winter 2020 Newsletter
Amy Baarda joined us in September as our new Director of Programs
It’s been a little over two months since I drove across the country and arrived in Vancouver from Ontario. Having grown up on a farm outside of the small city of Stratford, and having lived and worked in Southwestern Ontario for my entire life, I am in awe of the mountains and beauty of the BC landscape. The view from my office window makes me smile each time I look out and see the mountain peaks on the horizon. As the youngest of seven children and the proud aunt of fifteen nephews and nieces, I’m excited to share this part of the country with family and friends once travel is possible.
It’s been a little over two months since I drove across the country and arrived in Vancouver from Ontario. Having grown up on a farm outside of the small city of Stratford, and having lived and worked in Southwestern Ontario for my entire life, I am in awe of the mountains and beauty of the BC landscape. The view from my office window makes me smile each time I look out and see the mountain peaks on the horizon. As the youngest of seven children and the proud aunt of fifteen nephews and nieces, I’m excited to share this part of the country with family and friends once travel is possible.
Moving to a new city and starting a new job during a global pandemic has been an interesting experience but I am so thankful for the warm welcome and support of the Inner Hope team. Before coming here, I spent 2 years in church ministry encouraging and equipping people of all ages to dig deeper into faith and their community. Prior to that, I served for eight years as the director of a Christian non-profit ministry that journeyed with vulnerable young mothers and their babies as they made significant life changes. I was drawn to Inner Hope’s commitment to supporting youth and families in the context of long-term relationships, walking alongside them through all parts of life. In the short time I have been here, I have witnessed the passion and dedication of a team who love and care deeply for our community. They are not afraid to engage the important and hard work of reconciliation in East Vancouver and I am incredibly grateful for our cultural mentors and their leadership. I see young people being encouraged to dream and celebrated as they grow in leadership, reach their goals for school and work and move towards more independence. And that’s just in two months! I am thankful that God brought me here and can’t wait to see what’s ahead. I feel honoured to be part of this community.