John Neufeld (BA 1996) has continually served the communities around him, whether through leadership or behind the scenes, at Grebel or in the broader Waterloo Region. In recognition of his generous and dedicated service, Grebel has named him the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Service Award winner.
Since 2009, John has served as the executive director of House of Friendship, a social service organization based in Kitchener that now supports 42,000 individuals every year with 200 team members and over 1,700 volunteers.
“House of Friendship is on the forefront of some of our most pressing community challenges,” he explains. “Our work cuts across many interrelated issues—housing and shelter, food insecurity, addiction, and poverty.
“We get to tackle wicked problems with incredibly passionate, smart, and dedicated team members. We work hard each day to help people feel like they belong. Immigrating to Canada as a child, I felt the deep pain of not belonging. Having the opportunity to ensure others feel like they belong as part of my work is beyond rewarding.”
“Put simply, John is one of the most effective community leaders in Waterloo Region,” remarked Grebel President Marcus Shantz. “John has the rare gift of being able to talk and listen to almost anyone, from all walks of life. And he has used that gift to draw all kinds of different people into supporting the mission of House of Friendship—serving the deepest needs in our community.”
The award winner came to Grebel in 1995 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies from UWaterloo and Renison College after earning a Bachelor of Theology from Canadian Mennonite University. He was an active participant in Grebel chapel and community suppers, and fondly remembers lively mealtime discussions that pushed him to grapple with different points of view.
“Grebel taught me the importance of bringing diversity of thought, discipline, background, strengths, and experiences around the same table,” John noted. “I am incredibly grateful for the nourishing environment Grebel provided for me.”
“Grebel strives to nurture values of generosity and engagement, challenging and encouraging students and faculty to engage in compassionate service and community building,” remarked Nancy Dykstra (BES 1984), Chair of Grebel’s Alumni Committee. “John lives the ideals and purposes of Conrad Grebel University College.”
The award was presented during Community Supper on February 5. In his comments to students, John described his quest for love and belonging.
Pictured (l-r): Nancy Dykstra, John Neufeld, Marcus Shantz
