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Saskatoon Staff

Bob Challis, Co-Director

bob@avenuecommunitycentre.ca

I started working for the then Gay & Lesbian Health Services in 2002 as an Event Coordinator, then as the Fund Development Coordinator, Business Manager and now Co-Director of the Centre. My education has taken me from a diploma in Recreation Technology at Kelsey Institute to a Bachelor of Science Degree program at the University of Oregon.

I have a diverse work experience from retail, to the Public Sector to the Manufacturing Sector. I left a successful 30 year career in Recreation & Parks Management to open a Restaurant and Catering business in 1995.

I have a place in my heart for the Centre and the work that we do. The centre was there for me as I went through my coming out and learning how to live as a gay man in a homophobic society. Now I can make sure that the Centre is there for others as they go through difficult times and help to create a place where people can find support and a caring community. Although my job keeps me behind the scenes most of the time, I enjoy meeting and chatting with others from our community.

When I’m not at work I’m working at my other two loves; cooking and gardening.

Garnet Woloschuk, Education & Resource Coordinator

garnet@avenuecommunitycentre.ca

I have been involved with ACC (GLHS) since 1994 in a variety of capacities. My educational background is a BA in Sociology, which has been integral to my work at this agency and my outlook on life. Throughout my employment I have delivered hundreds of educational speaks in universities, high schools, conferences and professional settings as well as sat on a variety of committees providing comprehensive information on the gay & lesbian community.

Part of my work involves coordination of the Centre's Queer Mirror and HIV Prevention For Gay Men projects, which are projects we hope will foster healthy harm reduction attitudes and behaviors within the LGBTTA community in Saskatchewan and beyond.

I am always available for a good conversation with people who call or drop by. Whether you need information on subjects which affect the queer community, a receptive ear to discuss your personal life path or just want to connect with your local LGBTTA community just stop by or give me a call.

Julie Richards, Co-Director

julie@avenuecommunitycentre.ca

I first started with the Avenue Community Centre in 2002 as the facilitator for the Out & Proud Youth (OPY) group. I have gone through a few different positions since I started; all of which has led to the most recent change to the Co-Director of the organization. I am incredibly passionate about the work that I do. I feel blessed that I get to work for an organization such as the ACC. The programs and services that are offered provide opportunities for many people in our community. I hope that each and every one of you will drop by our new location whether it’s for a quick chat, a coffee or to participate in some of the programs and events that we have.

When I’m not working, I like spending time with my wife Niki, watching movies, reading (as I’m also a full-time graduate student), or maybe playing the occasional game of fastball!

Barbara Clanchy, Programming Coordinator

barbara@avenuecommunitycentre.ca

I started working at ACC (then GLHS) in 2004, as the Volunteer Co-ordinator, and continued to work with our fabulous volunteers as I fulfilled several positions, including Director of Community Programs as part of our Management Team. In April 2009, I became the Program Coordinator and handed over responsibility for our volunteers to Joe Weiers, our Drop-in and Volunteer Co-ordinator.

I am excited to be focusing my efforts on our programs and services, evaluating and updating them to make sure they meet the changing needs of our community. I would love to hear from members of the community, so I invite you to contact me with programming requests, ideas or comments.

I come to this work with great compassion, a strong connection with people, and a determination to make changes for the better in our society.

My previous work also focused on changing the world a little at a time, but through humour and performance. I was born in Hampshire in the south of England and moved to Saskatchewan more than 25 years ago, but apparently still have an accent. I am blessed with three grown children and am "Nanna" to two grandsons, all of whom live in Saskatoon.

Joanne Horsley, Coordinator of the Woman to Woman Abuse Project

joanne@avenuecommunitycentre.ca

Hi everybody!! I am the new coordinator for the Woman to Woman Abuse Project, which is a project that is exploring access to care issues for women experiencing violence in same-sex relationships. You can find out more information about this project on the programs page, under domestic violence.

Before being a part of the ACC, I spent about 9 years working on campus at the University of Saskatchewan, first as a security guard with Campus Safety, and then as the Victim Advocate with the Students’ Union. When I am not at work, I am at home with my spouse Kris and our fur-babies (dogs) Natalie and Bandit.

I am very passionate about the work that I do, and I really enjoying being a part of the community. I am thrilled to be a part of the ACC team, and I look forward to meeting you in person during our drop-in hours, or hearing from you by phone or email!

Avenue Community Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity    Updated May 8, 2009