#WeAreWesley Keira: A Life Skills Specialist Making a Difference

For over 17 years, Keira has dedicated her career to Wesley, growing from an eager college graduate to a seasoned Life Skills Specialist. Her journey has taken her through various roles, from the Wesley Day Center to the Special Care Unit (SCU), housing services worker, and now, life skills support. Along the way, she has supported clients through incredibly difficult times and celebrated with them evert one of their successes.

Keira first stepped into Wesley fresh out of college, not entirely sure what to expect. The old Wesley Day Center on Ferguson was a daunting place at first with so much to learn as a new graduate, but she embraced the opportunity, wanting more than anything to help those who needed it most. Coming from a family that values and takes action to give back to their community, Keira knew this was the line of work for her.

Over time, she moved into a full-time role and became more comfortable in the fast-paced and often challenging environment. From there, she was asked to help at the Special Care Unit, which would become her home base for nearly eight years. It was during this time that Keira saw firsthand the impact of housing stability on individuals facing immense challenges. “I got to see how the SCU became a place where clients could heal from their trauma and transition back into independent living in a supported way.”

This experience fueled Keira’s passion for housing and social work, leading her to a new role supporting clients in their transition to permanent homes. Keira found herself drawn to life skills support—helping individuals thrive once they were housed.

Today, Keira meets people at a crucial turning point in their lives: when they move from shelters or unstable living situations into permanent housing. While this transition is exciting, it often comes with significant challenges. Many of her clients are starting from scratch, without the basic supplies or skills needed to maintain their homes.

“When I describe my job, I say I’m like an umbrella—I cover all sorts of things. Clients let me know the kind of support they need, and we figure it out together.”

From securing furniture and employment to budgeting, taking care of pets, and handling trauma, Keira helps her clients navigate the complexities of independent living. Even seemingly small things—like obtaining cleaning supplies, setting up a CRA account, organizing paperwork, or learning how to make new, affordable recipes—make a huge difference.

“For many of my clients, it’s about breaking things down into manageable steps. If we need to clean the bathroom this week, that’s the goal. If we need to walk the dog and pick up after them, that’s the goal. It’s about making progress, one step at a time.”
Keira currently works with about 20 clients, though her support extends beyond scheduled meetings. Many of her clients, particularly seniors, rely on her as their primary point of contact and support system. In the winter months, when mobility is even more of a challenge, she may be the only person they see regularly.

“I can always tell when I haven’t seen someone for a while—they get really down. Just having that interaction, knowing someone cares, can make a huge difference.”

Keira’s work is incredibly rewarding, but it is not without its challenges. The ongoing housing crisis, coupled with financial and systemic barriers, makes it difficult for many individuals to secure and maintain permanent housing. Some clients struggle with mental health issues, addiction, or trauma, which can make progress unpredictable.

It’s also deeply personal. She has experienced the heartbreak of losing clients but also the joy of seeing them build stability and happiness in their own homes. One senior client, who had spent years in SCU before moving into city housing, was overjoyed to finally have her independence. Though she passed away during the holiday season, Keira found solace in knowing she had the support and dignity she deserved in her final days.

“There are times when it feels like an uphill battle. You help someone get settled, and then another challenge comes up. It can be frustrating, but you have to celebrate the small wins.”

One of the biggest challenges Keira faces is ensuring her clients feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. Life skills support is not just about providing solutions but about fostering independence. Sometimes, this means stepping back and allowing individuals to take control of their own lives, even if it means making mistakes along the way.

“I remind myself that my role isn’t to do everything for them—it’s to help them build the skills and confidence to do it themselves. That’s when you know you’ve really made a difference.”

Despite the obstacles, Keira remains dedicated to her clients and their success. Seeing individuals who have faced many traumas and setbacks regain their independence, reconnect with family, or simply feel at home for the first time in years keeps her going.

She recalls a client who, after spending years in shelters, finally had a place of his own.“He sent me a photo of his apartment, and he was so proud. He said, ‘Look, I even got my own Christmas tree this year.’ Moments like that remind me why I do this work.”

Keira’s role extends beyond practical support—it’s about restoring dignity, fostering resilience, and showing people that they are not alone. In a world where housing insecurity continues to be a pressing issue, her work is a beacon of hope for those navigating the path to stability. She’s proud of the unique involvement that Wesley is able to have in the community. There aren’t many programs with the same level of accessibility and available support, and Keira feels lucky that we’re able to help in these ways thanks to our donors and supporters.

On top of Keira’s love for her clients and for Wesley as a whole, she’s grateful for the whole Housing Team, a solid and supportive group, both professionally and personally. She values that she can call on her teammates in difficult moments, knowing she can debrief and work through challenges with them. Expressing emotions is encouraged rather than suppressed, something she believes is crucial to their work. Keira appreciates the strong rapport they’ve built, recognizing how their unique strengths help both the team and the individuals they support thrive. Like Keira, multiple team members have been part of the team for many years, contributing to its stability and success, loving what they are able to do for the community.

Keira doesn’t see herself stopping anytime soon. She continues to adapt to the changing needs of her clients, learning new ways to support them in an ever-evolving social landscape. “As long as I can make a difference, I’ll keep doing this work. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.”

Through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Keira has changed countless lives. Her story is a testament to the power of human connection and the difference one person can make in the lives of many. Thank you for your incredible work, Keira! #WeAreWesley