There is about to be new leadership at a popular community hub in the north end of Dartmouth, but continuing to do what they do best, will be the focus.
Laura Horn is the Director of Programs and Services at the North Grove but will soon fill the shoes of Executive Director, when Wendy Fraser retires next month after six years.
Horn tells our newsroom she has been working with the organization for two years.
“So, this is a big transition for us. I have loved working with the North Grove. I was thrilled to apply to the position and go through a process, and I’m thrilled to become the new Executive Director.”
Growing need
The North Grove is a non-profit that has deep roots in the Dartmouth community providing programs, services and support for families.
Horne says the need for what they offer is only growing.
“Ever since I’ve been here, we are definitely seeing that people in the community are seeing the impacts of the housing crisis. They’re feeling the impacts of the general rising cost of living. And we’re seeing more people coming to things like our meal programs.”
She adds, they are going to continue to let community members lead the way to inform what programs they offer.
“I think the meal programs probably see the greatest numbers of people. We have other programs, like home visiting programs for parents, or some of our other parenting programs, where the actual numbers might be smaller, but we know that we’re having a real depth of impact in terms of support.”
Going forward
The North Grove has been putting a focus on diversity and inclusion, and according to Horne, that will be important going forward.
“We’re doing a lot of work to look at everything that we’re doing internally as an organization with our staff team, what programs we’re offering to the community. To really try to create a sense of belonging for everybody that comes in the door.”
Horn assumes the role, March 7.
