and referrals to the appropriate human service agencies are also provided.
The services at COPE are free and confidential.
How to Contribute
Food collection boxes can be found at No Frills and Sobey’s. Prepared donation bags are available for purchase at Sobey’s and can be dropped into COPE’S box. This helps COPE meet the emergency food needs of individuals and families in distress.
“Save Your Coins For COPE” is an ongoing program that asks residents to consider saving their change, loose or rolled, for donation
Donors receive a charitable receipt.
The Board of Directors is comprised of concerned community members who are dedicated to ensuring that the mandate of COPE is maintained.
The Annual General Meeting for COPE will be held on June 11, 2024.
To drop donations off at COPE, go to 32 Dufferin Street, Fort Erie, or to donate online, check out COPE’s new website, copeforterie.org and to keep up with the organization’s events follow their Facebook Page.
