“I have always had a passion for helping people, and I desire to make a difference in the world, and for the people around me.”

Born and raised in Revelstoke, Adria returned in 2020 after being away for 20+ years.

Her previous work at Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission (UGM) Women and Families Centre informs her work here at the Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society. For 11 years, Adria lived in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in a community house with 12 roommates, working together and ministering in the neighbourhood.

Women came to the UGM centre (on Cordova and Princess) for assistance and staff did what they could to meet their needs and support them in their situation. They dealt with homelessness and addiction, they supported single dads, they organised transport out of dangerous situations, paid rent so clients didn’t lose their housing, and many other crisis situations. They were a small team of three outreach workers and a manager. For Adria, outreach activities were a favorite part of her job.

Adria says she brings the outlook of the Union Gospel Mission to her work here at the Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society. This outlook, as stated on their website is, “…meeting people wherever they’re at and helping restore lives by providing for their whole needs. Whether that’s through a nourishing meal and a safe shelter, or addiction recovery and supportive housing, our compassionate continuum of care is designed to bring deep healing and build bright futures.”

Adria’s vision is to create a strong sense of community within the women who live in Revelstoke. “I understand the importance of supporting women who are struggling and need tangible support, as well as emotional and relational connection in response to loneliness and isolation and creating a sense of belonging.”

“I also understand the importance of women in every walk of life connecting so that the ones that have a need can be directly helped by the ones who might have the resources available to meet a need, emotionally and relationally.”