Meet Chelsea and Kevin, our new Oasis Student Placements!

At Oasis-Dufferin, our partnership with the Social Work program at George Brown each fall is vital. In September, we welcome new placement students who join us in learning about, and working on, everything the centre has to offer. It’s no easy job; there may be a rhythm to every week, but there are always surprises (like record snowfalls during our truck delivery days!). 

This year, we’re welcoming two fresh faces to the centre, Kevin and Chelsea. Both are in their second year in the George Brown Social Service Worker program, and bring a huge amount of energy, insight and heart — not to mention a healthy dose of humor — to their roles. And despite the fact that they’ve been here only a short period of time, they both are already a part of the Oasis team. Read on to learn more about them both! 

What inspired you to get into social work?

Chelsea. “Before this, I had a different life. I used to be a preschool teacher. It didn’t feel as purposeful as I had hoped, and during the pandemic I started to feel really burned out. I had always wanted to go into social work. I was in Trinity Bellwoods sitting in a park writing in my journal, and I said, “If I get into this program, it’s a sign.” The next week, I got in and I thought to myself, “This is fate. This is where I’m supposed to be.” 

Kevin: My life has been rocky up to this point, and I received services from social workers. Half of my experiences were good, and half were pretty poor. I’ve always been someone who has been more inclined to support people in my life, and I thought, I’ve got all this lived experienced, I know what not to do because I’ve seen it, so social work seems like a pretty good fit. That’s what lead me to find a career path that was aligned with my own values. 

What drew you to do your placement at Oasis?

Kevin: I wasn’t aware of Oasis, but when I saw it on the list I thought it would be a pretty darn good fit. For me, it marries my previous career and current job with what I’m trying to study as well. In my previous career, I managed the produce department at Walmart, so I do have that food service experience. I currently work as a peer support worker at George Brown, so the fact that Oasis also had peer work meant that it really checked off all the boxes for me.

What areas of social work are you interested in getting into in the future?

Chelsea: What I’ve learned at Oasis is that I’m really interested in case management. People can come to us and say, “Hey, I need help with housing,” and they don’t have the resources or assistance to find the solution for their needs. Because of Oasis, I’ve gained an interest in doing that and being that point of contact. Like, “Hey. I understand your needs or what you’re looking for, so let me help you with that.” In the futre, I’d like to be a caseworker of some sort.

Kevin: Nothing has felt like a true calling yet. I do like working in food security, having seen the other side of things from the retail world, I’ve seen how much food gets wasted and it is way more than should ever be the case. So I do have some passion there for trying to meet that waste and divert it back to people who can use it. I’m also very interested in community mental health. For now, I’m just here to learn and try to find which pathway works best.

What type of work do you like doing best at the centre?

Chelsea: Tuesdays are fun. I like setting up, and my favorite part is when we see the community members from 3-5. I love building the relationships with the community.

Kevin: It’s pretty much the same for me. I’m not copying Chelsea’s homework, but that time between 3-5 where we get to meet with the community is very fulfilling because it’s always nice to meet new folks and get to know them, and we’ve met so many wonderful people. That’s the part of the week that I look forward to. 

What are you interested in the year ahead?

Kevin: I’m looking forward to doing more community-facing work on Wednesdays.

Chelsea: I’m excited about helping people uncover resources in the city, and raising funds for Coldest Night of the Year, and working with Amy and Harry on meeting our financial goals. 

What’s your impression of Oasis so far?

Chelsea: I love it. You definitely feel that sense of belonging and that family aspect. I think that’s why people come to Oasis. I love that we’re all in it together.

Kevin: It’s been a very good experience. No one’s afraid to put on a new hat to solve whichever problems may come up. It’s nice to be in an environment where everyone just seems to genuinely care and is willing to work together for the best needs of the community.