I supervise Johnson House, a long-term residential care facility for female youth between the ages of 12 and 16 years, within HomeBridge Youth Society. HomeBridge is the largest residential Youth Care service provider east of Montreal.

A brief closure of this facility was required as a result of ongoing renovations. Our short-term crisis stabilization program generously opened its doors, and its Team opened their hearts to us, in order to temporarily relocate our Team and our youth. At the time this message of appreciation was written, we had been at the centre for more than five weeks. What a wonderful experience it proved to be! The Team at the Reigh Allen Centre was very supportive and made our re-location as comfortable and welcoming as possible.

I could share my observations about long versus short-term care, but I would rather relate to you my good fortune in meeting and working with an amazing Youth Care Worker at the crisis centre. I was aware of her stellar reputation from others but never had the opportunity to work with her.

Upon entering the centre the first day, she greeted me with a friendly “hello” and was very inviting and engaging while, at the same time, she exerted positive energy that could be felt throughout the centre. She carefully explained the daily routine to me while constantly smiling and making me feel sincerely welcome. I couldn’t help but feel grateful that the youth who meet her in the program are, and have surely been, met in the same warm and genuine manner. I am certain that the experience that she created for them was the same as she created for me.

Her spirit for, and belief in, Youth Care was palpable. Her pride for the program was obvious and her commitment to the organization was evident in her every word she spoke. Her attention to detail was impressive, her attentiveness to the youth was absolute, and her desire and ability to teach was remarkable. She walked in a room where a youth from the Johnson House program was sitting and began engaging with her easily, and with certainty and intentionality. It wasn’t long before this youth conveyed a sense of safety with, and connection to, this new Youth Care Worker.

When she was with other Youth Care Workers and the youth, her level of professionalism was second to none. Her strong work ethic was apparent in her constant actions and high level of energy. I was amazed at what an incredible job she did in role modeling for the youth and Youth Care Workers. She set excellent boundaries for the youth, she set clear and concise directives when necessary, she utilized play and fun when appropriate, and she had a natural sense of caring and nurturing that everyone around her clearly felt.

Kelly, I want to thank you. You have inspired me, taught me and turned a difficult situation into a wonderful and memorable experience. You are one of the few people who share in my humor and my relentless need to “play!” You made my experience fun, exciting, challenging and one of great learning. Your teammates are indeed lucky to have you as a colleague, the organization is privileged to have you as an employee, and I am confident the youth you have worked with have felt valued, cared for and listened to.

Jackie Woodford