Preventing homeless youth from becoming homeless adults
Executive Director
emckay@operationcomehome.ca
I started working at Operation Come Home because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of at risk and homeless youth. I believe that marginalized youth have the same hopes and aspirations as all youth in society. It is my role to advocate, direct, develop programs, seek out funding sources and to support the work of my staff, the youth, Board of Directors and our stakeholders.
Co-Manager of Operations
natalie@operationcomehome.ca
I feel that everyone deserves a chance in life, and without opportunities and education change cannot happen. Organizations like Operation Come Home give youth a chance to learn and grow. The youth that come through our doors may not be ready to grasp onto what we offer here, but in time they will. They will be ready to make a change in their lives.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
O.C. Teacher, Ottawa Catholic School Board
elizabeth.thompson@ocsb.ca
At the request of some street involved youth and OCH, the Ottawa Catholic School Board brought a ministry recognized education program to downtown Ottawa. It has been my privilege to be apart of this initiative for 6 years and I stay because it works.
Co-Manager of Operations
lynda@operationcomehome.ca
Ever since working at Operation Come Home, I have been able to see first-hand how beneficial support for at-risk youth can be. I’ve seen and helped clients get jobs, get homes or learn to cope with their personal problems on a regular basis. Every day is a set of new challenges, and I’m happy to be there so they don’t have to face them alone. The reality is that helping youth sort out their futures now makes sure they have futures to look forward to.
Job Action Centre
shauna@operationcomehome.ca
Everyone has their story, and sometimes life deals you a tough hand, but what truly matters is how you play your cards. It took me some time to realize that life is what you make it, and now that I am aware of this life lesson, I am passionate in helping the youth I work with realize that power comes from within.
Outreach/Addictions Support Staff
ashley@operationcomehome.ca
I feel incredibly passionate about the work OCH provides. What I feel is most important is that youth have a safe space. A safe space to talk, to be creative, to be active, to be. OCH is a positive outlet for all of those things and I strive to offer this when working with our youth.
BottleWorks Commercial Support Staff
bobbi@operationcomehome.ca
I enjoy the challenge of teaching people new skills they can use in the work place. Seeing the youth become contributing members of society is very rewarding.
Job Action Centre/Jobs Matter Employment Support Staff
melanie@operationcomehome.ca
I’m fortunate to facilitate an employment program that allows me to see our youth succeed and go on to pursue meaningful employment and overcome barriers that once impacted their day to day lives. With our programs, youth are able to realize that they can succeed every day with the skills they’ve developed and the accomplishments that they have achieved during their time at Operation Come Home.
Rogers Achievement Centre Literacy Support Staff
ashleym@operationcomehome.ca
I chose this field because I am fascinated by human social behaviour. I love working at Operation Come Home because it offers unique and innovative programming for youth not found elsewhere, the culture, environment and creativity, and especially, the youth.
Rogers Achievement Centre Support Staff /Health Matters Support Staff
rochelle@operationcomehome.ca
I have always wanted to work with youth because I believe that, given the opportunity and support, they can have a successful future. Working at Operation Come Home has allowed me the chance to work in an environment that is supportive and dedicated to improving the lives of the youth that access our services. The youth of today is our future, being able to be a part of a youth’s journey towards change and a positive lifestyle makes my job worthwhile.
Resource Centre/Health Matters Support Staff
katies@operationcomehome.ca
At a young age we are taught to invest in our future. Working at Operation Come Home is my investment.
FarmWorks Staff
FarmWorks@operationcomehome.ca
The diversity of our clientele and each one’s right to respect, dignity, and access to programs that could be of benefit to each of them, is why I work with FarmWorks. I enjoy providing learning opportunities and planting the seeds of options and accountability, hoping that participants in the program can learn skills and tools to remain grounded by working in the dirt.
People are people, no matter where you go, what age they are, what their income is, or what they value. I take pride in working at OCH, planting seeds of options with our clients.
Housing Works Support Staff/ Resource Centre Support Staff / School Breakfast Program Monitor
Jacob@operationcomehome.ca
I have been working with youth for quite some time now from various different backgrounds, and have seen firsthand the struggles that so many youth go through. Working at Operation Come Home allows me the chance to help youth better themselves and their lives. I always say “Youth are the future of tomorrow, so let’s invest in the now to build a brighter world that has yet to come.”