Faces of oneROOF Youth Services (PART 2)
The Faces of oneROOF Youth Services
How Our Staff Are Shaping The Next Generation
PART two
oneROOF Youth Services is a non-profit organization based in Waterloo Region, supporting youth aged 12-25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We accomplish this task by relying on a robust team of social work professionals and passionate volunteers, students, and staff. This diverse team strives daily to meet our organization’s mission statements, through individual dedication and a collective passion for serving this vulnerable population.
By acknowledging the efforts of staff in the social sector, we highlight their invaluable contribution to creating stronger communities. Their work goes beyond addressing immediate needs, focusing on long-term solutions to help individuals regain stability and independence. Scroll to celebrate our team.
Wally Qasemi
Supportive Housing Worker
1. Tell us about your role at oneROOF
“My role at one roof as a housing support worker defines clearly the responsibilities tasks and expectations associated with a particular service user ( youth and tenant). Moreover, I built a professional relationship within the team members.”
2. why do you enjoy working at oneROOF?
“I enjoy working at one roof because of the management’s support towards team members when I have stressful scenarios . I find it rewarding when I work with clients who are in crises and I enjoy the relationship with staff members and management.”
3. what brings you joy outside of work?
“Outside of work, what brings me joy is my life tasks which includes love, self awareness and self reflection. I enjoy every moment of my life and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I empathize on conducting a healthy lifestyle which includes being active and enjoy nature. I intend to learn every single day.”
Stephanie Martinovic
Next Steps Housing, Case Worker
1. Tell us about your role at oneROOF
“My role here at oneROOF Youth Services is that of a Supportive Housing Worker. This role is geared specifically towards supporting tenants who reside in the Nexts Step Housing Building. This is a unique building, in the aspect that it is considered transitional housing, meaning it is more so looked towards as a stepping stone in the right direction, and building an independent bright future! As a full-time worker, you are given the opportunity to get caseloads. As a caseworker, we have the ability, privilege, and knowledge to help create positive changes and impact in each individual's life, that is part of your caseload.
My role is also to approach each tenant with empathy and a non-judgemental attitude, starting at the point where they are at in life, and what goals they have in mind to achieve, both short and long-term. However, there are no limitations towards providing further support to youth and others who access oneRoof and services within the local community. With this position entails many challenging, yet rewarding responsibilities, growth, and the opportunity to use the ability of critical thinking. A key part of this job is to utilize the proper available resources, tools, and assist in enhancing life skills with what tenants are comfortable with, as well as to encourage them to explore and expand their horizons to ensure each individual will eventually leave here with confidence and knowledge they can use in the future to live a healthy and prosperous life.”
2. why do you enjoy working at oneROOF?
“I enjoy working at oneRoof as I feel like all the staff collaborate as a team and that all of the employees do have it the within them to be empathetic, and compassionate and have the best interests of all youth, tenants, and locals within the community. In this field of work, it is extremely important to be united, and work together because the more support we can provide one another and be available for support and debriefing amongst your co-workers. This is crucial in establishing rapport, learning from experiences and being able to do our jobs to our full potential. I believe all these reasons make my job fulfilling, and heartwarming seeing the youth and tenants grow and make positive changes in their lives. Simply just knowing you as a worker have contributed to an individual's success, and the fact that in fact you were perhaps the helping hand, guidance, and that person they feel comfortable confiding in. Even knowing saying "hello, how are you?", very well could have made someone's day, and there is no greater joy that I believe could be achieved here at oneRoof Services.”
3. what brings you joy outside of work?
“What brings me joy outside of work is simply getting to connect and communicate with loved ones and close friends. As we grow older, we tend to realize sometimes life does get in the way of scheduled plans and visits. Personally, I maintain a priority to always keep in contact with close ones on a daily basis. Another great joy is returning home and seeing my two dogs with their big smiles and wagging tails greeting me at the door. Furthermore, I enjoy travelling, exploring, and going on spontaneous adventures with friends. “
Xavier Hansen
Shelter Services Coordinator
1. Tell us about your role at oneROOF
"“My role as the Shelter Services Coordinator at oneROOF involves a variety of duties to assist with the daily operations, training, guidance, and support for our different services offered in DTS and programming. The way I like to describe my role is it is simply an extension of Management, ensuring we maintain a constant and consistent communication between the leadership team and frontline staff regarding our overall direction and strategy at oneROOF.
