Who We Are
Meet the WAY Navigators, Dan and Justin
WAY is not simply a referral service but a connection to your community.
When you call WAY you will be able to speak to a friendly and empathetic Navigator who will provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need about the services available here in North Grenville. Our Navigators will be able to answer any questions you may have about the different services, how to access them, and which services might be the best fit for you. We can introduce you to resources in the area and take the time to make sure you understand all available options. Reaching out for help can be difficult and it’s our job to make the process of getting connected as simple as possible.
Our team has years of experience working with the incredible service providers in the North Grenville area and we will make sure you find the path that is right for you. Not only can WAY help you find the right services but we can also help you fill out forms, make phone calls, and even provide transportation to and from your appointments. The WAY Navigators will follow up with you to ensure that you found the right service and help you schedule follow up appointments or find a new option if you’re not satisfied.
If you do not know who to call, where to go, or which form to fill out, call us. We can help you find your WAY.
WAY Navigator and Coordinator, Dan MacKinnon
Dan, who also works for Connect Youth, is often the first point of contact for people in need of WAY services. In his initial meetings with clients he helps solve immediate problems, like the need for food, clothes or transportation, and then reaches out to WAY service providers to determine what the best next step looks like. Sometimes it’s a referral to Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health or a trip to CSE Consulting for help with employment. Dan goes with clients to initial appointments, helps with intake forms, phone calls, and more. He makes sure youth know what support is available to them, including government programs, and how to access it.
Dan is a regular visitor at schools in the area, meeting with teachers and guidance counsellors about WAY services. You can also find him at the Kemptville Youth Centre running a weekly game of Dungeons and Dragons and he regularly drops in at local food banks and thrift stores where he may meet youth in need of help with mental health and/or substance use health.
Youth are welcome to contact Dan any time or can be referred to WAY by family doctors and other providers:
- dan.mackinnon@connectyouth.ca
- 613.246.1548 (call or text) or 1.866.741.1929
- North Grenville Office: 294 County Road 44, Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0
WAY Navigator, Justin Cunningham
You can find Justin at the skatepark (Riverside Park, Kemptville) on Wednesdays (during the summer) as well as at the Kemptville Youth Centre on Fridays.
Justin uses his prior kitchen work experience to help youth learn a valuable life skill at the House of Lazarus Youth Cooking Workshop running the third Tuesday of every month.
Justin has lived experience with addictions, mental wellness, and homelessness. He has a strong passion for helping youth in achieving their needs and goals. Justin also works for RNJ Youth Services.
Here’s how to reach Justin:
- justin@RNJYouth.com
- 613.485.3033 (call or text)
Partners in the WAY Collaborative
- Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario
- Children’s Mental Health of Leeds and Grenville
- Connect Youth
- Conseil des Ecoles Catholiques du Centre-Est
- Conseil des Ecoles Publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario
- CSE Consulting
- Developmental Services of Leeds and Grenville
- Employment and Education Centre
- Every Kid in Our Communities
- Family Representatives
- Kemptville District Hospital
- Kemptville Youth Centre
- Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health
- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
- PLEO – Parents’ Lifelines of Eastern Ontario
- RNJ Youth Services
- Upper Canada District School Board
- Youth Representatives
Our Mission, Vision and Values
Funding for WAY
WAY is grateful to the KDH Foundation for its ongoing support. Funds donated annually to the Foundation through the Kemptville Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Campaign help support WAY.
14,845
mammograms performed at KDH
since the new Diagnostic Imaging suite opened in 2011
Find a Clinic or Service
"After three months of convalescent care at KDH, my wife and I wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the care staff who attended to me during my stay. From the moment I arrived at the unit, I was struck by the welcoming and compassionate atmosphere. I would like to extend a special thank you to every member of the care staff for your helpfulness and kindness. You all played an important role in aiding my recovery, not just physically but also emotionally. What sets this convalescent unit apart is the genuine care and concern shown towards residents. I never once felt like just a bed number but rather an individual who was valued and respected. The encouragement given to residents to improve their health and engage in social activities also greatly enriched my experience. I made new friends and created lasting memories. I cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support. I will always remember my time there with fondness, thanks to the wonderful care staff who made it a home away from home. Thank you for everything."
