MARCH 2026 – Town of Essex Jake Morassut; Windsor/Essex County Humane Society; Windsor Essex Community Health Centre’s Black Health Coordinated Supports
ON THE MOVE
In early February, the Town of Essex appointed Jake Morassut as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. In his new role, he works in close partnership with the Chief Administrative Officer to support corporate leadership, advance organizational and strategic priorities, and strengthen coordination across all municipal departments. Morassut also continues to serve as the Director of Community Services.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO . . .
This year, the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) is marking a century of service, compassion, and community support for animals and the people who love them. Founded in 1926, the organization has spent the last 100 years evolving to meet the changing needs of animals and the community. Recent accomplishments include the Helping Paws Mobile Veterinary Clinic, a mobile outreach program designed to support pet owners experiencing financial hardship.
Already two clinics have been hosted, providing veterinary care to more than 95 animals, with additional clinics planned throughout the year.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished in our first 100 years, but even more excited about what’s ahead,” says Lynnette Bain, Executive Director of the WECHS. “Programs like Helping Paws show what’s possible when community partners come together to remove barriers to care.”
The organization also announced an expanded adoption partnership with local businesses and PetSmart Charities, making it easier than ever for animals to find loving homes.
In 2026, the community can expect frequent offsite adoption pop-ups, bringing adoptable animals directly into neighbourhoods across Essex County.
They have also begun making significant upgrades within the shelter, with more improvements planned in the months ahead. Recent investments include enhancements to the animal care areas — most notably the renovation of all seven cat intake rooms, made possible through the community’s generous support during the Cozy Cats Giving Tuesday campaign.
These upgrades are part of a broader long term vision to modernize the facility and further elevate the standard of care for animals. Animal enrichment and welfare continue to be a priority, with expanded training opportunities and new enrichment programs underway.
This year will also see the pilot launch of a youth volunteer program, aimed at inspiring the next generation of animal advocates while supporting positive outcomes for animals in care. But that’s not all! To celebrate its history, the organization has launched an updated 100 year-celebration logo, a fresh look for their website highlighting 100 years of impact, along with a newly unveiled in-shelter mural that reflects on its journey from past to present. Looking to the future, the WECHS officially launched its Fuel the Future campaign, with a goal of raising $100,000 to fund two new animal rescue and relief vehicles.
These vehicles will support emergency rescues, animal welfare responses, outreach initiatives, and mobile veterinary clinics across the community.
“As we honour our past, we’re focused on building a future where every animal has access to care, safety, and compassion,” adds Bain. “Fuel the Future will help ensure we can continue showing up for animals and our community for the next 100 years.”
THE RUNDOWN
At the Preventive Health Fair on the last day of February, Windsor Essex Community Health Centre (weCHC) launched Black Health Coordinated Supports, a comprehensive, culturally responsive program designed to support Black families from early childhood through adulthood.
The initiative addresses systemic barriers to care while promoting mental wellness, early intervention, and community connection. Across Canada, Black families continue to face significant challenges accessing timely, culturally safe health care. Research shows that only 38% of Black Canadians who require mental health services can access them, and 60% would be more likely to seek support from a Black therapist.
Black Health Coordinated Supports responds directly to these gaps by providing Afrocentric, strengths-based care tailored to the needs of Black communities.
“This work is about more than individual programs,” says Nadine Manroe-Wakerell, Clinical Director, weCHC. “It’s about acknowledging where systems have fallen short and intentionally designing care that reflects the lived experiences of Black families. When people feel seen, respected, and understood, they are far more likely to access support.”
The program offers a coordinated range of services: Children (ages seven to 12): counselling, early intervention, and community support connections; Youth and young adults (ages 12–29): the AMANI Program provides group programming, counselling, case management, caregiver support, and addiction services rooted in Afrocentric values; Caregivers: counselling, parenting support, and community connections; and Prenatal and postnatal mental health: specialized supports for Black mothers. By prioritizing culturally safe care across key life stages, the program seeks to reduce stigma, improve mental health outcomes, and build trust in the health care system.
