Hummingbird Centre for Hope

Beth E.C. Bailey

Beth E.C. Bailey

In 2006, after an 8 month battle with brain cancer, Beth’s husband Scott died. She became a widow at the age of 36 and the only parent to two children, a son 3 years and a daughter 13 months old. Since Scott’s death, her journey has been filled with self-discovery and learning. Beth has always believed that “information is power” and continues to educate herself about grief and bereavement …. for both herself and her children. Beth’s hope has always been that she and her children live fulfilling lives while remembering Scott and keeping him close in their hearts. Beth is a very proud “hockey and cheerleading mom” and cherishes the joy her children bring to life.

Professional Experience:

Since 2009, Beth has actively “given back” to the Waterloo Region community that supported her – as a volunteer for local bereavement organizations and as a support group facilitator. Past roles included Chairperson of the Program Advisory Committee for Bereaved Families of Ontario and Board Member of the Bereavement Ontario Network. At present, Beth volunteers for the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation as a member of the Community Grants Committee. Beth is also enthusiastic about public speaking and sharing her story to educate others about grief and hope.

With dreams of providing continuing support to bereaved spouses who are caring for their young families, Beth co-founded The Hummingbird Centre for HOPE in 2011. This unique not-for-profit organization in Waterloo region offers a peer-to-peer environment of hope that facilitates the rebuilding of a new sense of self as an only parent, after the death of a spouse or partner. In 2013, Beth assumed the role of Chairperson of the Board of Directors for The Hummingbird Centre for Hope. 

Beth graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Urban Development and has pursued education in grief and bereavement through The Centre for Loss and Life Transition and SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health. Her professional background includes more than 20 years of experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Beth’s expertise includes economic development, strategic marketing, communications, and operations/finance. The founding of The Hummingbird Centre for Hope is a natural extension of Beth’s experience in both the business and bereavement sectors.

Beth is currently employed as Director of Operations for the Canadian Digital Media Network at Communitech. She spearheads the development, management and growth of programs intended to help Canadian companies grow and access new markets.

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