Kevin Driedger is stepping into the role of Executive Director for the 500 Stephen Community Centre in Morden. In his previous role with the Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP), he worked out of the centre one day a week and has grown familiar. That experience left an impression.
“I really, really liked the work that I saw happen here. Liked seeing so many different groups, so many different aspects of the community. You know, this really being a connecting place,” he said. “So I had my eye on this place for a while.”
He explained that while he valued his time with PVLIP, the more tangible elements of hospitality drew him to the new position.
“The more concrete work of hospitality, of really providing and creating a space where hopefully all people feel welcome, really attracts me,” said Driedger.
Building on experience
With experience in nonprofit leadership and a background in directing a retreat centre, Driedger hopes to build on existing connections and help lead 500 Stephen into its next phase.
“I already have a built relationship with a lot of the nonprofit organizations, community leaders and things like that. So, I'm not beginning brand new,” he noted. “And kind of helping work with the board to lead it forward, I think, is something that I hope I help bring to this job.”
Looking ahead, Driedger is bringing a collaborative mindset to the role, inspired by the book Community: The Structure of Belonging by Peter Block.
“There was one kind of foundational question which really stuck with me,” he said. “What can we create together to make Morden, this centre, a place where people feel they belong?”
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A Space to Feel Welcome
Driedger’s vision for the centre is a welcoming, multipurpose space for both formal and informal gatherings.
“Really help the community understand each other... and build stronger connections,” said Driedger. “That people feel like when they come here… that this is a place where they belong and that they can do their best work”
Though he lives in Winkler, Driedger addressed any potential concerns about serving in Morden.
“I’m also binational. I'm a Canadian and American citizen, so I think if I can manage that, I can also manage being a Winkler and Morden person.”
Driedger hopes to foster that belonging and help 500 Stephen continue to grow as a hub for connection in Morden.