YMCA Peace Week

Rachel Guerin is a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and community connection in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, where she was born and raised. After graduating from the University of Guelph in 2011, Rachel spent several years living, working, and traveling abroad, gaining diverse experiences that deepened her commitment to social equity and community engagement. She returned to Chatham-Kent in 2019 with her partner to be closer to family and to contribute meaningfully to her hometown.

In her role as Family Engagement Coordinator at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent, Rachel works closely with families, organizations, and local businesses to ensure that every voice is heard and valued. Her collaborative approach ignites inclusive, family-centered programming that reflects the needs and strengths of the community.

Rachel also serves as co-Chair of the Child & Youth Planning Network (CYPN), where she leads initiatives to strengthen supports for children, youth, and families. Through the CYPN Advocacy Subcommittee, she has championed projects that promote accessibility in public spaces and encourage inclusive practices among local businesses.

As the co-founder of Unbound Book Club CK, Rachel has created a welcoming space for adults with disabilities and allies to connect through literature and conversation. This initiative, developed in partnership with local organizations, exemplifies her belief in the power of community, dialogue, and belonging. Her work helps our community shine brighter, bringing people together and sparking new connections.

Rachel’s work is driven by her personal understanding of the challenges posed by exclusion. Her dedication to breaking down barriers and building bridges has made her a respected leader and a catalyst for positive change in Chatham-Kent. She believes that every act of kindness, advocacy, and collaboration contributes to a stronger, more peaceful community. Rachel truly embodies the YMCA spirit of being greater together.

Kids Being Kids is a London-based non-profit organization founded by Adam Cohen and Ben Lambert, two lifelong friends whose shared love of sports sparked a mission to make play possible for every child. What began as a friendly debate over which sport was more expensive -baseball or hockey-turned into a deeper realization: far too many children miss out on the benefits of sports due to financial barriers.

Sports shaped both of their lives. It taught them discipline, teamwork, and confidence — and gave them some of their best memories growing up. But they couldn’t ignore how many kids never get those same opportunities because of the price tag attached to them. Around the same time, they noticed how much good equipment sits unused -skates, bats, gloves, sticks -some brand new, others barely touched, collecting dust in basements and garages, they started collecting new and gently used sports equipment and donating it to families and community programs that need it most. That’s when Kids Being Kids came to life.

At Kids Being Kids they are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent children from accessing sports equipment. They strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every child can experience the joy of play and the benefits of physical activity. Kids Being Kids is rooted in the belief that sports can empower and unite communities, and they are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of the children they serve. Their efforts help children shine, igniting confidence and connection through play. Kids Being Kids mission is simple: to make play possible for every child, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to engage in physical activity and sports, regardless of their financial situation. They believe that every child deserves the chance to play, learn, and grow through sports. At its heart, Kids Being Kids is about inclusion, opportunity, and giving every child the chance to experience the joy of being active, being part of a team, and simply -being a kid. By working together, Kids Being Kids and the YMCA community are truly greater together.

Amor Isabel Hernandez Mendo is a passionate community builder, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusion and cultural connection in Windsor, Ontario. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, Amor has called Canada home for the past 25 years. Her journey is rooted in a legacy of hospitality and generosity passed down from her parents, who welcomed travelers into their home with food, warmth, and kindness -values that continue to shape her life and work.

In 2018, Amor fulfilled a long-held dream by founding Café Amor & Art, a vibrant and inclusive community space that blends her love for coffee, culture, and creativity. Her vision was to create a place where people from all cultures, nations, and beliefs could gather to celebrate friendship, family, traditions, and life itself.

More than just a café, Café Amor & Art is a sanctuary where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Through art exhibitions, cultural events, wellness workshops, and community programs, Amor has cultivated a space that fosters dialogue, healing, and connection. With two locations in Windsor and Belle River, the café continues to grow as a hub for community engagement and cultural celebration. Her leadership helps the community shine, sparking creativity and igniting a sense of belonging.

Amor’s leadership is marked by empathy, generosity, and a deep commitment to empowering others. She mentors young creatives, collaborates with grassroots organizations, and opens her doors to local artists and crafters - offering them a platform to share their work and stories. The café also supports charitable causes and educational programs at the University of Windsor and St. Clair College.

“We are very honoured to be viewed as peace promoters,” Amor shares. “The values that the café is founded on -hospitality, tolerance, inclusiveness, sharing, teaching, and community building -are the values my parents taught me. We embrace our customers and employees as part of our family and support our community through workshops, reading and language clubs, live music, and festivals.”

Amor’s work builds bridges across differences, bringing people together through shared experiences, storytelling, and the universal comfort of coffee. Her dedication to creating safe, inclusive spaces has made a lasting impact on Windsor’s social fabric, inspiring others to lead with kindness and build communities rooted in peace and belonging.  Amor’s work truly embodies the Y’s vision of being greater together.