Cross Roads Philosophy is parallel to that of its founder, Bill McMullin. Bill has worked with vulnerable adults, youth and families since entering the adult world from high school and has gained several years of experience in youth care and related fields. Much of his time and energy has been spent improving the quality of life for children. Bill brings a strong sense of integrity and a core set of values to Cross Roads. The work that he is doing with children is the essence of who he is. The program he has developed strongly reflects himself and the values he was raised with; honesty, integrity, perseverance, respect and honour.
In his earliest days Bill spent his time learning and growing with the children he supervised as a recreation coordinator. Bill then furthered his knowledge as a child youth care worker, and learned the value of an education while working as a teacher’s assistant. Personally he spent four years working towards a degree in sociology at the University of Prince Edward Island and continued his education at St. Thomas University studying Social Work. Bill spent his time not only working, but also volunteering in capacities such as a group councillor and as a basketball coach.
Bill gained useful insight into the justice system when he spent time with Correctional Services of Canada at the Provincial and Federal level, as well as the Atlantic Police Academy and the Holland College Justice Institute. There he realized that change is best effected at a young age and that he would have the greatest impact working hands on with youth.
Bill then re-entered the youth care field with a renewed sense of urgency and vision. He utilized his experience and proved himself an able leader with a child welfare agency, earning the position as a program supervisor, and later as an assistant to the executive director while working with Indigenous youth. During this time, Bill worked closely with Indigenous people at all levels and gained a respect for their traditions and beliefs; as his experience deepened, so too did his desire to work with Indigenous youth. Bill identified the need for more Indigenous youth homes that would prioritize and honour cultural tradition and practices.
Bill’s vision for Cross Roads became a reality as he met with Indigenous people at many different levels in youth care to develop programming.
Working with supportive contacts throughout the Indigenous communities and Regional Authorities, Bill is dedicated to offering an agency that provides a long term home where youth can feel safe, where they will feel empowered to learn and grow and from that to become vital and strong contributing members of their community.
This program is designed to meet all the needs of the youth as would be expected of any “family”, and present the opportunity to pursue their future in a supportive and culturally appropriate environment. Bill is highly motivated to provide an elite service for youth by being accountable to their families and provincial expectations.