Wood's Homes Blog

Thanksgiving is a time when many of us reflect on what we’re most thankful for. It reminds us of how special and beautiful our lives are even when we are faced with challenging and stressful situations. We often look for coping tools to get through tough times, and being thankful is especially important in the midst of a pandemic when the world around us is unpredictable. At Wood’s Homes, the joy of working with children, youth and families, the support we receive from our loyal and generous community tops our list.

In the spirit of the season, we asked our clients and staff what they are thankful for.

Thanksgiving 2020 feels different this year – for all of us. COVID-19 has moved us to think about life in different ways and to count our blessings just a little more. What tops our ‘Be Thankful’ list here at Wood’s Homes is the joy we get working with children, youth and families, the support we receive from our loyal and generous community, and our ability to continue the work of our founder, Reverend George Wood. 

In the spirit of the season, we decided to ask our clients and staff what they are thankful for. Click 'Read More' to hear what they had to say.

An Acute@Home (formerly Emergency Room Outreach) family was asked to reflect on their personal experience with mental health and share their recommendations for families beginning their mental health journeys while navigating available supports. To protect the privacy of the client, the pseudo-name Becky is used below.

Thanksgiving is a time when many of us reflect on what we’re most thankful for. At Wood’s Homes, the joy of working with children, youth and families, the support we receive from the community and the 105 year history we’ve shared in Calgary – an amazing city – tops our list.

In the spirit of the season, we decided to ask our clients what they are thankful for. Some of the answers we received were surprising, but always heartwarming.

Thanksgiving is a time when many of us reflect on what we’re most thankful for. At Wood’s Homes, the joy of working with children, youth and families, the support we receive from the community and the 100 year history we’ve shared in Calgary – an amazing city – tops our list.

Last month, I got to chat with a client currently in Wood’s Homes Altadore program. Check out the below Q&A to hear what they had to say about their time with Wood’s Homes!

It was 1967 when I came to Wood's Christian Home. I had been running away from home a lot by that time. My stepmother administered severe physical punishment and my Dad was heavy-handed as well. There came a point when I just wanted to leave to get away from it all.  I wasn’t the best kid, but never knew why I was punished so much. I was labeled a troublemaker and subject to harsh discipline almost all the time.  

“What is a houseparent and why would you do this?” “How do you manage to have a social life?” “Aren’t you worried about your safety?”

As a houseparent for the past two years, these are a few of the questions I was frequently asked. I was always surprised and sometimes taken back that ‘outsiders’ saw my chosen profession as a ‘death sentence’, or so to speak.  So, with that in mind, I thought I’d write a blog based on a few misconceptions, and add a bit of the heart and soul that goes into being a houseparent.

Over 100 years ago, Wood's Homes was founded on the idea that opening one's home to those in need was the right thing to do. That first act by our founder, Reverend George Wood, who took in the children of a soldier leaving for war, was the start of our dedication to fostering and marked the humble beginnings of our organization.

Today, our Foster Care Network is one of the largest fostering programs in the country. We work with some amazing families to provide comfort for youth in need. One such family has been willing to tell us of their fostering experience and we're happy to share that with you today.

Andy is 26 and has been homeless for seven years.

There’s a story behind every person without a home: After a shower and something to eat, Andy says he’s ready to share his.