Aimeé Le Lagadec is the new executive director of YES Shelter for Youth and Families, a non-profit organization that helps youth and families experiencing homelessness in Peterborough by providing shelter, education, and transitional supports.
Le Lagadec has been acting in the position since September 2021, when former executive director Meagan Hennekam left the position after five years.
“Stepping into this role in the midst of COVID-19 has been extremely challenging,” Le Lagadec states in a media release. “That being said, I am proud to be the one who will lead the YES Shelter for Youth and Families through the remainder of the pandemic.”
Originally from South Africa, Le Lagadec has a bachelor’s degree in social work and more than 10 years of experience in the social services field, specializing in youth homelessness. She previously worked at Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth in Toronto.
Since 2018, Le Lagadec was YES’s outreach program manger, overseeing a team of staff directly supporting youth and families to avoid, recover from, and exit homelessness.
“We know that Aimeé will continue to inspire the vision for the organization that is aligned with the overall strategic direction, mission and values, and provide executive leadership for the development and delivery of long-term strategies and programs to support vulnerable youth and families in our community,” states YES board chair Kerri Boyd.
