David Thomas  Humphries 

President and  founder of DWC 

Hello, my name is David Humphries, I am the President and founder of Dreamshow Events and Dreamers Walk Canada  Inc.

I started dream show productions and events as a way to give back to my community and the many charities and non-profits that helped me over the years. By using skills that I Learned Through Volunteering at events. After Volunteering at so many Festivals and events, I finally said in 2013 that this was something I enjoy and was good  at. So I decided that I could educate myself in this field. I enrolled at QC Career School in their event and wedding Planning Program.

Which I completed in 2017.

I also completed a festival and live production program in 2021.

Which now certifies me in: International wedding & event planning, as well as international festival & live production.

Some of My Other Background includes 18 Years at Roger's TV 22 with experience in Sound and other Productions tasks.

 Being a Student and Technical Director at My High School for Six Years. As well as working with many local community theatre society's and groups in many different production roles.

John Heckbert: Bio

John Heckbert is the Executive Director at Operation Come Home. Throughout his career, he has

worked exclusively within non-profit organizations, and has been active with Ottawa-based social

service organizations for the past 11 years. In that time, John has served as a staff member, a volunteer

driver for Meals on Wheels, a member of non-profit boards, an advocate to end human trafficking and a

public spokesperson for project step, an organization that works to prevent harms to youth from

substance use.

At Operation Come Home, John works with a team of social services and social enterprise professionals

who provide support to youth who have lived or living experience of homelessness, helping them

achieve goals such as: completing high-school, securing housing, obtaining employment, and improving

their mental health and well-being. Operation Come Home also operates three social enterprises that

provide more than 50 youth each year with employment opportunities.

John has completed degrees in Philosophy, Economics and Corporate Social Responsibility from the

University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto. His commitment to the social services sector

stems from a lifelong connection to helping vulnerable people - in his early years, John and his family

benefitted from the work of United Way, which had a transformational effect on their future.

John lives in Ottawa with his very patient wife Johanna and two wonderful children, Johnny (10) and

Lukas (8).

John Heckbert: Bio

John Heckbert est le directeur général d'Opération Rentrer au Foyer. Tout au long de sa carrière, il a

travaillé exclusivement au sein d’organisations à but non lucratif et est actif depuis 11 ans auprès

d'organismes de services sociaux basés à Ottawa. John a notamment été membre du personnel,

chauffeur bénévole pour la Popote roulante, membre de conseils d'administration d’organisations à but

non lucratif, un allié dans la lutte contre la traite des personnes ainsi que porte-parole du projet répa,

une organisation qui a pour mission de prévenir les méfaits de la consommation de substances chez les

jeunes.

Chez Opération Rentrer au Foyer, John travaille avec une équipe de professionnels en services sociaux et

entreprise sociale qui fournissent un soutien aux jeunes ayant vécu ou vivant l'itinérance, les aidant à

atteindre des objectifs tels que : terminer leurs études secondaires, trouver un logement, obtenir un

emploi et améliorer leur santé mentale et leur bien-être. Opération Rentrer au Foyer gère également

trois entreprises sociales qui offrent des opportunités d'emploi à plus de 50 jeunes chaque année.

John est diplômé en philosophie, en économie et en responsabilité sociétale des entreprises de

l'Université de Waterloo et de l'Université de Toronto. Son engagement envers le secteur des services

sociaux découle de la volonté de toute une vie d’aider les personnes vulnérables. Quand il était enfant,

John et sa famille ont bénéficié du travail de Centraide, ce qui a eu un effet transformateur sur leur

avenir.

John vit à Ottawa avec sa femme très patiente, Johanna, et leurs deux merveilleux enfants, Johnny (10

ans) et Lukas (8 ans).

CRW’s Mission:
CCRW exists to promote and support meaningful and equitable employment of persons with disabilities. As innovators and agents of change, we build partnerships, develop skills, share knowledge, and influence attitudes.

CCRW’s Vision:
The pre-eminent Canadian Centre of Excellence on the economic, social and psychological aspects of disability (be it one or more physical, sensory, medical, learning or mental health disability), as they impact people’s ability to seek, acquire and retain productive employment.

About CCRW:
CCRW is a national not-for-profit organization that exists to promote and support meaningful and equitable employment of persons with disabilities.

At CCRW, we offer job search assistance, employer incentives, accommodation assessments, consulting services, and a variety of workshops. Additionally, we provide a range of services for employers, from consulting, to hiring and retention, and disability confidence training.

Whether you are a job seeker living with a disability or an employer looking to tap into a talented pool of candidates, CCRW will partner with you to meet your unique needs and help you succeed.

CRW’s Mission:
CCRW exists to promote and support meaningful and equitable employment of persons with disabilities. As innovators and agents of change, we build partnerships, develop skills, share knowledge, and influence attitudes.

CCRW’s Vision:
The pre-eminent Canadian Centre of Excellence on the economic, social and psychological aspects of disability (be it one or more physical, sensory, medical, learning or mental health disability), as they impact people’s ability to seek, acquire and retain productive employment.