I also collaborate with our Supportive Housing Coordinator on supply management between our multiple departments, in order to make sure we remain stocked with any supplies the shelter may need. Another unique and noteworthy part of my role is running the Roof Bucks store, which is an internal program we have at oneROOF where clients can earn "Roof Bucks" for doing tasks on-site, which then can be exchanged for all sorts of goodies! It's a fun way we like.”
2. why do you enjoy working at oneROOF?
“I enjoy working at oneROOF because we have a strong sense of values, passion, and dedication when it comes to serving our clients and community. The workplace culture we have built here is positive and supportive in every aspect of our organization, and I truly feel like we are all dedicated to making a difference with the work we do. Being able to support our clients through all the unique, and complex challenges they face in a meaningful way, has been such an amazing experience that keeps me motivated and driven in this field. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of an organization like oneROOF who is so deeply committed to our clients and cause.”
3. what brings you joy outside of work?
“The things I enjoy outside of work are spending time with my family, either helping my Mom out with her garden or trying new restaurants with my brother. I also enjoy tapping into my artistic side by painting, making music, or drawing. I've always been very friend and family oriented and find enjoyment creating memories with them through the simple things in life!”
Adewale Ajibade
Youth Support Worker
1. Tell us about your role at oneROOF
“In my role at oneROOF, I support youth who are facing homelessness, mental health, and addiction challenges by offering hands-on, client-centered care. My day-to-day responsibilities include:
Providing care, guidance, and regular wellness check-ins with youth.
Managing HIFIS and administering Naloxone during opioid-related crises to ensure timely and comprehensive support.
Performing routine cleaning and laundry duties to maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
Observing and documenting resident behavior and activities relevant to their treatment plans.
Attending to youth’s physical and emotional needs, ensuring their basic needs are met with empathy and consistency.
Carrying out harm reduction strategies by offering education, support, and intervention to minimize risks associated with substance use and prevent overdoses.
Monitoring client progress to ensure services are aligned with their evolving needs.
Conducting intakes, assessing eligibility, and determining access to emergency shelter services.
Collaborating with external agencies and community resources to facilitate housing referrals and long-term support.”
2. why do you enjoy working at oneROOF?
“I enjoy working at oneROOF because it’s more than just a job, it’s a space that fosters growth, support, and purpose. What makes this work so rewarding is not just the impact we have on youth, but the way oneROOF creates opportunities for both staff and clients to grow. I've had the chance to develop professionally through training, mentorship, and working alongside a team of passionate, knowledgeable individuals who are always willing to share their expertise. This environment not only allows me to support youth meaningfully, but it also supports me in being the best version of myself. The collaboration, the shared values, and the ongoing development opportunities make oneROOF a place where I feel I can truly make a difference.”
3. what brings you joy outside of work?
“Outside of work, I feel an incredible sense of fulfillment at the end of each shift when I take a moment to reflect on how I’ve been able to support the youth. Knowing that I’ve made even a small difference in someone’s life, especially someone going through a difficult time brings me deep joy. It’s more than just work; it’s purpose, and it stays with me even when I’m off the clock. I was once homeless for two years after losing my parents at a young age, so I know what it feels like to be helpless. Many of the youth on the streets today are not there by choice, they're victims of difficult circumstances, just like I was.”
Gavin Moore
Manager of Operations
1. Tell us about your role at oneROOF
“In my current role, I oversee multiple core programs at oneROOF Youth Services, including the Overflow and PAR Overnight shelters, Drop-In, Host Homes, Family Reconnect, the Change4Change Employment Program, and Street Outreach. I am responsible for staff supervision, scheduling, and collaborating closely with the leadership team to support and advance oneROOF’s strategic direction and organizational goals.”
2. why do you enjoy working at oneROOF?
“Working at oneROOF is deeply meaningful to me—not just professionally, but personally. As a former client of the shelter, the compassion and guidance I received here played a pivotal role in helping me turn my life around and inspired my pursuit of a career in Social Services. Today, the opportunity to give back is a privilege. I am continually inspired by the youth we serve—they remind me of my own journey. If I can bring a smile to even one young person’s face each day and let them know someone genuinely cares, then I know I’ve done something right.”
3. what brings you joy outside of work?
“Outside of work, I enjoy playing guitar, cycling, cooking, and playing poker. These hobbies help me stay grounded, creative, and balanced in both my personal and professional life.”