Congratulations Kathy ~ 25 years at CMHA Kootenays

In July 2024, we celebrated with Kathy 25 years of employment with CMHA Kootenays. Congratulations Kathy and cheers to many more years!! Here is Kathy’s story…

My journey over the last 25 years working at CMHA-K has been incredibly fulfilling. It began in 1990 when I moved to Cranbrook to enroll in the Human Service Program. A requirement for admission was completing 100 hours of volunteer work, so I sought an organization that would align with my career ambitions in the social sector. A college instructor introduced me to the CMHA-K Crisis Line, where I volunteered for a year.

After completing my sociology upgrades and obtaining my college certificates as a Human Service Worker, I applied for a practicum as a Support Worker at Kootenay Haven Transition House in January 1999. I was officially hired as a support worker in July 1999 and spent the next six years assisting women leaving domestic violence as they transitioned to independent living.

In 2006, I was offered and accepted the position of Coordinator for Kootenay Haven Transition House. By 2007, CMHA-K expanded my responsibilities to also include the Coordinator role for the Daycare.

In 2009, feeling it was time for a change, I was given the opportunity to spearhead the creation of the Haven Gardens Second Stage Housing Program. I developed this program from the ground up, assisting women and their children fleeing violence while providing safe affordable housing. The program provided one-on-one lay counseling and group sessions, offering tools to help participants make healthy choices and break the cycle of violence. Women participated in an 18-month program where they lived and learned in a safe, affordable environment, enabling them to make positive life choices. Over ten years, the program achieved an impressive 85% success rate. During my time in this position, I completed a Mental Health Addiction Associate Certificate and a Motivational Interviewing course to better understand the participants I served.

I decided it was time for another change after the property manager I had worked alongside for many years announced their retirement. I expressed my desire to take on that position, and CMHA-K Housing Coordinator put my name forward. I was awarded the Property Manager position and have been working in this role for the past five years.

Today, I am proud to be the longest-serving employee at CMHA-K. While all of my predecessors have moved on to different endeavors, I have chosen to remain, embracing new challenges, different experiences, and the opportunity to serve a diverse range of clients throughout my journey. I look forward to continuing to face new challenges within the association.