Staff
Fulfilling a Desire to Serve
Heather Knowles is a person with a deep desire to care for others. It is what led her to be a foster parent and to volunteer with children at a local elementary school in Campbell River. But when she and her family made the decision to give up fostering, Heather began to look for another job that would fulfill her desire to serve people. She found that job at Communitas.
Since November 2017, Heather has been a child and youth care worker with Communitas Supportive Care Society. Her experience with fostering and caring for children with special needs and behavioural challenges prepared her for this work.
“I think working for Communitas was a natural progression,” she reflects.
There are many things she enjoys about her work but her favourite part is simply being with the young person she serves. There is great satisfaction in building a relationship of trust.
Making such a strong connection where they know you will support and help them, that feels great.” – Heather, child and youth care worker
Meaghan Devlin, who manages the home where Heather works, says Heather brings many gifts to her work and to the team with which she works.
“Heather is kind, wise, and strong. She is very hands-on and relates to the children and youth we serve on their level, doing what they enjoy doing,” she says. “These are strengths that help them feel safe and secure.”
Communitas’ focus on person-centred care resonates with Heather’s values of family and service. She has found the organization to be a place that lives out its mission to be a place of belonging, growth and contribution – not only for the people served by Communitas but for staff as well.
“There is a sense of belonging working here,” she says. “I feel I can approach my manager with a concern and know that it will be addressed. I feel I am a recognized and valued member of the Communitas family.”
For those who may also be looking for a way to serve in their community and care for people, Heather recommends Communitas.
“If you are looking for a fulfilling and rewarding challenge, then working for Communitas is for you,” she says. “You won’t regret it!”
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