February

19

2026

Siloam Mission Board of Directors Announces New CEO

Sonia Prevost-Derbecker Brings Decades of Local and Global Experience to a Pivotal Moment for Siloam Mission

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 19, 2026 — The Board of Directors of Siloam Mission is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonia Prevost-Derbecker as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer. Sonia began her tenure earlier this week.

Following a search that attracted more than 1,100 potential candidates the Board selected a leader with deep Winnipeg roots and extensive experience across Indigenous-led, community-based, and public-sector organizations.

“After an extensive search, we are delighted to bring Sonia back to Winnipeg for work, the place she has called home her whole life,” says Tracey Silagy, Board Chair. “Siloam Mission is at an important moment in its history. We were seeking a leader who will honour our mission and values while guiding the organization through the next phase of its work to end chronic homelessness. Sonia brings the experience, relationships, and leadership approach to do just that.”

Sonia brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, with expertise in housing, mental health, child welfare, education, and community development. Her career has focused on strengthening systems of care, building effective partnerships, and responding to community-identified needs. The Board believes this is work that closely aligns with Siloam Mission’s strategic priorities.

“In Sonia, we have found a leader who can advance Siloam Mission’s strategic focus: reducing chronic homelessness through housing-focused solutions, strengthening supports, deepening commitments to truth and reconciliation, and fostering a healthy and resilient organization,” Silagy adds.

Siloam Mission’s strategy centres on the belief that homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. The strategy acknowledges that housing alone is not enough. It must be paired with the right supports to achieve enduring outcomes. The Board believes Sonia’s experience positions her well to lead this work in collaboration with staff, community members, partners, and supporters.

Sonia most recently served as Global Director of Indigenous Men’s Mental Health Programs with Movember, overseeing initiatives across Canada, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. She has also held senior leadership roles with Indspire, Point Douglas Revitalization Initiative, Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad (Ndinawe), All Nations Coordinated Response Child and Family Services, and the Métis Child and Family Services Board. Across her career, she has helped build and strengthen more than 25 community programs and services.

Prevost-Derbecker was drawn to Siloam Mission’s clear commitment to addressing chronic homelessness through a holistic approach that recognizes healing as essential to lasting stability.

“One of the aspects that most strongly drew me to Siloam is its commitment to caring for the whole person,” says Prevost-Derbecker. “Supporting physical needs alongside emotional and spiritual wellbeing reflects both my Indigenous and Christian values. Healing, at its core, is about being grounded in who we are, where we come from, and having hope that allows us to live into our full potential.”

She is eager to begin the work ahead.

“Ending chronic homelessness is complex,” she adds. “It requires meeting people where they are, understanding root causes, and providing the supports that allow housing to truly be a foundation for stability and wellbeing. Siloam’s approach reflects this understanding, and I’m honoured to be part of carrying it forward.”

As a Christian organization committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the Board sees Prevost-Derbecker’s lived experience as a strong alignment with Siloam Mission’s values and future direction.

The public will have an opportunity to meet Sonia at Siloam Mission’s Annual Community Meeting at The Meeting Place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This annual report-to-community gathering is open to all and will share more about Siloam’s work to end chronic homelessness. RSVP: www.siloam.ca/rsvp

To learn more:

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For media inquiries or interview requests:
Darren Nodrick
Siloam Mission
204-956-4344 Ext: 2109

communications@siloam.ca

 

Backgrounder: Siloam Mission at a Glance

About Siloam Mission

Founded in 1987, Siloam Mission is a Christian-based non-profit organization serving vulnerable Manitobans who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Siloam provides emergency shelter, meals and clothing, supportive housing, supportive employment, and a range of health and social supports designed to help people move toward stability and wellbeing.

Our Mission

To offer Christ’s compassionate love to all who are in need of support, healing, and recovery. Siloam Mission provides food, clothing, shelter, and belonging, alongside healing supports in mental health, addiction recovery, and primary health care. We believe every person has the capacity to recover and deserve to be accompanied with dignity and respect.

Our Vision

A Winnipeg without chronic homelessness.
Homelessness may happen, but it should be brief. By being a housing-focused organization, Siloam Mission works to ensure people are not left experiencing homelessness for years at a time.

Housing-Focused Strategy

Over the next 10 years, Siloam Mission aims to create homes for 1000 people in Winnipeg — housing that brings us closer to our vision of a Winnipeg without chronic homelessness.

Housing priorities include seniors, short-term crisis accommodation, recovery supportive housing, youth aging out of care, and Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. These priorities are informed by those we serve, identified service gaps, the leadership of Siloam Mission’s Indigenous Advisory Council, and commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

 

Impact Snapshot (2025)

  • 1,448 unique shelter users
  • Over 50,000 nights of shelter provided
  • 551,757 meals served
  • 21,084 clothing appointments
  • 15,224 visits at Saul Sair Health Centre
  • 62 individuals employed following completion of job-training programs
  • 87 people housed
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