Office Address:
204 St Andrews Street West
Rear of Building, Safe Families GW sign on door
Fergus, ON N1M 1N7
Mailing Address:
11 Driscoll Court
Guelph, ON N1E 0B9
T: 519-807-4125
The Guelph Wellington Chapter of Safe Families Canada has been serving families since its launch. The chapter’s dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to building awareness and ensuring a strong and sustainable chapter long term. The chapter is grateful for the faithful support of individual donors, local churches and businesses.
Shannon Pharoah - Chapter Director
Shannon began her career as a Registered Nurse, working in the field of Mental Health and Addictions. Her deep passion for supporting those who are vulnerable or in crisis has led her to walk alongside many individuals facing mental health challenges. Together with her husband, she opened her home as a foster parent, offering care, stability, and hope to youth in need.
Driven by a desire to see the Church actively care for the broken and hurting, in 2020, Shannon stepped into the role of Program Manager at Michael House in Guelph, where she served families by empowering them to overcome barriers that hinder their ability to build strong and healthy family units. Through this work, she has gained a deep understanding of the needs within the community and the vital support required for families in crisis. Shannon continues to be inspired by opportunities to strengthen care ministries of the church, living out her calling to show compassion and mercy to those most vulnerable, and it is this reason that Shannon is honored to lead the team in Guelph/Wellington.
Family remains a central priority for Shannon and her husband, who cherish time spent with their four adult children and their spouses, especially during special gatherings throughout the year.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
Marina Rietema - Administrative Assistant
Having a heart for people and especially children, God has led Marina to be involved with Safe Families since 2019. When Marina heard about Safe Families’ mission, she wanted to jump on board. To be given the privilege of bringing the light of Christ and to be a witness for Him in this world was a tremendous opportunity that could not be ignored.
Marina and her husband Albert were first connected to the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge chapter and filled the roles of host family and family friend. Then God led Marina to connect with others to start a steering committee with the goal of having a Safe Families chapter in Guelph-Wellington. After the chapter was launched, Marina continued on the Leadership Council, while continuing in the host family position.
After 4 years and with a growing Chapter, God led Marina to a new role – Administrative Assistant. Marina is excited to work with the Chapter Director and Family Placement Coordinator so that more community families may be able to stay together while children are kept safe.
Looking back, Marina can see that God has led every step of the way. Marina and her husband Albert have three children and live in Guelph, ON.
Leadership Council Members
Derek Griffioen
Katie Martin
Anita VanRootselaar
Dwayne Jansen
