The Guelph and Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination has appointed Stuart Beumer, Wellington County director of Ontario Works, as its new co-chair.
Beumer takes over from Guelph Community Health Centre’s Executive Director David Thornley, who had been the co-chair of the PTF since 2012.
Officials say Beumer brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience working on issues related to poverty, homelessness, mental health, addictions and employment. He is the director of Ontario Works with the Social Services Department at the County of Wellington – where he has direct responsibility for the delivery of income support, employment services, homelessness services and a number of other community support services across the county and the City of Guelph. A recent highlight of his time with the Social Services Department has been the opportunity to work with the community in the development of the 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan for Guelph and Wellington.
“The County is a wonderful place to work and I appreciate the opportunity that my position provides for me to work with so many great people across Guelph and Wellington County,” said. “I have a wonderful partner and three great kids that keep us busy. I love the community and staying active by playing Ultimate Frisbee and hockey and taking advantage of my ability to bike to work each day”.
Beumer is a champion of progressive, collaborative and integrative systems change. He has a social sciences degree from the University of Guelph and has lived in Guelph for the last 15 years since graduating. He sits on many committees and work groups, locally and provincially, and is a member of the PTF Steering Committee, the Oral Health Action Committee and is the co-chair of the Income Support Action Group.
