Two City Organizations Merge

Two like-minded city organizations are now working together.

The Saint John Women’s Empowerment Network amalgamated with the Saint John Learning Exchange.

Christina Fowler, executive director of the Saint John Learning Exchange, said the two groups have always had close partnerships but this brings it to another level.

“The executive director [of WEN], Sharon Amirault, was moving on to a different role in the community. Both boards, WEN and the Learning Exchange paused and said, ‘Is this a time to consider something different?'” Fowler said.

She said they decided they would be stronger together and that’s how it started.

Fowler said one of the benefits this offers is better continuity of service for their learners.

“WEN does very foundational programming so they do a lot of programming with self-esteem, empowerment, managing stress. We look at WEN’s programming as a stepping stone to the next stage of programming which is the Learning Exchanges’ programs, ” Fowler said.

Prior to merging, both organizations were consistently referring learners to each other.

WEN staff have joined the Saint John Learning Exchange at the Social Enterprise Hub on Prince Edward Street.