Picture Taken at the Historic Hat Creek Ranch, Cache BC, Canada. On Friday, June 20, 2025.
Position Summary: Wellness Support Worker
My practicum experience as a Wellness Support Worker at the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Genesis Place in Kamloops was both transformative and deeply educational. Throughout my placement, I had the opportunity to engage directly with individuals living in supportive housing, many of whom are navigating complex intersections of mental health challenges, housing insecurity, and food instability. This hands-on experience enabled me to move beyond classroom theory and immerse myself in the lived realities of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
My role involved offering both practical and emotional support to residents. On any given day, this could include assisting someone in preparing a nutritious meal, helping with personal organization, or simply being present to listen with empathy and without judgment. What struck me most about this work was the dignity and resilience of the individuals I supported. Each person brought a unique story shaped by systemic barriers, trauma, and survival, and each deserved compassion and care grounded in a rights-based approach.
Program Learning Outcome (PLO) Development
The goals I set at the outset of my practicum were centred around three core program learning outcomes: gaining a critical awareness of the debates shaping human rights and social justice, experiencing firsthand the key issues at stake locally and nationally, and articulating my insights clearly through group work and reflection. I chose these objectives because of my longstanding interest in exploring the interplay between housing and food insecurity, particularly within the context of British Columbia. I can confidently say that my learning objectives were fully realized, especially in the final phase of my placement.
Genesis Place addresses the deep-rooted connections between shelter, nutrition, and mental wellness through a model of supportive housing that reflects a human-rights-based approach. This includes a particular focus on serving Indigenous clients and those recovering from mental illness, who traditional housing models often underserve. I witnessed how access to stable housing, culturally appropriate care, and consistent food support can dramatically improve a person’s outlook, safety, and capacity to thrive.
This practicum also enhanced my critical thinking, communication, and team collaboration skills. I participated in care planning meetings, engaged in reflective conversations with staff, and contributed to discussions about service improvements. I was encouraged to think deeply and speak clearly, both in formal settings and informal interactions, which strengthened my confidence and ability to offer original perspectives.
My practicum at CMHA Kamloops’ Genesis Place not only fulfilled my academic learning outcomes but also confirmed my commitment to advocacy and community-based care. I have gained practical insights into how rights-based, inclusive housing models can address systemic injustice and promote wellness. More importantly, I leave this experience with a renewed sense of purpose and readiness to continue contributing meaningfully to social justice work in any setting I find myself in going forward.
Orientation
At the beginning of my practicum, I received a formal orientation from the Case Manager, Audrey Asamoah, and a front-line staff member, Clinton Egwakhide, on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May 2025. Their guidance provided me with a strong foundation for understanding the policies, values, and day-to-day operations of Genesis Place. In addition to the in-person orientation, I was scheduled for a series of mandatory online training sessions, including Naloxone administration, Psychological First Aid, Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour, and Effective Workplace Boundaries. These trainings are the same as those offered to newly hired CMHA staff and significantly equipped me to function confidently and competently in my support role.
Reflections of my Practicum Experience on Human Rights and Social Justice, and Future Plans
One of the most eye-opening moments during my practicum came on May 7, 2025, when I accompanied Clinton Egwakhide on my first wellness check with residents. As someone deeply concerned about housing insecurity, I was flabbergasted by what I encountered. The rooms at Genesis Place were not only spacious and well-maintained, but they were also designed with a sense of dignity in mind. Each resident had access to privacy, comfort, and safety, elements often missing in low-income or emergency housing environments. Even more impressive was the fact that residents received three nutritious meals daily without having to worry about where their next meal would come from.
That day, I experienced a significant shift in my understanding of the practical application of human rights. I had studied the rights to housing and food in theory, but seeing them in action, in a facility that embeds these rights into everyday care, helped me fully grasp what it means to treat housing as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege. Genesis Place does not merely house people; it affirms their right to live in conditions that promote mental wellness, dignity, and hope. This moment was a turning point for me. It showed me that real social justice work is not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet stability offered to people who have gone too long without it.
Professional Networking
Throughout my placement, I also found a deep sense of connection with the management and staff at Genesis Place. From our conversations to team collaborations, I felt not only supported but genuinely welcomed into the organization’s culture of care and accountability. The highlight of this connection was being scheduled for a job interview on the very last day of my practicum, June 18, 2025. This invitation felt like a full-circle moment: I started my practicum as a student eager to learn, and I ended it as a candidate hoping to become part of the team. My relationship with the staff at CMHA Kamloops affirmed that social justice work is best done in the community, with people who share a vision of care and equity.
This practicum has had a significant impact on my future plans. Initially, I saw this experience as a temporary step in my academic journey, a required placement to complete a program. However, I now see it as a launching pad. I want to continue working in this sector, and more specifically, I aim to be part of organizations that prioritize mental health, housing, and Indigenous reconciliation. My time at Genesis Place has affirmed my desire to be an advocate and a frontline worker, someone who doesn’t just talk about change but participates in building it, one relationship at a time.
Overall, this practicum was more than just a learning opportunity. It was a personal and professional awakening. It solidified my belief that everyone deserves safe shelter, food security, and emotional support, and it demonstrated to me that these ideals are achievable when we commit to justice-oriented care. I carry this experience forward with both gratitude and renewed determination to be part of the change I want to see in the world.