HEU member Josie Whitehead is passionate about her job as a family and child care worker at Amata Transition House in Quesnel.
Amata provides shelter and support to women and children, who have experienced, or are at risk of violence.
Whitehead’s work – which she’s been doing for the past 12 years – primarily involves providing respite to women and their children in crisis. But it’s a job that requires much more than that.
“We need to console clients, but we also need to encourage them to tell their story so we can offer the best support possible,” says Whitehead. “By letting them know there’s no judgement here, women feel they can talk freely and openly with us.”
The work is not easy, but has its rewards.
Whitehead remembers one client, who was especially challenged, but with support was able to make important life changes. “About two years later, I saw her and her child. They were living on their own. She was so happy and thanked me for the hard work we had done together to get her to where she was.”
Although Whitehead began her career wanting to work with children, she discovered a passion for social work after university. It was a natural fit for her, since she grew up in services as a child. “I was in ministry care at one point or another. This is my way of giving back.”
To do this work, Whitehead practises self-care. “One of the things I tell clients is, if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t help anyone else. I take that advice too.”