Sue, manager of the Burnaby Home Support team is shining a spotlight on Rowena, one of her many incredible community health workers on her team. She shares, “Our shared commitment to excellence in care for both our clients and each other drives everything we do. Every day, we learn and grow together. Our community health workers (CHWs) are deeply committed to supporting our clients with dignity and compassion.”

For Rowena, being a community health worker is more than a profession, it’s a life-long calling rooted in her early experiences growing up in a rural community in the Philippines.

“I’ve always loved helping people,” she shares. “I grew up seeing my community needing more attention and support, and that really inspired me to help others, no matter where I am.”

Her passion for care led her to graduate as a midwife in the Philippines, where she worked for a short time before moving abroad to help support her family. Although her path has evolved, Rowena continues to carry the same dedication she felt as a young girl, which is the passion to make a difference.

In her current role as a CHW with Burnaby Home Support, Rowena not only brings her skills and training but also a deep sense of empathy and insight to the clients and families she serves. Two words that she sums up her approach and holds close are: communication and care.

“Many families don’t always know what’s happening with their loved one when they’re sick,” she explains. “I use my knowledge and experience to help bridge that gap. I encourage them to follow up with doctors, connect with the supervisors and gain a better understanding of the care needs for their loved ones.”

One of Rowena’s greatest strengths is her keen observation. A skill she credits with helping her identify client needs and support care teams effectively. “I can provide a different lens than the family sometimes which can help highlight client needs. Observation is so valuable, and  I use great focus in this area.”

For Rowena, client safety and care always come first. She acknowledges that client behaviors can sometimes be challenging especially with new clients, but her calm and kind approach makes a difference. “Observation helps me engage with clients,” she says. “I always speak with a calm and kind tone. It helps to build trust and address conflict in a gentle way.”

Rowena also gives kudos to the Burnaby Home Support team for their ongoing support. “I’m very grateful. They always listen when I report concerns or ask questions. They’re always available, especially for education and make sure to share the knowledge I gain with others.”

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering becoming a CHW, Rowena doesn’t hesitate to share, “if caring for others is your passion, go for it! It doesn’t just benefit you, but your family and community, too.”She believes that providing care with love, passion, humility and education allows CHWs to positively impact others. “The care you give comes from your nature, supported by your training,” she adds. “It’s important to be happy in what you’re doing. Focus on giving love and care to those you serve—it makes a difference.”

Rowena’s hope for the future of community health work is, “for all CHWs to stay focused on showing care and respect to clients and to have more time building those relationships.” As she often reminds her coworkers, “Go with the flow. Stay focused on what matters and it will show in the care you provide”.

Outside of work, Rowena prioritizes her well-being through meditation, spa visits, working out, walking in nature and practicing reiki. “It helps me stay balanced,” she shares. “I always say at the end of the day, I know I did the best I can.”