Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Winsome Miller

Summary


Community services senior leader with strong commitment to enhancing community well-being through innovative programs. Extensive experience in managing diverse teams and fostering collaborative efforts to achieve organizational goals. Dependable and adaptable, skilled in strategic planning and community engagement.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Community Services and Operations

The Stop Community Food Centre
01.2021 - 01.2025
  • Co-led the negotiation of the organization's first collective bargaining agreement as a primary management representative, showcasing my decision-making and strategic thinking skills.
  • Collaborative development and execution of the organization's strategic plan, effectively bringing to life the mission, vision, and values.
  • Developed and implemented risk assessment and mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Successfully designed, scheduled, and executed the Community Services relocation plan, culminating in the completion of the TCHC construction of the community recreation room.
  • Developed and implemented the budgets for community programs and services, ensuring optimal resource allocation and fiscal responsibility.
  • Recruited, trained, and supervised managers and frontline team members, promoting collaboration, team development, and a vibrant work environment.
  • Management representative, Joint Health and Safety Committee. Tackled workplace hazards through inspections and accident investigations to enhance safety across sites.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings and improve community engagement.

Community Programs Manager

The Stop Community Food Centre
01.2018 - 01.2021
  • Co-management lead for the first collective bargaining agreement.
  • A key role was taken in crafting and executing the organization's strategic plans, notably the Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression Policy and Procedures.
  • Successfully navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by reorganizing the programs and services delivery and prioritizing health and safety across all sites.
  • Significant connections were established with community members, partner organizations, and key stakeholders, resulting in four successful COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
  • My strategic approach to developing, monitoring, and managing budgets for community services ensured optimal resource allocation and fiscal responsibility.
  • Restructured the newly acquired drop-in program (Wychwood Open Door) by implementing innovative enhancements that aligned with the organization's strategic mission, vision, and values.
  • Coordinated outreach initiatives, fostering partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders.

Community Services Team Leader

The Stop Community Food Centre
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Successfully supervised and managed the performance of frontline staff teams, ensuring exceptional service and cultivating a positive work environment.
  • Proactively developed and implemented comprehensive crisis intervention and prevention training procedures across all sites, ensuring a safe environment.
  • My financial accountability led to the effective implementation of the Community Services annual budget, showcasing responsible and transparent financial management.
  • Strategic partnerships were established with community organizations, leading to the successful planning and delivery of services like the Emotional Wellness Peer Support Program.
  • Played a key role in the collaborative design and execution of impactful community events, such as the Good Food for All Festival.
  • Led team in executing food distribution programs, enhancing community outreach and support services.

Program Supervisor

Humewood House
01.2013 - 01.2016
  • Managed the residential program budget while providing monthly and quarterly statistics to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) and the City of Toronto, ensuring smooth operations and full financial transparency.
  • In collaboration with Toronto Public Health, successfully developed, and implemented an evidence-based support group for pre- and post-natal clients, significantly improving their access to vital resources.
  • Successfully guided the residential team through the Ministry Licensing process, demonstrating strong regulatory compliance skills while building a culture of trust and capability.
  • Ensured the prompt completion of staff performance appraisals involving proactively addressing performance issues to drive continuous improvement.
  • Advocated within various systems to dismantle barriers for clients with a focus on helping to facilitate their success in housing, education, and employment.
  • Designated leader for coordinating professional development training and empowering team members to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
  • Successfully recruited and hired across various programs, significantly enhancing team growth with a focused-on diversity and inclusion to ensure the best support for clients.
  • Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Shelter Program Manager

Women's Habitat
01.2002 - 01.2012
  • Designated leader for on-call crisis prevention and intervention.
  • Collaboration with Inner City Health Associates resulted in the successful launch of an on-site clinic tailored for agency clients to access essential health services.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions for individuals into supportive housing, adult education, and essential financial support programs, including ODSP, Ontario Works (OW), and OSAP.
  • Successfully developed impactful on-site and off-site programs by building strategic partnerships with community organizations.
  • Strategic collaboration with housing coordinators at the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) leading to effective advocacy for clients.
  • Ensured the timely delivery of funding reports to key stakeholders, including The United Way and the City of Toronto, demonstrating commitment to transparency and accountability.
  • Led program development initiatives to enhance service delivery for vulnerable women and children.

Education

Diploma - Child and Youth Counsellor

Centennial College
01.1991

Skills

  • Ability to analyze, apply, explain, and interpret collective agreements, employment legislation, and employer policies and directives
  • Development and Management of Strategic Programs
  • Proactive Risk Management and Mitigation Strategies
  • Dynamic Leadership of Cross-Functional Teams
  • Strategic Development of Cross-Sector Partnerships
  • Comprehensive Crisis Prevention and Intervention Management
  • Budget development and management of cross functional programs and services
  • Excellent communication skills that effectively convey complex information
  • Adept at assessing situations, pinpointing critical issues, and crafting strategic solutions

Certification

  • Instructor certification / 2022
  • Archive Centre for Leadership
  • De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations
  • Human Resource Management / 2021-2022
  • University of Toronto Continuing Education - St. George Campus
  • Mobilizing Leadership Capacity in the Human Services
  • The Fundamentals of Human Resource Management in Human Service Organizations
  • Ministry of Children and Youth Services - Leaders for Success 2016
  • George Brown College

Timeline

Director of Community Services and Operations

The Stop Community Food Centre
01.2021 - 01.2025

Community Programs Manager

The Stop Community Food Centre
01.2018 - 01.2021

Community Services Team Leader

The Stop Community Food Centre
01.2017 - 01.2018

Program Supervisor

Humewood House
01.2013 - 01.2016

Shelter Program Manager

Women's Habitat
01.2002 - 01.2012

Diploma - Child and Youth Counsellor

Centennial College

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Winsome Miller