They didn’t start with answers. They started by listening. Today they continue to work and live in the true sense of community: as one, and they do not yield to the us and them mentality. Joe and Stephanie Mancini founded and built, and continue to build the Working Centre and a multitude of programs that fall under its umbrella in downtown Kitchener. The Working Centre is a culture, a social movement, a place where all are treated with respect (D’Amato, 2015, para. 5). It is hard to separate Joe from Stephanie, and to claim one has contributed more than the other is untrue. Both have received papal honours from Pope Francis for outstanding contributions to their communities (D’Amato, 2015, para. 8). The Mancinis are dedicated innovators
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The Working Centre follows a philosophy of focus on people and rejects government strings. “At the core of the Working Centre philosophy is a belief that a sustainable society happens when economic activity is embedded into reciprocal relationships.” (Fish, 2015, para. 6) Mancini (2015) further states, “The Working Centre was founded on the values of simple living and nurturing dialogue, inclusion and openness to the other.” The Mancinis have been the innovation and motivation behind over 30 programs under the umbrella of the Working Centre. Over the years not every program has survived or been successful (Fish, 2015, para. 5). Other programs have flourished such as St. John’s Kitchen, which can be considered a cornerstone in so many lives of those in need, offering more than food it has showers and laundry facilities and offers services of street outreach and psychiatric outreach (D’Amato, 2015, para. 14). There are no questions asked of anyone who walks through the door for a meal (D’Amato, 2015 para. 2). The Queen Street Commons Café in downtown Kitchener continues the concept of the Working Centre from 30 years ago, welcoming all, not only for a coffee, but to participate in discussion, to read books or play a board game (D’Amato, 2015, para. 6). It is a place that encourages interaction between low income and business people (D’Amato, 2015, para.
The Working Centre follows a philosophy of focus on people and rejects government strings. “At the core of the Working Centre philosophy is a belief that a sustainable society happens when economic activity is embedded into reciprocal relationships.” (Fish, 2015, para. 6) Mancini (2015) further states, “The Working Centre was founded on the values of simple living and nurturing dialogue, inclusion and openness to the other.” The Mancinis have been the innovation and motivation behind over 30 programs under the umbrella of the Working Centre. Over the years not every program has survived or been successful (Fish, 2015, para. 5). Other programs have flourished such as St. John’s Kitchen, which can be considered a cornerstone in so many lives of those in need, offering more than food it has showers and laundry facilities and offers services of street outreach and psychiatric outreach (D’Amato, 2015, para. 14). There are no questions asked of anyone who walks through the door for a meal (D’Amato, 2015 para. 2). The Queen Street Commons Café in downtown Kitchener continues the concept of the Working Centre from 30 years ago, welcoming all, not only for a coffee, but to participate in discussion, to read books or play a board game (D’Amato, 2015, para. 6). It is a place that encourages interaction between low income and business people (D’Amato, 2015, para.