Change Can Happen. Profiles in community leadership: Michelle Shaw

Central City Foundation is once again celebrating examples of extraordinary community leadership and innovation from the organizations we walk alongside and support. These individuals and their organizations have demonstrated that change can happen in our community. As part of this celebration, we asked each of our profiled leaders to share their thoughts on leadership, community and hope for a brighter future.

Michelle Shaw, Director of Operations – Fraser South, Pacific Community Resources Society

For almost three decades, Michelle has been devoted to helping young people and families in our local communities. Her leadership at PCRS has led to the creation of many innovative and inclusive services that meet young people where they are at and help them improve their health and reclaim their sense of purpose and passions. Michelle continues to ensure excellence in PCRS programs such as the new Foundry Surrey, the innovative youth housing program The 112 and that the voices of community are heard in government through her role as co-chair of the Surrey Vulnerable Women and Girls Working Group.

Q:  How does your organization help address the conditions faced by people in the inner city?

Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) has provided vital BC services for 40 years. Our programs focus on several key areas that help mitigate barriers and create opportunities. These include youth and family, education, employment, housing, and mental health and substance use services. PCRS’s mission to create healthy communities supports our efforts to collaborate with all stakeholders to address economic and social barriers that limit access to health care, education and social services.

Q:  How would you describe some of the common lived experiences, systemic inequalities/inequities and other challenges faced by the people you work with?

When discussing the lived experiences and challenges faced by our participants, we acknowledge that these experiences can vary widely based on factors such as geography, socio-economic status, ethnic background, gender, age and other identities. However, some common themes of systemic inequalities and inequities we see include economic, access to education, healthcare disparities, racial and ethnic discrimination, mental health stigma, housing inequities, gender inequalities, and newcomer settlement challenges. We often see young people who are transitioning from care, unable to navigate complex government systems, and understanding these experiences helps in creating targeted interventions and support systems designed to address and alleviate these inequalities. Engaging with communities, listening to their needs, and fostering inclusive policies are crucial in addressing these challenges.

Q:  How would you describe the importance of community connections and a sense of acceptance and belonging for the people you work with?

Community connections and a sense of acceptance and belonging are essential for fostering well-being and promoting resilience among the people we work with. It is crucial for enhancing the emotional, social, and psychological well-being of individuals. Feeling isolated and alone when facing challenges is so hard. Creating safety where people can reach out and know they are not alone and that there is a community to support them creates an environment where people can thrive, feel supported, face their challenges and in turn, contribute back to their families and community.

Q:  Looking ahead, can you share with us some of your thoughts about where you see that change can happen?

The benefit of a 30-year career is that you have the gift of history. I have seen so much change, but no more than recently. Movements advocating for social justice and equality are gaining momentum around the world. Technology and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in healthcare systems. The strong voices and rights of Indigenous Peoples are being recognized. There are stronger grass roots movements supporting local solutions and encouraging civic engagement to empower youth and families to make impactful contributions to their communities.

Q:  What are some examples that give you hope for a better future for the people with who you work?

There is so much that gives me hope lately. I have seen both local and provincial governments, as well as large authorities, come together and compromise to ensure young people have the best support for success in housing. Funding bodies stretch the envelope to support non-profits to own facilities so families and youth can always have a safe place to go. Community organizations are coming together to build services in the community regardless of who is leading. The involvement of people living in the community in developing services for their community and having an authentic voice throughout the process. All of this gives me so much hope as it empowers people and creates ownership, a sense of belonging and purpose, as well as stability and safety.

Q:  How would you describe the value of developing relationships and collaboration in your work and organizations like Central City Foundation?

PCRS is intentional about developing relationships. We partner with and seek out organizations that share similar values and missions. I believe collaboration allows us to share expertise and align efforts toward common goals, which ultimately enhances the shared and collective impact. Our relationship with the Central City Foundation is invaluable as it supports us to not only enhance the impact of our vision but also allow us to be creative in how we do this. Our City Centre Youth Hub is an example of a very unique collaboration with Central City Foundation. This collaboration ensures that the inner-city youth of Surrey will have a safe space for many years.

What has support from Central City Foundation meant for your organization?

Support from Central City Foundation has been instrumental for PCRS to enhance our capacity to deliver essential services and programs aimed at helping youth, families, and individuals facing challenges in the community. Our partnership allows us to be creative. The funding and resources provided by Central City Foundation can help PCRS expand its outreach, improve service delivery, and develop innovative programs. All partnerships foster a culture of mutual learning. Our partnership with CCF helps us to share best practise and success to create an environment where continuous improvement is valued and supports meaningful change. Strengthened services can lead to better outcomes for clients, ultimately improving the wellbeing of the community.

Q:  Do you have a call to action for our CCF community that you would like to share?

When organizations come together, I believe they have a stronger, more powerful voice to advocate for systemic change. A united voice has greater influence in policy discussions and can lead to improved conditions for the communities we serve. We would be proud to continue working with CCF to build a brighter future. At PCRS, we believe that together we can create lasting change in our community. We invite you to get involved and make an impact in the lives of those who need it the most.