Irene is the founder and director of Steinbach Community Outreach.  Irene’s journey as a social justice warrior began in the classroom as an high school alternative education teacher.  In dealing with these students she immediately recognized that the majority of them were hungry, living poverty and at risk of becoming homeless so she began feeding them on a regular basis at her own expense.  Helping these students often meant helping their families problem solve their living situations as well.  Very quickly word spread about what she was doing and the community became involved.  What started in a corner of a classroom grew into a large community based organization. SCO moved out of the classroom and opened it’s doors at the Steinbach Mennonite Church in February 2009.  Irene was also the impetus for the founding of Today House, Steinbach’s first homeless shelter.

Most of Irene’s time is now spent assisting families and individuals on a one to one basis and participating in a few public speaking and media appearances.  If you are low income and looking for housing assistance, support or need help dealing with issues in your life she is your girl!  She will even go to appointments with you if you need it.