Farewell To Our CEO

After 19 years of dedicated service, we are saying farewell to our Chief Executive Officer, Sandy Dietrich-Bell. We wish her all the best in her next chapter and thank her for her dedication to oneROOF Youth Services.

A Few Words From Sandy…

“When I accepted the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role in 2005, I began work at an agency that had (quite literally) burnt to the ground; struggling to fulfil its mission. With a very small team of staff and a pre-existing reputation that needed to be dismantled, the challenge began. It was a challenge I embraced willingly, believing in the work oneROOF Youth Services could do. Nineteen years later, my belief has not wavered.

Throughout my years as CEO, the agency has surmounted various challenges and grown its staff. We’ve rebuilt, expanded, and relocated to grow our services once again. We have surpassed all expectations and changed the trajectory of hundreds of young people's lives!  

Accomplishments like our Host Homes Program (now deemed an International Best Practice) and Next Steps Housing Building (currently housing up to 44 young people) are just a few of the milestones I am humbled and proud to have been a part of.

That being said, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement as CEO of oneROOF Youth Services — effective August 31, 2024. 

I’d like to thank the staff here at oneROOF, along with our dedicated team of volunteers. Most importantly, I’d like to recognize the youth who have overcome (and will continue to overcome) obstacles accompanied by oneROOF’s support. I am grateful to oneROOF’s funders, The Region of Waterloo, our community and neighbours, and many others. To all those who have collaborated with me in my almost two decades of service, thank you!

I want to thank past board members who had faith and trust in me – even during uncertain times. You allowed me to push this agency in some very new directions, and your confidence fuelled my successes. My hope is the new Board of Directors continues to think big and aim high. The youth deserve nothing less. 

In closing, I continue to pray that the next generation never knows what it means to have youth homeless in their communities. I’ve always held the belief that if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. I am honoured to have been a small part of that solution for Waterloo Region. May the work continue.”

— Sandy Dietrich-Bell (MSW, RSW, CCPA)