Wesley
Vivien Underdown is an experienced professional currently serving as the Director of Operations and Property Services and Director of Social Enterprise Operations and Business Development at Wesley since March 2023. Prior to this role, Vivien held various positions at United Way Halton & Hamilton from January 2019 to March 2023, including Associate Director of Capacity Building and Research, where leadership was provided in strategic initiatives and capacity building within the Community Impact Department. Vivien also contributed to program management and community partnerships as a Manager and Coordinator in Strategic Initiatives. Previous experience includes managing Koosh Bistro and a solid educational background with a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies and Political Science from McGill University, earned from 2010 to 2014.
Wesley
Wesley is a long-standing local non-profit, offering support for people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and barriers in the community. We provide programs and services to meet diverse community needs in Hamilton as well as Halton Region and Brantford – Brant. As a multi-service organization, we offer Children, Youth & Family Services, Housing & Homelessness Services and Newcomer & Community Services. The long-term impact of our programs includes improved education, successful employment and supportive independence. As an organization, we are innovative, creative, evidence-based and financially responsible. We began in 1955 with one program in the basement of Wesley United Church in downtown Hamilton and now offer more than thirty different programs in twenty different locations. Wesley’s services are possible through a broad base of funding support from government, business, foundations, churches and individuals. Wesley’s legal charitable name is Wesley Urban Ministries. In 2018, an operating name of Wesley was registered and is the forward-facing name of the organization.