Same heart. New hands.
Reflections from Meg Neufeld, Founding President
After three years as founding President, I'm stepping into a new role — and reflecting on the people, the moments, and the community that made Step Forward Health Society what it is today. This is a moment of gratitude, and of great confidence in what comes next.
As we reflect on another year of growth, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has helped make Step Forward Health Society what it is today.
Step Forward Health Society was born from a shared vision between Fred Wells, founder of the charity 140 Sports, my husband, Andrew Neufeld, founder of Alongside You and the original Step Forward Program, and me. Friends, colleagues, and our community came together around a common goal of making quality mental health services more accessible to everyone. Because of your support, that vision continues to grow.
After serving as President for the past three years, I am pleased to share that Joanne Simonis has been elected as the new President of Step Forward Health Society. Joanne brings tremendous leadership experience, wisdom, and passion for our mission, and I know she will lead our organization with vision, compassion, and dedication.
I am honoured to be transitioning into the role of Vice President. This transition will allow me to focus my energy where I can have the greatest impact by growing our Pain in the Arts Program and continuing my advocacy for mental health, while allowing me to continue serving Step Forward in a way that is both meaningful and personally sustainable. I look forward to remaining actively involved and supporting Joanne and our board as we continue building on the strong foundation we have created together.
I would also like to recognize Kimberley Sanders, who joined our board earlier this year as Privacy Officer. Her expertise, creativity, and thoughtful leadership have already been an incredible asset to Step Forward, and we are grateful for all she brings to our organization.
As founding President, I also want to recognize those whose dedication has been instrumental from the very beginning. A special thank you to:
Founding Vice President, Joanna Angelidis
Founding board member and later advisor, Kirby Hanawalt
Both of these individuals have provided years of guidance, expertise, and friendship. They helped establish the strong foundation on which Step Forward continues to grow. We wish you both all the best in your future endeavors.
I am equally grateful to Tammy Hansen, Treasurer; Louise Wechselberger, Secretary to the Board; and Jessica Alston, Director, for their ongoing service, as well as our advisors, Andrew Neufeld and Ryan Hanawalt, for their continued wisdom, guidance, and commitment to our mission.
Thank you as well to everyone who participated in Mental Health Month this May and our Move for Mental Health Walk in June. Seeing so many familiar and new faces come together in support of mental health was an inspiring reminder of the community we are building together. To our donors, sponsors, facilitators, workshop participants, walkers, volunteers, community partners, and supporters, thank you. Your generosity and commitment continue to reduce stigma and make meaningful mental health support more accessible.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding access to mental health services by strengthening our existing programs, welcoming additional service providers as we are able, and continuing to grow in sustainable ways that meet the needs of our community.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for walking alongside us. We are excited for this next chapter and look forward to continuing this journey together.
With gratitude,
Meg Neufeld
Vice President
Step Forward Health Society