Admin teams from Property Services, Human Resources, Finance, and Communications and Quality Improvement came together for a focused day of learning, growth, and collaboration. The day created space to strengthen relationships, build understanding across roles, and recognize the important contributions that keep operations running smoothly.
The day began with a fun and engaging icebreaker. Everyone had shared three facts about themselves in advance: a personal fact, a professional fact, and a peculiar (unique) fact. Through a trivia-style app, the staff tried to individually guess which set belonged to each person. It sparked a lot of laughter and engagement, providing a strong start as people learned new and unexpected things about their colleagues.
From there, the focus shifted to understanding how the departments intersect to support each other across shared goals. Through real examples from everyday work, teams explored how their roles are connected and how collaboration across departments contributes to ASK’s overall impact. It was a valuable reminder of the people behind the scenes who help keep everything moving forward.
A key part of the day was an Enneagram session where staff explored personality types, communication styles, and how different people approach teamwork, decision-making, stress, and conflict. The session encouraged reflection on individual strengths, motivators, and workplace tendencies, while also building awareness around the different ways that people respond to pressure, collaborate with others, and navigate change. Through these conversations, staff gained practical insight into how to better support one another, strengthen communication, and foster healthier team dynamics across the organization.
To close the day, staff took part in a hands-on activity that brought energy and plenty of laughter to the room. Each department was challenged to build a stable structure using only spaghetti and marshmallows, with one important rule, they could not speak. The activity encouraged creativity and teamwork and quickly became a lively and memorable experience.
Administrative staff are often the behind-the-scenes support that help keep daily operations moving forward. This day recognized their contributions while creating space to reconnect with colleagues and strengthen working relationships across departments. It was a meaningful opportunity to step away from day-to-day responsibilities and reflect on the important role the admin teams play throughout ASK Wellness Society.
Pathways was originally established on the North Shore in response to needs identified by the community and local service provider following the closing of two day spaces in Kamloops. Through the creation of an Access Hub Committee, local partners including the City of Kamloops and the North Shore Business Improvement Association, recognized the importance of locating services where the need already existed. Since then, Pathways has served as an important entry point into the broader shelter system of care.
Since opening in January 2025, Pathways has operated at an estimated 95% capacity and provided more than 15,000 bed nights during its first year. In addition to providing shelter, Pathways offers three meals per day, operates 24/7, and supports people with housing, health care, and other service needs. Pathways continues to help people work toward creating greater stability in their lives.
The need for shelter remains significant. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count identified at least 419 people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops. If Pathways were to close, the loss of 44 beds would increase unsheltered homelessness and place additional pressure on outreach teams, emergency services, and public spaces.
ASK Wellness Society continues to address neighbourhood concerns through regular site checks, neighbourhood patrols, and a nightly security presence. ASK has also maintained a dedicated community engagement role to provide consistent monitoring and support for residents and businesses.
In addition, ASK leads a Neighbourhood Safety Committee focused on the 100 and 200 blocks of Tranquille Road. The committee brings together representatives from the RCMP, City of Kamloops Protective Services, Interior Health Authority, and the North Shore Business Improvement Association, as well as local residents and businesses. The group meets monthly with an independent facilitator to identify concerns and develop practical solutions.
The challenges facing the North Shore are complex and influenced by factors such as housing availability and the toxic drug crisis. Continued coordination and strong partnerships are essential to making progress.
The extension of the Temporary Use Permit provides stability and ensures critical shelter space remains available while this work continues. At the same time, ASK Wellness Society remains committed to long-term solutions on the North Shore through ongoing services and housing developments. This includes the 80-unit Confluence building, an affordable housing development which will welcome tenants in June 2026. Together, these efforts reflect a commitment to building trust, maintaining open communication, and supporting a safer and healthier community.
