This month, we are thrilled to feature Susan (Sue) Foisy, Foster Home Support Facilitator, as she settles in to her 38th year with The Bridge! In an inspiring and humorous interview, Sue reflects on a remarkable journey of growth and dedication.
Q: WHEN DID YOU JOIN THE BRIDGE AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?
A: "I joined The Bridge when I was 26 years old! That seems so long ago. There was a recruitment initiative happening for a little agency, known then as the Central Okanagan Child and Family Resources Society (COCFRS). At the encouragement of my current Executive Director (ED) at North Okanagan Youth and Family Services, I applied. So began my commute back and forth from Vernon to Kelowna until my eventual move in the late '80s. I was first hired as a Family Counsellor working with single parents of children under the age of two, then as a Key Worker at Lawrence Avenue Group Home where I worked for three years."
Q: CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY TO DATE?
A: "Oh my goodness, this is almost impossible. I feel truly honoured to have had the opportunity to experience many different roles while remaining at The Bridge: Family Counsellor, Youth Counsellor, Group Home Key Worker, Safe Housing Facilitator for Sexually Exploited Youth, Independent Living Counsellor, NVCI Instructor, Transitions Suite Facilitator, Family Care Suite Facilitator, Foster Home Support Facilitator.
I have endeavoured to be a reliable and loyal organization ambassador, volunteering for various fundraisers and community engagements including the Christmas Hamper campaign, Santa Claus Parade, Family Fun Day events, Pride events, Etcetera Graduations, and staff socials! I am a working member of the Celebrations Committee, Continuous Quality Improvement Team, and the Diversity and Inclusion Team. I am always honoured to support this agency in any capacity they may need."
Q: ARE THERE ANY COLLEAGUES WHO HAVE INSPIRED OR PLAYED A PIVOTAL ROLE IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT?
A: "Absolutely.
Dennis Dandeneau for his leadership as my original Executive Director. When we started working together as Family Counsellors, we shared an office above a Chinese food restaurant at the top of Bernard Avenue. (Nothing quite like the smell of chow mein to start our mornings!) He was my North Star; always reliable, always available, and one of the kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of working with.
Chris Rhodes and Leigh Macleod as my supervisors. These two amazing women taught me to speak my truth and sometimes hold my tongue. Throughout my career, they were steadfast in their professionalism/leadership as well as their unending friendship. They were my guides through thick and thin.
Dave Daley, Fia Andersson, Tosh Gordey, Christa Russett, Colin Smith, Gill Gibbs, Lani Soar, Donna Eluik, and Lisa Schechtel. My colleagues with whom I have had the honour to learn from and work with over the years. These people are the backbone of our agency and I have the pleasure to call them my dearest friends."
Q: WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED? HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM?
A: "I've literally grown up working for The Bridge. I have always felt that when needed, I could reach out to key people to help me, sometimes to guide me and sometimes to redirect me. I value the formal counselling support available when needed, and I value the friendships that I have come to rely on when times are tough. We have shared much, and I wouldn’t change a thing!"
Q: CAN YOU SHARE SOME OF YOUR FONDEST CAREER MEMORIES?
A: "Too many years to recount the endless fond memories I hold!
Shift work at the Lawrence Ave. group home were some of my best times. Driving the Sunshine Variety Van! Good times!
Team days! Falling out of a canoe with two other colleagues on board. Never laughed so hard in my life.
Holiday season celebrations! Run-away horse and buggy with many staff on board.
Bowling with our youth! Yikes….
And the successes I have experienced with the youth and families I have supported. Graduations, marriages, births, employment, reuniting with biological family, recovery. The list goes on."
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COLLEAGUES AT THE BRIDGE?
A: "Get involved, be part of the agency’s growth, find your niche, ask lots of questions. This might sound a bit cliché, but I mean every word of it! I learned as I grew in this agency. I took many courses, webinars, symposiums, and training to advance my knowledge and to stay current with what is needed for the people we serve; all of these opportunities are because of The Bridge. I also encourage a strong community presence through networking, joining committees, and volunteering."