At Boyle Street Community Services, the work we do is often defined by moments of transformation—moments that remind us why we do what we do. For Jenelle, a long-time staff member who has transitioned from outreach worker to a leadership role, these moments are personal. Her story intertwines with the wraparound services we provide and the success of our supportive housing program, Morningstar (wâpanAcâhcahk).
Morningstar is more than just a 47-unit permanent supportive housing site. Guided by our belief in dignity and respect, it’s a place where residents can build stability, find belonging, and thrive on their own terms. Each resident is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including case workers, social workers, nurses, and counselors. This holistic approach ensures that residents have the resources they need to meet their goals, whether that’s managing health challenges, securing employment, or simply finding a safe space to call home.
For Jenelle, Morningstar offers more than just professional fulfillment—it’s a place where her past work has come full circle. Jenelle spent years on our Street Outreach team, walking through Edmonton’s streets and parks every single day of the year to connect with individuals living rough. Our Street Outreach teams provide essential supplies, life-saving resources, and a sense of human connection to those who often feel invisible.
Now, as a leader, Jenelle visits Morningstar and sees familiar faces—people she once knew on the street. Some are individuals she interacted with years ago, many of whom cycled through various housing programs but struggled to find lasting stability. Today, they are thriving in Morningstar, with a supportive place to call home and a community to belong to.
“Some of these folks were back outside for various reasons,” Jenelle reflects, “but now I get to reconnect with them here, where they’re doing so well. It’s a full-circle story of how far people have come.”
One of the most remarkable aspects of Morningstar is its sense of community. From the cultural room to communal areas, the building fosters an environment of belonging. Residents gather to share meals, celebrate milestones, and support one another. For Jenelle, it’s heartwarming to see former outreach clients not only recognize her but also celebrate her career growth. “Some people were like, ‘Good for you!’ They were proud of me, and I was proud of them,” she shares.
Success at Morningstar is about helping individuals achieve the goals they set for themselves. For some, that might mean maintaining a tidy apartment; for others, it’s about reconnecting with family or managing health challenges. “If people feel safe and have a place to belong, that’s success,” Jenelle explains.
For Jenelle, seeing the impact of Morningstar and the continuation of relationships she started years ago reaffirms her commitment to the work Boyle Street does. It’s not just about providing housing or services; it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued.
Morningstar exemplifies why we do what we do at Boyle Street Community Services. It’s about walking alongside individuals on their journey, meeting them where they are, and supporting them as they define success on their own terms.
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