Anishnabeg Outreach CEO reflects on growth, community healing

When Stephen Jackson first took over as CEO of Anishnabeg Outreach six years ago, the organization had two staff members and served about 20 clients. Now, it's grown to employ30 staff and serve up to 30,000 clients.

Anishnabeg Outreachworks to preserve Indigenous culture, history and actas a vehicle for reconciliation.

"Our growth has been astronomical," said Jackson, who is being recognized as one of CBC K-W's Waterloo region Changemakers.

In an interview with CBC K-W The Morning Editionshow host Craig Norris, Jackson explained that the organization's goal is not only to support people and boost reconciliation efforts, but to help reduce incarceration and homelessness rates among Indigenous populations.

It's why his team is soon launchingAO Nest,a one stop shop for supports and education. Theonline hub will have everything from mental health and addiction supports tofinancial literacy, life skills, language, recipesand more.

Jackson envisioned theidea a yearago when he was looking for ways to offset the baby-boomer retirementand sawIndigenous communities across the country as a potential solution.

"We turned healing into a training program so it's actually accessible to everyone," said Jackson, who describes this approach as proactive.

You can find more information about Anishnabeg Outreach linked here.

Watch a clip:

In this video clip, Jackson explains how AO Nest will work to help support community peoples through healing.

CBC K-W Changemaker: Stephen Jackson

12 months ago

Duration 2:18

Stephen Jackson, CEO of Anishnabeg Outreach, is being recognized for his work in the organization that works to preserve Indigenous culture, history and acts as a vehicle for reconciliation.

Listen to the full interview:

Waterloo region Changemakers15:26Waterloo region Changemakers: Stephen Jackson

CBC K-W's Waterloo region Changemakers project aims to highlight people who have made a positive impact on the community through their work and story. The project is to honour the team's 10 year anniversary in the region. Stephen Jackson is the CEO of Anishnabeg Outreach, an organization that works to preserve Indigenous culture, history and acts as a vehicle for reconciliation.