KCR is Part of Who I Am
You may remember that KCR Community Resources is celebrating its 40th anniversary year and we thought it would be fun to connect with some of the early KCR team members and volunteers and share their “Full Circle Moment” with you.
Deanna Notte is currently the longest-term staff person at KCR, having started as the Crisis Line Coordinator in 1995. What’s even more cool, is that she has been part of the KCR team for even longer as she actually started as a volunteer in 1986-87, while she was in grade 11.
“The agency was called CR3 back then,” remembers Deanna. “It was located downtown then too, but I can’t quite remember the exact address. My best friend and I were interested in pursuing careers in the helping professions and CR3 was starting up a Youth Crisis Line,” adds Deanna. “We thought it would be a great experience and an opportunity to help people. We attended the training and then took shifts on the line. We were able to be in the room together as they recognized that having a buddy system would help the youth volunteers feel safe and more confident.”
“I remember when we had our first shift on the Youth Crisis Line, we felt so scared and nervous and prayed that the phone wouldn’t ring,” reminisces Deanna. “When it did ring, we would argue about who had to answer it…eventually deciding we would just take turns. Eventually my friend and I became more comfortable and confident with the calls coming in.”
Deanna notes that the training at the time was less intense and a lot shorter than it is now and that the technology also has changed so much. Today, training for Crisis Line Responders is intensive and provides great transferable skills for the Responders that many say benefits their everyday lives. The Crisis Line, and specifically the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lines have text options that allow those needing support to reach out via text, which for youth especially, can be a preferred way to communicate.
Deanna’s second volunteer stint with KCR started in 1994 as she was doing her practicum for her Social Work degree.
“As luck would have it, when I completed my degree, KCR was hiring for the Crisis Line and I jumped at the chance to apply,” explains Deanna. “I got the job and started working with KCR in 1995. If you can believe it, I have been here ever since,” laughs Deanna. “I have taken on many positions and roles in my time here including Crisis Line Coordinator, Manager of Employment Services, Manager of Family Services and now I am working as an Adoption Social Worker for the Adoption Centre of BC, which is part of the KCR umbrella of programs.”KCR has been my ‘work family’ for the past 30 years,” Deanna says proudly. “They have seen me through my marriage and the birth and raising of my two kids. KCR is a part of who I am and I am thankful to still be here all these years later!”
“I think volunteering in an excellent way to give back to your community, to help others and at the same time to gain some valuable skills that will help you in your professional and personal life,” concludes Deanna. “Volunteering really makes a positive difference in the lives you touch and creates new and exciting opportunities for your future!”
Thanks Deanna for sharing your story and for your years of dedicated service to the community!
Lyubov’s Story
Lyubov Horbulenko only arrived in Canada in March 2023 under the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization of Emergency Travel) but she has already found the connections she needs to make her way in Kelowna. “For every person moving to another country, it is stressful, especially if the move is forced. Ukrainians are fleeing the war and looking for a safe place to live. Canada supported us in this and hospitably received many of my compatriots, for which we are infinitely grateful. My story of integration into the Kelowna community was when I learned about KCR from a Kelowna Stands with Ukraine volunteer. My first meeting took place in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The employee was attentive, asked if I felt safe, and what I needed. A Ukrainian-speaking employee of the organization worked with me, which made it possible to feel confident. KCR helped me through all the stages necessary for adaptation and living in Canada. The programs and services included legal support, language courses, access to medical help, job search and even bus tickets. KCR helped me create a resume and find a job. The Job Club helped me to improve my communication skills in English, and gave practical advice and connections to useful acquaintances. KCR conducts many thematic seminars where you can gain knowledge and skills that will help in everyday life during adaptation to new living conditions. KCR helped me adapt quickly to my new living conditions. I felt confident because I had enough useful and important information. I know that if I need help or any additional information, I can always turn to KCR. Therefore, I definitely recommend everyone who needs support and help to contact KCR.”.
Valeriia’s Story
Valeriia, at nine months pregnant, arrived in Kelowna on New Years’ Eve in 2022 with her 2-year old daughter Jannat and gave birth only 6 days later to her daughter Ayat. She fled Ukraine with her husband and daughter to a refugee camp in Germany where the family applied for a visa. In December, Valeriia and Jannat received their visas and the family made the difficult decision to come to Canada without Valeriia’s husband. “We had just a miracle story. Some things in your life you feel like are pre-arranged. My host family – although I wish we could meet under different circumstances than a war – we perfectly match. We feel like we are family. I came without money. We were not able to work while in the refugee camp. I came with two suitcases and my one daughter – and the one in my tummy – and that’s it. Elaine, my host, wasn’t sure what to do with me but her friend who works for KCR was able to connect her with the coordinators of the Family Hub. Even though it was the holidays, they helped connect Elaine to the right resources for us. They knew exactly what to do. After three months being here, I was ready to leave. My husband has still not been able to get a visa and it is very hard to be here alone. Then I went to the Family Hub and they showed me the many opportunities that were here and they opened for me many doors. My Settlement Worker has helped so much and I am in the Gateway program for employment. I am full of hope and I know what to do now. I have a direction. You don’t feel alone when you have an organization like KCR at your back. Now I have so much. I have friends, connections and opportunities. All because of KCR.”
KCR Volunteer Wins Nation-Wide Award
Crisis Line Responders make a human connection with someone each and every day. They respond to texts and calls for those facing crises in their lives and make a difference on a daily basis. The service is anonymous for the safety and protection of both the caller and the responder but by listening and supporting, they make all the difference. KCR has been providing these services for almost 40 years and we are incredibly proud of all of the responders who have served in all of those years. This year we have the honor of sharing that one of our responders has won national recognition with the Jason Chare Excellence “Volunteer of the Year” award. This person was recognized for “being the most caring and gentle responder whose compassion is beyond what is expected. They astonish with the thoughtfulness, consideration and attention they bring to each and every conversation, both with service users and responders.” What keeps this responder motivated? “The role can be intense and challenging at times and knowing I have the skills and strengths to support the person at the other end of the line motivates me. Also, knowing it’s an opportunity to be there for somebody and hear their stories to make a difference and get them to a place of safety.”
Share Your Light Campaign
KCR’s first-ever “Share your Light” campaign in 2023 was an incredible success, raising over $34,000 thanks to the unwavering support of our generous community. These funds allow us to make a difference on a daily basis, addressing emergent needs and providing vital assistance to our participants. Thanks to donors like you, the KCR Sponsor Family Holiday program expanded its reach. Not only did it support families, but it also helped individuals and couples in immediate need. Everyone’s generosity has truly brightened the lives of those experiencing difficult times.
