North Bay Community Supports Frontline Workers During Community Support Month
Sometimes good news takes time to come full circle, especially when it’s good news. Last year during Community Support Month, PHARA Community Services invited the public to share messages of thanks and encouragement for the vital frontline workers who are such an important part of our health care system.
What followed was an outpouring of kindness. Over the days, weeks, and even months that followed, PHARA received a flood of heartfelt notes. Those messages were collected and shared with the PHARA team as promised, and now, as this October’s celebration begins, the messages are being shared back with the community.
“We asked the community, and they delivered. The messages were from the heart and mean a lot, both to the team and to me,” said Mike Van der Vlist, CEO of PHARA Community Services. “I tell the team every chance I get that they are making a difference in the community, but it’s inspiring when the community says the same thing, in ways that I never could.”
While the comments provided remain anonymous to protect privacy, statements include:
“We love our PSW helper. They make a world of difference.”
“Thank you to all the amazing PSWs who show up every day with compassion and kindness. Your care makes a real difference.”
“PSWs are the unsung heroes of healthcare.”
“You don’t just do a job, you make lives better every single day. Thank you for your heart and service.”
“They (PSWs) help my mom and it means a lot. Thank you.”
Across Ontario, more than 20,000 employees and 100,000 volunteers provide crucial home and community care services, working with charities and not-for-profit organizations.
“Our team is award-winning, has outstanding client feedback, and consistently aces annual third-party provincial reviews. I brag about them all the time because they deserve it and because North Bay should know,” added Van der Vlist. “On top of their amazing work, I’ve challenged our team to take advantage of PHARA’s training opportunities so they can continue to grow and thrive in their roles. I’m proud to say they’ve risen to the challenge and are improving their skills every day.”
This year, PHARA is encouraging people to personally their care support network during Community Support Month. Acknowledging the contributions of frontline workers not only shows appreciation but also builds awareness, encourages collaboration, and inspires others to help create safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities.
“A simple ‘thank you’ can make a big difference to the people on the frontlines, many of whom support some of the most vulnerable members of society, including seniors,” said Van der Vlist. “Our leadership team says thank you all the time, and I hope you will too.”
Members of the PHARA team came together to support the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is a call to listen, learn, and take action toward healing and reconciliation.