About CCRW:
CCRW is a national not-for-profit organization that exists to promote and support meaningful and equitable employment of persons with disabilities.

At CCRW, we offer job search assistance, employer incentives, accommodation assessments, consulting services, and a variety of workshops. Additionally, we provide a range of services for employers, from consulting, to hiring and retention, and disability confidence training.

Whether you are a job seeker living with a disability or an employer looking to tap into a talented pool of candidates, CCRW will partner with you to meet your unique needs and help you succeed.

For over twenty years, Amanda Neilson has provided individual and group counselling to youth and adults struggling with problematic substance use. In partnership with Algonquin College and Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, she was the co-creator of the Umbrella Project, a harm reduction framework for post-secondary institutions and also had the pleasure of teaching there for many years.  Amanda has a part-time private practice that specializing in supporting people with problematic substance use to reduce the risks, and increase their quality of life. She is currently the Manager of Clinical Practice at Rideauwood. Throughout her career, Amanda has provided training for professionals and community members to support a more trauma-informed understanding of problematic substance use.

Jacob Villeneuve’s story is one of resilience, survival, and transformation. Growing up in a broken home in a small town outside Cornwall, Jacob faced challenges that no child should endure. His mother struggled with addiction, and his stepfather was abusive. At just five years old, he found himself homeless, left in a park until his great-grandfather found him. His childhood was marked by instability, crime, and hardship, shaping a life that seemed destined for darkness.

From an early age, Jacob was forced to navigate a world filled with violence, drugs, and survival on the streets. He was pulled out of school in fourth grade, under the pretense of homeschooling, but instead spent his days in an environment filled with turmoil. Seeking safety, he found solace with his great-grandparents, but when he wasn’t there, he was immersed in a life that led him down a dangerous path.

By the time he was 19, Jacob was deeply entrenched in gang life, making a name for himself in a world where power and respect came at a cost. When he was 14, his mother and grandfather took drastic action to shake him out of his dangerous lifestyle—she bought him a tombstone for his birthday, telling him, "We don’t expect you to make it past the age of 18, either being deceased or incarcerated." The message was brutal but clear: if he didn’t turn his life around, he wouldn’t have much of a future to look forward to. This became one of the first major wake-up calls that planted the seed of change. A turning point came when a violent encounter forced him to make a choice—stay in the cycle or break free. Choosing the latter, he left that life behind and sought a fresh start.

His journey to recovery began when he discovered he was going to be a father. Determined to be a better man for his daughter, he embraced sobriety and began working toward a future he never thought possible. The road has not been easy. Over the past few years, he has faced unimaginable struggles, including battles with his mental health and the loss of custody of his daughter. In April of last year, at his lowest point, he attempted to take his own life, leaving behind a letter to his daughter expressing his love and regret. However, in what can only be described as divine intervention, the police found him in time to save him.

Jacob continues to fight every day—not just for himself, but for his daughter. He is currently navigating legal challenges as he seeks custody, determined to provide her with a safe and loving home.

Throughout his recovery, the Jordan Leigh Foundation has played a pivotal role in his healing process. The foundation has provided him with support, encouragement, and inspiration, helping him to find purpose in his struggles. Now, Jacob is using his experiences to help others. He will be a guest speaker at the Empower to Recover Event in Cornwall on May 16th, where he will share his journey and advocate for those who feel lost in their battles.

Jacob’s message is clear: you are not alone. No matter how dark life may seem, there is always a way forward. He encourages others to reach out, to ask for help, and to believe in the possibility of a better future. His story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, change is possible.

The Jordan Leigh Foundation is honoured to support Jacob in his journey and to share his story as a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of second chances.

In her role as the Executive Directorof The Ottawa Rotary Home since 2004, Gina St.Amour has been a tireless advocate for respite within comprehensive support networks, fostering communities that prioritize the optimum health and well-being of every individual and family. Her collaborative leadership have fostered strategic partnerships with education, hospitals, public health agencies, and Rotary Clubs, creating a strong foundation for families to thrive. 

Support Services for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

We support adults with developmental disabilities to live an independent and inclusive life in their community.

Using a Person Centered Approach, we help individuals develop life visions and goals and then work with them, their family and friends to find the right supports and services to achieve their desired future.

Over 35 years of experience

Our more than 35 years of experience and our highly trained employees will provide a safe environment for your loved one in four programs: residential, Supported Independent Living, Home Share and Community Participation Support.

The individuals in our care are supported through four core programs which include:  Residential Homes, Home Share, Supported Independent Living (SIL) and our Day Support Program.

For over 35 years, OCL has worked with families to ensure their loved one is receiving the care and support they require to lead independent and enriched lives.

OCL provides encouragement and opportunities that will promote self-development and foster interdependent relationships with other members of the Ottawa community.

As a non-profit organization, OCL works in partnership with generous donors, civic-minded corporations and the Province of Ontario to ensure financial sustainability.

OCL’s Mission is to Promote self-development, self-determination and community inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities and seniors in need of community supports through personalized services and supports