Join Good Shepherd’s Lived Experience Advisory Council

Good Shepherd Hamilton’s Lived Experience Advisory Council (LEAC) is looking for new members! 

The Lived Experience Advisory Council (LEAC) at Good Shepherd is a new strategy to integrate the voices of lived experts into our work.  In Hamilton, the LEAC has been involved in policies, directives, processes, and new projects across Good Shepherd programs and services.

The Council has been active since November 2022 and plays a vital role in shaping processes and service delivery across Good Shepherd to better serve the community. Its work has already shaped processes at one of Good Shepherd’s shelter programs, participation agreements for a housing program, and the ways that our organization surveys clients.  As Good Shepherd grows in response to our changing community, LEAC contributes to an essential new dynamic of community involvement in social service delivery.

LEAC is open to any community member with lived expertise that might include living with no fixed address, living with mental illness, a disability, substance use, and/or living through challenges related to racism, colonialism, discrimination, and other forms of exclusion from resources and equity.  A willingness to share, connect, and work with others who have different lived experiences and perspectives is valued.

Presently, LEAC has two vacancies for prospective BIPOC members.  These dedicated seats were added at the direction of LEAC, who recognize the need to maintain diverse representation within their own council. Because we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, we strongly encourage applications from people who are Black, Indigenous, or a person of colour.

All members are provided with training and ongoing support. LEAC meets monthly and refreshments, transportation assistance, and honoraria are provided.

If you are interested in learning more about this work, applying to be a member of the LEAC or if you’d like to direct any connections or referrals, please reach out to the LEAC Coordinator, Teresa Caterini at 905.528.5898 x2026 or at LEACinfo@gsch.ca.