Active Care Response Team (ACRT) is a registered charity based in Windsor, Ontario, dedicated to serving communities facing real-life challenges near and far.

Serving Communities Near and Far

Active Care Response Team (ACRT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving communities facing real-life challenges, both locally in the Windsor-Essex region and internationally.

Our Mission and History

The organization was envisioned in 2000 by Lizzy Walker, initially focusing on addressing the needs of communities affected by HIV/AIDS. Over time, the organization has adapted to respond to a variety of crisis situations and community needs.

Our team members utilize a variety of skills—ranging from crisis intervention and short-term care to community development and self-sustaining training—to initiate recovery and support sustainable initiatives.

What We Do

Local Support

The team offers assistance to seniors, youth, newcomers, and migrant workers. This includes transportation to healthcare services, translation services, food bank access, and support for migrant workers regarding healthcare access, mental health counseling, and education. We have also spearheaded initiatives like the “Seniors Wellbeing Outreach Program” to reduce social isolation and prevent elder abuse.

Global Relief

Internationally, the organization provides disaster relief, medical supplies, nutritional supplements, and support for orphan care and training opportunities to help combat poverty-related diseases.

How We Provide Care

Serving our local community and the developing world through active care response.

By Serving Our Community

We offer targeted support, transportation, resources, and food assistance to vulnerable groups locally.

By Serving the Developing World

We collaborate with international teams to deliver vital medical supplies and poverty relief solutions abroad.

By Working on Solutions

We establish sustainable educational and wellness programs to empower individuals for long-term growth.

Our Leadership Board

Meet the dedicated team members who guide and run our organization.

Lizzy Walker

Executive Director

Lizzy is the founding member of the ACRT organization and a registered Pharmacist for over 20 years. She is a collegiate instructor, and advisor on many community Boards both within Canada and internationally. She has experience in the HIV/AIDS field (screening, education, and prevention), maternal and child health, project coordination, project management, and professional management in health and private sectors. Her work is her passion and looks forward to the future of ACrT organization.

Sam Imbert

HR and PR Manager

Samantha has been a member of ACrT for many years working on many projects. She supports the organization in various fields; Administration, Accounting, Public Relations, and Human Resources. She is a graduate of Pharmacy Assistant, Business Administration and Interior Design. She currently works as a Supervisor at Caesars Windsor. With a strong passion for creative design and technology, she hopes to help strengthen communities around the world through ACrT.

Randy Fournier

Board Director

Randy has been a member of ACRT for several years, helping the organization stay current with today’s technology and digital tools. With over 15 years of experience in the technology field, he is patient, approachable, and a natural teacher. Randy now focuses on content editing, artificial intelligence, and building practical digital solutions. He is highly motivated to help people feel more comfortable with technology, especially those from less technical backgrounds, while continuing to expand his knowledge in AI, content creation, and emerging technologies.

Brittney Merkley

Board Director

Brittney engages our community through our social network branch. Brittney is one of our first high school volunteers that has continued to support ACrT over the years. In March 2020, she traveled with ACrT to The Bahamas and Grand Abaco to document the effects of Hurricane Dorian and assist with disaster relief support. She is currently studying Counselling and Psychology. She loves visual arts, music, history and most of all: travelling!

Michele Sharp

Board Director

Michele is a non-profit sector professional with over twenty-five years of experience. Her career began at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis as a fundraiser working on community and national levels. She graduated from Ryerson University after studying Non-Profit and Volunteer Management and became one of only 20 certified Canadian coaches in Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. In 2018 she was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as a trainer.

Danait Asgedom

Board Director

Danait advocates for marginalized groups in the Windsor Essex Community and has been working with clients for over 15 years. She helps to empower women and girls from diverse groups by providing employment training, networking opportunities, and educating women to become leaders in their community. Working in initiatives focused on motivating, empowering, and helping youth is the highlight of her career and her passion.

Testimonials

What our volunteers and community members say about ACRT.

"What ACRT has done for me: before volunteering I was a recluse. I would not leave my apartment. Now I’m in the office many times a week. I’m more outgoing and sociable. Thank you!"

Irene

Volunteer

"I keep coming to do my work for the seniors in the building for their betterment. I hope to better their lives by helping in different areas—food, entertainment, medical… anything is possible."

Bob

Volunteer

"I love volunteering for ACRT in the senior’s programs! It gave me something useful to do and I feel appreciated. A well-run organization. Like a family."

Nina

Volunteer

Our Research & Community Work

Between 2022 and 2024, ACRT conducted an in-depth research study on the Unheard Voices of Migrant Women Farm Workers, and we continue to lead community-funded initiatives. To view our full findings, download the report, or see our current active campaigns, please visit our Projects page.

Explore Our Projects

@acrt_canada