The “We” Philosophy: Building Community Together
At CVNQuinte, one word carries transformative power: we.
“We have what I call a We philosophy,” explains Terri Korkush, Executive Director of CVNQuinte. “It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about we. How can we do things together?”
This simple but powerful concept touches every part of the organization’s work supporting people living with intellectual disabilities in the Quinte region. Rather than focusing on what people lack or need, the We philosophy recognizes and nurtures the contributions each person can make to their community.
The idea emerged from a realization early in Terri’s career in developmental services. “People with disabilities were often treated as objects of pity or charity,” she recalls. “They were never really encouraged to give, unless they had strong family models who showed them how to volunteer, support their church, or be good neighbours.”
Creating Intentional Opportunities to Help Others
CVNQuinte incorporates this ethos each day. In every initiative—from walkathons to food drives—the goal is to create shared purpose. “When we fundraise for ourselves,” says Terri, “we often fundraise for others at the same time.”
That might mean collecting donations for Gleaners Food Bank at a concert, or raising funds for the Humane Society through a community walkathon. These events offer people supported by CVNQuinte the chance not just to participate, but to lead, give back, and build relationships.
Angela Boyle, one of the people supported by CVNQuinte, remembers her first walkathon vividly. “I met a friend named Joyce. I didn’t want to do it alone… she talked me into doing it together,” Angela laughs.
Throughout the event, she found herself jumping in to help others along the route. Terri remembers specifically how Angela and Joyce helped some participants who encountered some challenges getting their adaptive mobility devices across some rough spots on the waterfront trail. “I helped people,” recalls Angela. “And it helped me too. Helping people makes me happy.”
Amplifying Pro-Social Ideals
Angela’s motivation to help out comes from her own authentic worldview: “My parents raised me to help wherever I can.” Now, CVNQuinte provides the space and support for her to live out those values.
Joyce Shoobridge, another person supported, echoes the same ideals of joyful service. “I love helping raise money for animals. I love animals, and it’s fun,” she says. Her eyes light up when she recalls the walkathon that led her to meet Angela. “We were laughing and joking and talking. It was really fun. Just being with people that you want to be with, instead of people that bring you down.”
For Joyce, CVNQuinte has become a second family. “They don’t treat you any different. They treat you just like everybody else. They teach you, they help you. They’re like my family.”
The walkathons are more than one-off events. They’re entry points into meaningful roles. Joyce now volunteers at the Humane Society, an organization which holds a special place in her life. “At first people are surprised to see me there,” she says, “but then they see how happy I am. I perk everybody up. That’s my aim in life.”
David, another person supported by CVNQuinte, brought his own unique flair to the walkathons. Without being asked, he showed up to one event with a collection of small stuffed dogs to decorate the registration table—adding charm and delight for participants and reinforcing the walk’s mission to support the Humane Society. David also contributed signage and display materials to make the event more engaging and welcoming.
As the day unfolded, he took on an even more active role, helping deliver apples to information stations along the route using his scooter, checking in to see if anything needed restocking or returning. “No one told David what to do,” Terri says. “He just saw a need and filled it, because it mattered to him.”
Context for Building Relationships
The “We” philosophy goes hand-in-hand with a unique planning model CVNQuinte uses called Context for Building Relationships, developed by Janet Klees. This model starts with each person’s passions and builds connections in the community where those passions can thrive.
“If someone loves photography, maybe they join a photography club,” explains Terri. “But it’s not just about showing up. It’s about helping them become present—maybe they bring the donuts, or help set up chairs. That’s where roles form, friendships happen, and people are seen for what they can give.”
This philosophy extends to the team as well. CVNQuinte respects their time, their schedules, and their individual strengths. Employees choose when and how they work, just as the people served choose when and how they receive support. “It creates mutual respect,” says Terri. “And when people feel valued, they give their best.”
It’s ❤️ Work
At its core, the “We” philosophy is a quiet revolution. It redefines care—not as something done to people, but something built with them.
“It’s heart work,” Terri says. “And my heart grows every day watching the joy that comes from people being seen, heard, and valued—for who they are and what they can give.”
Learn more about the “We Philosophy” in this CVNQuinte micro-documentary:
