Current Staff
Executive Director: Alice Plug-Buist
Alice Plug-Buist first connected with Helping Hands Street Mission by volunteering here in 2018. Alice is a committed Christian witness in the lower City of Hamilton community. Alice has a background in psychology, exceptionality in human learning, and 25+ years support for people who are vulnerable in Hamilton. She is an active community member, and has experience working in the not-for-profit sector at various levels, in a variety of capacities. Together with her family, Alice supports the work of the Hamilton Children’s Aid Society through relief fostering and adoption, and they are active members at New City Church in Hamilton. Alice is committed to reaching out together, with love and respect, in Jesus’ name. She is eager to work in partnership with the community to allow each person, no matter what their situation or socio-economic status, to live into the image of God that He has created.
Outreach Worker: Samantha Togeretz
Samantha was first introduced to Helping Hands through an ad in her church’s bulletin. She began working here in a part-time capacity that quickly grew to a full-time role as our Outreach Worker. You will often find Samantha sharing her gift of writing on our blog and using her gift of connection to continually build meaningful relationships with our friends here at Helping Hands.
Operations Assistant: Kristina Ivanovic
Kristina was first introduced to Helping Hands Street Mission through her field placement while completing her Social Service Worker Diploma at Mohawk College. She loved the experience so much she continued to volunteer after her placement was over. She strongly believes in and respects the mission’s values and vision. Through her position here she has been given the opportunity to continue building positive relationships with our friends as well as helping those in need with the services that are provided at Helping Hands.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors consists of individuals who sacrifice their time and gifts to provide governance to Helping Hands Street Mission. They meet every other month to direct and protect Helping Hands Street Mission as a Christian charitable organization. They set strategic goals for the organization and hold the organization accountable to fulfilling its mission and vision. Each member has their own unique perspective on the work of Helping Hands, and all seek the flourishing of people in the Barton Village community, and the expansion of God’s Kingdom here!
Phil Beck (Chair), Kevin Buist (Treasurer), Jessica Koning (Secretary), Helen Van Beilen, Lynn Bruulsema, James Joyce, Kevin de Jonge.
Our Volunteers
We are blessed tremendously with a great bunch of volunteers at Helping Hands Street Mission. Our clothing store, café, and programs wouldn’t run if it wasn’t for people, just like yourself, who give their time to bless those in our community. We can never have too many volunteers, so if you have a few hours a week or a month we would love for you to consider giving your time to us. Ask any one here and they will tell you that you will leave this place blessed!