Colleen's Story (Pt. 2): Hope is in community

One year ago, we shared a story about CMHA Kelowna’s very own Colleen Andrus, Recreation Worker. One year later, she has witnessed—and been the catalyzing force behind—a lot of positive change in the lives of supportive housing participants.

When Colleen was hired to start up the new recreation program for participants at five CMHA supportive housing sites, she hoped to take her own lived experience of addiction and mental health, and help encourage others along their own paths toward greater wellbeing. Her philosophy of, “Let’s connect, Let’s get moving!” is what the recreation program is all about—moving from isolation into community.

In the past year, participants enjoyed a variety of activities: fruit picking, music trivia, bowling, soap making, and group outings to the kangaroo farm, an art gallery, the holiday lights tour, and an ice cream shop. Arts and crafts continue to be an important way to connect and express. Community partnerships and support from local businesses are helping. Three participants were able to complete an 8-week equine therapy program thanks to the generosity of HorseWorksEquine Learning Centre.

In the past year, participation has increased, with organized outings twice per month for between 5-15 participants. Simpler activities (like bingo or pizza making) are available every day at each supportive housing location, maximizing opportunities for connection.

But numbers are one thing, and the experiences of real people another. What stands out most to Colleen? Less shame. And that matters: Shame is strongly linked to various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. Negative emotions and behaviours stemming from shame can lead to low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and impaired functioning, impacting overall well-being. We recently shared results of research conducted by Kira Brunner, Master of Clinical Social Work candidate at UBCO, revealing that internalized stigma—hopelessness, fear, shame—is common in individuals who’ve faced long-term homelessness, trauma, and isolation, and that addressing those emotions is central to supporting long-term positive outcomes.

In a handwritten note to Colleen, one program participant said, “Thanks for making us feel like humans & letting us know we’re not alone.”

For Colleen, another win is that some participants now take part in the program on a regular basis. They’ve formed friendships and trust among the group. It’s a big deal when a resident comes out for the first time, often sharing how good they felt to be out. Staff at our supportive housing sites also say they love it when Colleen is there, because she brings people together. “I just really look forward to seeing them every week,” says Colleen.

Colleen goes on to describe how the program naturally creates opportunities for participants to tap into their own talents and knowledge to teach one another. Recently one participant did a cooking demo for the group. “I could tell that it made him happy, that it gave him confidence,” she says. “Because I don’t think that they have a lot of that, where people say ‘Hey, you can do art, that’s really great.’” Now when she arrives at a site, people ask what they can do to help, showing how invested they are in the program.

In September 2025 life brought Colleen another unexpected challenge: As she was driving home from her celebrating her daughter’s birthday, her vehicle was struck by an out-of-control driver and she was seriously injured. After an extended absence to mend and heal, we’re so happy that she’s now well enough to return to work. With her typical determination to turn a negative experience into positive learning, Colleen says, “Walk into fear and you will find peace.”

Want to help foster CONNECTION and HEALING? We’re looking for local individuals and businesses who can provide or host an ‘experience’ for participants of the recreation program. Do you own a business or have a connection at an organization that might offer a unique opportunity? Donations of gift cards that would allow a group to visit such a site are also appreciated. Contact us mental.health@cmhakelowna.orgor 250-861-3644 if you or your business can help!