About Us

In 2006 New Vision Unlimited (New VU) was founded in Sioux Lookout, Ontario by Graham Thompson and Erin Horvath. Out of a desire to see people realize their fullest potential they listened to the needs of organizations, community leaders, youth and elders in the region. New VU began building effective customized experiences designed to empower individuals and teams in developing a different perspective, direction and skill set to fulfill the identified needs.

Related News Article - New VU: A Valuable Community Resource

Facilitating the process of change has opened the door to a variety of unique expressions of our mission, including leadership and teamwork training, conflict resolution/mediation, strategic planning for organizations, youth program development, youth facilitators training, various personal and professional development opportunities, as well programming that promotes inspirational curriculum development in schools.

In May 2007 we received designation as a nationally registered not-for-profit organization built on a social venture model. What this means for the people we work with is that we combine the skill and strategy of a business with the spirit and dedication of a charity to help them create the change they want to see in themselves and in the world. Any extra money raised through our efforts is re-invested into communities. We work with others to identify which initiatives to pursue, then partner with businesses and organizations to generate the rest of the resources needed to make it happen. This approach has allowed us to initiate and support various change projects.

We invite you to see our Giving Back section for more details.

As people with diverse skills are drawn to work with New VU the types of projects and training we provide continues to strengthen and expand. We now have people who offer their skills and resources within New VU on a full-time, part-time and occasional basis. Our hope is to see a network of skilled professionals throughout Canada that are prepared to support individuals, organizations and communities through the various stages of change and growth. We invite you to view the biographies of some of the professionals currently involved with New VU. We also welcome you to browse through our Programs and Services section and Giving Back section to gain greater insight into the types of services, programs and initiatives we are able to offer.

Board of Directors (2011-2013)

• Erin Horvath - Executive Director
• Graham Thompson - Board Member
• Dave Skene - Board Member
• Ché Curtis-September - Secretary/Treasurer, Board Member
• Michael O'Brien - Chair, Board Member
• Jesse Terry - Board Member
• (Regional Representative - position currently vacant)

Past Partners, Supporters & Affiliations:

The following groups have assisted New VU in our mission to help people step out of the confines of their day to day realities.  Whether through full partnerships, donating financially or in-kind, these groups deserve credit for the great success New VU has had since our establishment.  We are always looking to work with new groups, so if you are interested please contact us to talk about your involvement with us.

Related News Article – NewVU Receives PACE Funding

Past & Present Partners

• A-Frame Gallery (Chris and Donna Giles) (Arts Programming & Space Sharing)
• Friends of Cedar Bay Stables (Promotion of Equestrian Programming)
• Municipality of Sioux Lookout (Cedar Bay Day Camp & Regional Youth Forum 2008 & 2010)
• Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre (STRIVE 2007)
• On The Land
• Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (Anger Management Workshops)
• Paddlebender
• Sioux Lookout Creative Arts Circle (Impact Theatre)
• Sioux Loookout Anti-Racism Committee (Impact Theatre)

Past & Present Funders/Donors

Our sincere thanks to those organizations, businesses and funding bodies for their generous support.

• Assault Care and Treatment Program
• Bearskin Airlines
• Days Inn- Kenora
• Holiday Inn Express- Dryden
• HomeHardware- Sioux Lookout
• Johnny's Fresh Market- Sioux Lookout
• McDiarmid Lumber - Sioux Lookout
• Northwestern Healthy Partnership (Logo: Northwestern Health Unit)
• Ontario Arts Council- Artists in the Community/Workplace
• Ontario Arts Council- Arts Education
• Ontario Arts Council- Northern Arts
• Ontario Ministry of Education
• Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion
• Patricia Area Community Endeavors
• Sioux Lookout Rotary Club
• Sioux Lookout Salvation Army

 Professional Affiliations

• Canadian Ropes Course Company (Training and Inspection)