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Linda Wilson

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Biography
Since 1984 I have been working with people living on the margins of society in Halifax Nova Scotia. Even as a child I had an interest in why some people have more belongings and opportunities, and some people do not. I had everything in abundance.

I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies at what is now known as Cape Breton University in Sydney Nova Scotia. It was there where I began my academic study of the social implications of housing and home life. From there I attended Sheridan College in Oakville Ontario and graduated with a Diploma In Community Planning. I returned to Nova Scotia and worked for five years as a Planning Technician with the City of Halifax Planning Department.

My interest in housing related issues broadened, so I volunteered with Adsum House http://adsumforwomen.org/content/, a shelter for homeless women and children, Hope Cottage www.hopecottage.ca/ a soup kitchen for homeless men, and a crisis help line. After about 18 months I began paid employment with Adsum House as a Relief Worker and six months later was hired full time, with a salary reduction of 1/3, which I have never regretted. Ad Sum House changed my life; there I began my analysis of privilege. After five years working as an Advocacy Worker, the Coordinator of Volunteers and finally a Public Relations and Fundraising Officer, I was recruited to work as the Executive Director of Phoenix Youth Programs www.phoenixyouth.ca/. Phoenix works with homeless and at risk youth who are between 16 and 24 years old. I worked there for eight years and often felt that, although, I was 32 years old when I arrived, I grew up at Phoenix. While there I completed a Bachelor of Social Work and started a Master of Social Work degree, with a concentration in Community Development at Dalhousie University.

In 1998 I was recruited to be the Executive Director of what is now known as HomeBridge Youth Society where I am currently employed. We work as non-governmental organization with youth who are between the ages of 12 and 18 years old and are in the care of the Nova Scotia Minister of Community Services. This work is done in 6 residential settings; emergency placement and longer-term interventions, a school and a therapeutic program of the arts. If you want to know more about our outstanding work please visit: www.homebridgeyouth.ca

Since at HomeBridge I have finished my Master’s degree in Social Work and have become an Adjunct Professor at the Dalhousie University School of Social Work.

How I came to be in this field
In a grade nine current affairs class, a teacher introduced the concept of homelessness. I became devoted to understanding this issue. The rest of my life I have been focused on the meaning and character of home life, what home means, wanting every one to have a safe and supportive home and understanding that home means different things to different people at different times in their lives. All my professional positions have brought me closer to the root cause of homelessness. I know that in Canada 68% of youth in group-care and foster-care will experience homelessness after they turn sixteen. I want that to end so focus my time on figuring out ways to prevent homelessness. There is a lot to do, and a lot to consider.

Some favorite sayings

'Against the force of laughter nothing can stand' – Mark Twain

'The giving of love is an education in itself. We have the possibility to learn from everything we do and everything we don’t do' – Eleanor Roosevelt

'Be kinder than necessary, for everyone is fighting some kind of battle' – Billie Holliday

A few thoughts about child and youth care

• It is possibly the most important work in the world.
• It is possibly the hardest work in the world.
• It is God’s work.

My puppy, Eley

Last thing I read, watched, heard, which I would recommend to others

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

This site was recommend by HomeBridge Business Manager, Colleen Clark, a few years ago and I go back regularly to smile and feel good about the world.

A favorite Child and Youth Care experience
I have to say it’s the HomeBridge Youth Society Annual General Meeting. We decided a few years ago to incorporate, amid the dry reports, a youth art show, opportunities for the young people to perform the musical, dancing, and circus skills they have learned during the year through our Expressions Program of the Arts, we honor employees of all professions with service awards while the Board of Directors holds their public meeting.

Employees participate with the young people as they display their talents; speak about their experiences in HomeBridge facilities and programs and in our school known as Bridges for Learning. Members of the general public are present, benefactors, and social workers, colleagues from other organizations and agencies, parents, friends, teachers, elected officials, and supporters of all kinds.

HomeBridge follows a multi disciplinary approach to residential youth care, and all professions have something to bring to the success of the Annual General Meeting. It is impressive, motivational, inspirational, and a day that we truly all stand together and applaud the young people…and ourselves.

It is the one day of the year that it is made so clear that we all have a role to play in the success of our organization and the impact we have on the young people we have the privilege of serving.

Hawthorne House Community clean up

A few thoughts for those starting out

• Have a theme song to celebrate yourself, and get you through the rough and doubt filled times. For the last twelve years mine has been: Walk this Road by Bruce Guthro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WNsC6QLIko
• Get yourself a mentor or a coach. Someone who will support AND challenge you.
• Understand that your personal and professional values have to match for your work to be authentic and effective. If that is not happening, move on to a place where they align. It will be better for everyone.
• Be a life long learner about the work and yourself. Both should be constantly evolving.
• Remember that your employers and colleagues are looking for good practitioners AND good employees. Understand whom you are with and for whom you are working.

Recommended link to view when feeling tired out
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdtY7fFqJeo

A recommended Child and Youth Care reading link
www.cyc-net.org/cyc-online/cycol-0205-hilton.html

Influences on my work
My Dad who believed “people were basically good” and it was most important to be informed, progressive, reflective, honest and kind. The people I have known through the places I have worked. Taking the risk of changing careers, and having a heartfelt purpose. The learning I have gleaned through the privilege of formal and informal education. Role models, too many to mention who “took the high road”. My evolution thanks to people of a variety of professions and backgrounds who have given me the gift of their time in philosophical and ethical conversations. People who have with kindness supported me, and with courage and investment, challenged me. Ernie Hilton, my colleague who has taught me the most about the Youth Care Approach certainly through his work but even by how he lives. Watching people who choose to work in the community, persevering in the struggle of living their beliefs and doing whatever they can, despite everything else.

Anything else
I am honored to contribute to this effort. I admire the profession of Youth Care as much as I do my own. And I LOVE my own