Since Wesley’s outreach work began almost 70 years ago in the basement of the old Wesley United Church, there have been many dedicated individuals who walk with people through some of the hardest days of life.
Meet the next generation of Wesley staff carrying on this lifesaving tradition – Joe, the Manager of Housing and Outreach Services, Hamilton, who works with Wesley’s Special Care Unit, a harm-reduction housing program for people with substance use as well as Wesley’s Supportive Housing a multi-agency partnership which provides long-term supportive housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health diagnosis; as well as leading a dedicated team of outreach workers who work with people living in encampments to find housing.
Joe has been at Wesley for several months but has many years of deep experience working with harm reduction programs in Toronto and Hamilton. He’s worked at drop in centres, non-profits and supportive housing units, implementing harm reduction programs.
He comes to Wesley with a background of lived experience himself, having been homeless with a history of addictions. He saw his younger brother die from a fentanyl overdose seven years ago. He saw his mother and family suffering with grief.
That became his drive and inspiration to do his work. “If I could prevent that for even one person,” he said. “That’s been my mission to make sure I do.”
Over the years, he worked to set up harm reduction programs and training. He worked with clients. He did so by bringing his own lived experiences.
When Joe talks with clients, he knows what they don’t want to hear. He listens and brings a non-judgmental approach that helps them lower their guard. He brings his experience. “Like an unspoken bond,” he called it.
From all his experience, Joe learned what needs to be done and that authentic trust is everything – to him, to the success of clients, and to the work of our community.
When he joined Wesley, he found it was a perfect fit. He saw how Wesley was supporting harm reduction programs which he sees as key to helping people become housed.
As a manager, he works with supervisors from the programs. He’s striving to listen carefully and ensure they get what they need.
He’s providing resources on harm reduction – from basics to self-care to debriefing tools to assist with grief. This includes training and language used for referral and intake forms – which is so important to hinder stigma that causes harm.
Wesley’s values of harm reduction aligns with his own. His colleagues have a like-minded approach to work hard and make a difference. Joe loves empowerment and being a voice for the voiceless. “That’s where the magic happens,” he said.
He wants to give people the tools to succeed – which he points out Wesley does. He brings a client-centered lens. Joe knows how wonderful it feels to empower people to change their lives.
Joe pointed out how Wesley has 18 different teams working together to create contextual and individualized case, safety and harm reductions plans. That helps each client on their own path.
As a manager, Joe is farther away from the front line with less casework with clients. However, he is now making his impact through policies and management to empower people to live their best lives. Everything he does continues to be about client advocacy.
For example, Joe mentions how Wesley’s Special Care Unit focuses on harm reduction, which meets clients where they are at and focuses on stabilizing their unique challenges, including substance use and poverty, in a practical manner.
Joe also thinks about all the changes he still wants to see in the world including more affordable, supportive housing, safer drug supply and for no family to go through the pain of losing a loved one because they couldn’t get help.
While Joe and his team continue to work, he “trusts the process.” He knows the supportive staff he works with. He already feels like he’s been here forever.
As he does so, Joe carries with him the lived experience which, along with professional work experience and education, is valued at Wesley. Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment – these are our core values in action.
Please join Joe and the Wesley team in transforming lives and building a stronger, more compassionate community. You can find active job listings here.
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