Meet the Herd: Madi

Meet one of the Zebra Centre’s incredible Centre Coordinators, Madi! She shares with us what inspires her to show her stripes everyday, what a typical day looks like in her role and much more!

Q: Tell us about your role as Centre Coordinator at the Zebra Centre.

Madi: I am one of the Centre Coordinators. I cover the “day shift” and get started nice and early! I help host families when they come into our Centre, coordinate with our partners, and help create a safe and welcoming environment.

Q: What does a typical “day in the life” as Centre Coordinator look like?

Madi: Each day can look so different! Typically, I come in in the morning and look over the schedule for the day. Once the schedule has been organized and adjustments are made, I send a Centre wide email to all our staff/partners. This helps everyone to know what the day will look like and who is needed where. I help prep the Centre for interviews taking place that day. I make sure our rooms are clean, our food pantry is full, and our Hope’s Toy Closet replenished. I also assist with administrative tasks and scheduling interviews with our partners.

Q: What do you love most about your role?

Madi: Although the reasons why kiddos and their families/caregivers come here are difficult, I love being able to connect with them and create a safe place for them to come. My hope is that when they come through our doors, they feel seen, heard, and supported to tell their story.

Q: What is your proudest moment at the Zebra Centre so far?

Madi: I am new at Zebra, so my time here has been short. I would say one thing I am continuously proud of is how well our team works together. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences, but we truly come together for the kiddos. From our CYS team, Community/Development team, and volunteers, we all know the reason we’re here is to create a supportive place for kiddos, families, and caregivers. I love learning from all of them and being supported by such amazing people!

Q: What motivates you to show your stripes (your why)?

Madi: I think knowing the value and weight that our work has on the lives of kiddos and their communities. We’re here to help them through their darkest and most awful moments. If they can show up during that time, then absolutely I can show up for them. Their story matters and they deserve to be heard and reassured that they’re not alone.

Q: Lastly, share a surprising or fun fact about you.

Madi: I am the oldest of 7 siblings! I have one biological sister and 5 foster/adopted siblings. It was a fun but loud household growing up!