Kelly's Story
There’s no such thing as a ‘typical day’ in my job as a Community Navigator at The North Grove. I arrive in the morning with my ‘to do’ list in hand, but as soon as I open my email, my day can immediately change. Like the morning I found an urgent request waiting for me from a social worker.
One of her clients, a single mom with a serious health issue, had no way of getting to the hospital for her doctor appointments. She lives with a disability and is on a fixed income. To make matters worse, she’s extra stressed because the holidays are just around the corner and she’s worried about how she’ll be able to provide for her child.
Thanks to supporters like you, I was able to respond right away.
I connected the mom to the Community Health Team for help with her ongoing health needs. Then I made sure she knew about our Community Meals, subsidized produce market, and the various organizations that offer hampers and other holiday support.
Complex situations like these are all too common at The North Grove, particularly with the lack of affordable housing in our city. People are forgoing meals in order to pay their rent and the need for navigation has increased dramatically.
Dealing with challenges like these takes time and patience and that's where I come in. My position exists thanks to the support of donors like you and that means I can be there to help community members who are struggling.
I’m always in the dining room during community meals with many seniors telling me the meal they eat at The North Grove is their only meal of the day. Or that coming to a North Grove program is the only time they leave their apartment.
Many seniors in the area don’t have a computer or access to the Internet, so I also help them fill out forms or book medical appointments online.
These are the kinds of services your gift makes possible. Can you make a special end-of-year gift this year?
I hear about the struggles of so many individuals and families every week. And there are some stories you never forget.
Like the young person who was trying so hard to get her life off the ground, she was a student getting ready for post-secondary education.
Unfortunately, her precarious housing took a turn for the worse and put her at risk of homelessness. Her mental health suffered under the strain and suddenly it looked like her dreams might evaporate before she could even get started.
Thankfully she reached out for help.
Listening was the most important thing I did that day. I provided a caring ear and a strong shoulder to cry on. And once everything was shared, we were able to put our heads together and come up with a plan.
I connected her to a host of community supports across the city. She kept her housing. She made it to school. And the last time I saw her she was starting a new job.
I think of that story on the days when there are no easy answers, and it keeps me going.
There’s no formula for this type of work. But I do know building trust is always the hardest and most important part.
You know how much time it can take to fill out government paperwork or navigate government systems. Your support makes one-on-one care available to some of our most vulnerable neighbours.
Sometimes that means noticing when someone hasn’t been at breakfast and calling to check on them. Other times it is serving a meal or refilling a coffee for someone with mobility issues who can’t carry their food to the table.
It feels good knowing that an elderly person, with no family nearby, has someone looking out for them. As Atlantic Canadians we are used to helping each other out, but the need has never been greater and your generosity never more important.
Your gift will provide much-needed support to individuals and families in the heart of our city.
Your end-of-year gift will be doubled – giving it twice the impact.
That means twice the support for healthy meals every week, or family playgroups, or ongoing access to one-on-one support that helps community members navigate some of their most challenging times.
Please make a special end-of-year gift and bring food, family and friendship to The North Grove community this season.
With gratitude,
Kelly Edwards
Community Navigator
