March is Social Work Month, providing us a chance to reflect on the vital role of social workers. These unsung heroes advocate for change and help build a more inclusive society. This year in British Columbia, Social Work Week took place from March 9 to 15, highlighting social workers' profound impact across countless roles and organizations.
At ASK Wellness Society, we are privileged to work with a team of dedicated social workers who help to make a difference every day. They are pivotal to the Society, supporting individuals as they navigate challenges and create meaningful change. Their efforts span a broad continuum of services, from Streets, to Homes, to Health, to Employment, always aiming to support individuals upon their path to achieving self-actualization.
Five of our thirteen leadership team members are social workers, and together, they bring an impressive 85 years of professional experience to ASK Wellness Society. Beyond the numbers, their personal journeys, motivations, and values that drive them truly tell the story of why social work is such a fundamental, transformative profession.
Angela Papou, Director of Merritt Operations, has dedicated nearly seven years to the Society. Her journey into social work was shaped by personal experiences and a deep commitment to social justice.
"I wanted to advocate within systems that aren't always equitable or accessible to everyone," she shares.
For Angela, social work is not just a career, but a calling rooted in the mission to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table. She aims to ensure that all voices are heard. Angela’s dedication to creating equitable opportunities for marginalized communities is the driving force behind her work.
Maintaining that passion and motivation to continue with the work is significant. For Michele Claudepierre, Associate Director of Supportive Housing, the rewards of social work come from seeing visible transformations, no matter how big or small. "It's about creating real, lasting change for individuals who need it most," she says. Whether helping someone through a difficult transition or securing stable housing, Michele takes pride in empowering individuals to thrive and achieve independence.
Deeply rooted values and learned strategies are critical to the job, as outlined by Darlene Web, the Director of Health and Recovery Services at the Maverick Supportive Recovery Program. With 27 years of social work experience, Darlene believes in the influence of empowerment. Her approach centers around helping individuals regain control over their lives.
"Being firm but fair is a strategy that most populations respect and respond well to," Darlene explains. Her work gives individuals the tools to move forward, emphasizing accountability while maintaining respect and understanding.
Social work requires both patience and resilience, as professionals often face complex, emotional challenges. Michele emphasizes the importance of setting firm boundaries and advises other social workers not to take things personally, saying,
"people in crisis may act out of frustration, and it's essential to remember that it's not about you."
Maintaining self-care and healthy boundaries is key to ensuring social workers continue to make a meaningful impact while avoiding burnout.
Angela echoes this idea sharing, “this profession is so rewarding, but also has many challenges. So, make your own wellness a priority! Take your breaks and do things you enjoy. Having our cups full makes it much easier to fill others’ cups.”
At ASK Wellness Society, the success of our diverse continuum of services is rooted in teamwork. It's a value and a core principle that drives every positive outcome. Each change results from a collective effort, a team working together to help create lasting, meaningful impacts for individuals. Kim Galloway, Operating Officer, has over 20 years of experience. She deeply understands and believes in the power of collaboration.
"Social work is best when it's collaborative—lean on your team for support," Kim advises, emphasizing the strength of working together to help those in need.
The fifth member of our leadership team with roots in social work is Jeremy Cain, Director of Outreach and Clinical Services, who has worked in the field for 16 years. Jeremy embodies this year’s theme of celebrating varied roles within the profession. He notes enjoying the oversight of such a diverse range of services within his portfolio, which includes Street Outreach, Overdose Prevention, and Drug Checking services, as well as our Community Living Programs, which help adults with developmental disabilities with their housing and community inclusion support needs.
In addition to the leadership team, we are proud to work alongside many other talented social workers, including Nicole Hayman, Casandra Quaedvlieg, Veronica Jameson, and Elisha Noyes. We also celebrate those staff members working toward their Bachelor of Social Work degrees and future registration, like Kirsten Dickey, Nicole Owad, and Casandra Schodt. Their commitment to the profession inspires us all.
As we honour Social Work Month, join us in recognizing the quiet, often unseen work of social workers. They are the advocates, the supporters, and the champions who stand up for those who often need it most. Whether in the field for one year or a lifetime, social workers change lives, create opportunities, and build a more inclusive world for everyone.
