In this series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces key persons of influence in the city to the community.
Who is Marisa Moher?
Marisa Moher is the executive director of Youturn Youth Support Services, a non-profit based in Ottawa. Youturn provides community-based, individualized services to high-risk youth, which may include youth facing violence, poverty or involvement in the justice system.
What’s her background?
Moher holds a BA in Indigenous studies from Trent University and a Master’s in social work from Carleton University. After graduating, she worked in areas including youth employment, mental health and community development. This background led her to Youturn in 2019. “Doing this kind of leadership role in a small organization, I actually feel very close to the work,” she said.
What is she known for in Ottawa?
Moher has been active in reshaping approaches to youth services in Ottawa and in ending negative perceptions about high-risk youth. She says she believes it’s important society views the experiences of these young people as strengths rather than weaknesses. “They’re pretty remarkable kids,” Moher said. “If you look at the stuff they’ve navigated in their personal lives … [it’s] a pretty amazing skill and capacity to handle stress.”
At Youturn, individual and unique needs are at the heart of their services. “We’re reducing barriers [and] taking their lead,” she said. Additionally, Moher works with community partners to address broader issues affecting youth.
What do people say about her?
In June, Youturn was a featured charity at an event hosted by 100 Women Who Care, where Moher spoke about Youturn’s services. Michelle Crogie, Executive Director at Parents’ Lifelines of Eastern Ontario, or PLEO, said Moher’s “presentation was impactful,” under Moher’s LinkedIn post, adding “the work that Youturn is doing is amazing.”
Leigh Couture, Executive Director at Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, or WOCRC, shared: “Congratulations, the Youturn team is incredible and makes a huge impact.”
What’s something people don’t know about her?
Moher has committed to trying every restaurant participating at Harvest: A Feast of Fall, a culinary event on Sept. 17 in Ottawa that fundraises in support of Youturn. “There’s some pretty amazing restaurants,” Moher said. “I think it’s a way to highlight small local businesses and highlight our work.”
Although her food tour is not yet complete, some of Moher’s favourites so far include Aiana, Coconut Lagoon and Perch.
