Let’s start with your journey with the Bridge and go back to the beginning. When did you first join The Bridge, and what originally drew you to this work?

May 5, 1986! Back in the beginning, the Bridge Youth & Family Services, known by another name, was a small non-profit of less than 30 people. I was already working in a Youth Residential Care Home in Vernon when I learned of some employment opportunities working with families for the Central Okanagan Child and Family Resources Society (AKA The Bridge Youth & Family Services). I was so excited for this opportunity and as they say, "the rest was history", 40 years of history!!! I found my passion. Working with children, youth and families was exactly where I wanted to be. Going to work was an honor. I felt so privileged to have this job and eventual jobs, as my career moved in various directions within the agency. I always see the best in people and truly felt I wanted to help when maybe the people I supported felt there wasn't any. What a gift it has been to spend my entire career with this amazing agency.

What was your role when you first started, and how has your role evolved over the years?

I had the pleasure of starting as a "family counsellor" for new parents with children under the age of 2 years. When I think about this position I laugh as I didn't really know what I was doing but with good mentoring, positive communication and empathy, and education I managed to find my footing. From there I took a more familiar job in a "group home (Lawrence Avenue)" I stayed here for three years. This was a turning point for my career. I met my "work family" with whom I am fully connected with many to this day. We bonded and some of us followed each other throughout our careers within the Bridge Youth & Family Services. We never left; we just kept growing as the agency did.

The evolution of my career has taken on many wonderful appearances. Lawrence Avenue 'Key Worker", Youth and Families Counsellor, Parenting Program Facilitator, Independent Living Facilitator, Learn to Read Program Facilitator, Safe Housing for Exploited Youth Program Development and Facilitator, Foster Parent Program Facilitator, NVCI Agency Instructor, and facilitator of various agency training opportunities, not to mention many cross agency teams, volunteer opportunities and community work. All of this would never have been possible if it wasn't for the Bridge youth & Family Services.

What has kept you at The Bridge for 40 years?

At the risk of sounding cliche..."Hope" has kept me going. Hope for change and that I am being helpful and making a difference. Hope for these families, and their futures. Hope for positive outcomes. Hope for continued agency growth and development.

Some may say I am tenacious, determined, maybe even a little persistent. I am all those things because I am resilient, I face things head on and can be driven by strong internal convictions. Hope has kept me going, my willingness to learn, adapt, and accept my screw ups (LOL) has kept me going. There has been a few but isn't that how we grow?

Looking Back, how has The Bridge changed or grown since you first started? (People, programs, philosophy, community needs, etc.)

A caregiver, I had the honour to work with many years ago, gave me a small desk ornament when she retired. It reads, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” I believe I have been a part of something much greater than myself. The Bridge Youth & Family Services has and continues to, blaze trails, which, I have been honoured to be part of.

Are there any moments, milestones, or achievements that stand out to you over the years?

When we moved our small office above the Chinese Restaurant, I knew things were looking up! From there we never looked back. Dare I say getting computers, pagers and eventually cell phones!!! Who knew how technology would become such a huge part of our daily business at The Bridge. Growth and development were what this agency continued to do. I am very proud to have been a part of this incredible journey.

Things that stand out...

Our first of many Accreditations! This was a pivotable moment for our agency’s credibility and future sustainability. Our first strategic planning and review of operations opened the doors for full agency dialogue leading us towards a more inclusive and culturally competent agency. Creating core values based on respect, collaboration, inclusion, and responsible leadership has opened our doors for ease of access to services for all. The successful advancement in our services to include recovery and addiction services has led us to a new youth recovery treatment facility to open it's doors in the very near future.

On Meaningful Impact…

Can you share a moment or story that reflects why this work matters to you?

I have a painting on my office wall from a youth. It says, "Sue, I love you." This youth has since passed away but this is not the moment of the story I want to share. It is those words that reflect "why this work matters to me" This youth was the most explosive, challenging, unique, colourful, loving, sensitive, talented youth I have ever worked with. She made me work!

She taught me so much. My patience was tested as was my energy. She showed me how her strength and determination could outmatch mine any day. She fought so hard to stay on this earth. She "fought" doctors, clinician, mental health workers, foster parents, teachers, her family. The harder she fought the more I dug in. She was worth it. I had "hope".

Many Tim Horton's coffees, fast food drops, battling through COVID, late night pick-ups, elopements, grocery deliveries, relationship breakdowns, and hospitalizations she was successfully reunited with her family, leaving Foster Care back to her mom and sister. She then moved into her own supportive apartment as a young adult. She made it. We made it! I think she was tired, her energy was being taken away from her.

 When she was gone and the pain was replaced with reflection and insight, I came to realize she is "why my work matters".

What impact are you most proud of; either personally or as part of The Bridge?

I am so proud of our Caregiver Support Team and the impact we have had on the lives of young people and the caregivers we support. Caring for caregivers requires such skill. To preserve their relationships with the young people in their homes, which is often full of challenges, these caregivers can rely on connected relationships with the Caregiver Support Team.

On Wisdom & Reflection…

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at The Bridge?

Listen and learn! There is such valuable teaching and mentoring available from very knowledgeable staff. Get involved with what initiatives are happening within the Bridge. I would tell them that The Bridge is more than "just a job.” The Bridge breaks down barriers to access to service for the community. I would tell them we live our mandates, vision and philosophy every day.

On Looking Ahead…

What are your hopes for the future of The Bridge?

Continued growth to meet the needs of the community. I hope the Bridge continues to grow relationships with community partners based on cultural awareness and inclusive practices. I hope we stay humble and kind. My hope is we continue to and to be accountable in our efforts to truly be a culturally safe agency. We must continue to be an agency that is safe for all people through continued communication and service.

On Personal Reflection…

How has working at The Bridge shaped you as a person?

It has been an honour to work with the people of The Bridge and other community partners I have met along the way. I feel so privileged to have worked with brilliant people who care for others deeply and compassionately. The Bridge has played a considerable role in who I am today. I have learned how to embrace change, try new things, be courageous, and sometimes fearless. I learned humility and forgiveness. I have met my dearest friends. I am a stronger and more confident person because of the experiences I have had working for The Bridge youth and Family Services.

One Final Question…

If you had to describe your 40 years at The Bridge in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?

I have already spoke about my unending "hope" I have for the people I support and the power of this

word that means so much to me. I also think of the serenity prayer "Serenity, to accept the things I cannot change; courage, to change the things I can; and wisdom, to know the difference.”

Thank you, Susan for your amazing 40-year service to The Bridge and for taking the time to share your journey with us!