Yolande is no stranger to the St Mark’s community; in fact, she considers herself an honorary member, having developed some dear friendships over the last few years. It was the generosity of the St Mark’s community to Algonquin College Spiritual Centre, where she then worked, that brought them together as they partnered to offer English classes and snacks to Ukrainians who were fleeing the war that began in February 2022.
Originally from St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Yolande immigrated to Canada over forty years ago, and initially settling in Winnipeg. It was there that she honed her passion for community work as she became involved in Winnipeg’s vibrant Black community. After marrying and moving east, she and her late husband continued serving the Black community in Montreal and then Ottawa.
Yolande is very active in her local church, Arlington Woods Free Methodist Church, where she serves as the Board Chair, leads Women’s Ministry and is a lay minister. She is a graduate of Heritage College and Seminary and is tracking for credentialing within the Free Methodist Church in Canada.
Yolande is the proud mother of an adult daughter, and works with the Algonquin Students’ Association and teaches part-time at Algonquin College.
Link to service: https://youtube.com/live/bNW1e8q2uIM?feature=share
Background:
Ancient Walls of Kano, Nigeria