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Kim Bolger E Portfolio
This article from the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation's 2004 annual report summarizes a three-phase project by the Southwood Community Centre called "Building Bridges" which aimed to better support and integrate the local Muslim community. The first phase involved research on Muslim culture and traditions such as Ramadan. The second phase was hosting a Ramadan celebration at the community centre. The third and final phase will be providing training and workshops to share their new understanding with the broader community. The project was seen as invaluable for helping Muslim residents feel more included.
Kim Bolger E Portfolio
- 1. Kim Bolger E-Portfolio of a Career Development Practitioner
- 2. Table of Contents Slide 3-5…………………………………………………………………… Who I Am Slide 6……………………………………..…………………………….. Calling Card Slide 7-14……………………………………………………………………. Résumé Slide 15…………………………...…………………………… Diploma Social Service Slide 16…………………………………………………………Diploma High School Slide 17…………………………………………Article “Supporting Our Changing Community” Slide 18…………………………………………………………...….Ramadan Photos Slide 19-25………………………….…………………………... Student Achievement Slide 26………………………………...………………………… Character Reference Slide 27-31……………………………….……………………..….Recommendations Slide 32-38..……………………………………………………. Fundraising Initiatives Slide 39…………………………………..…………………………Closing Statement Slide 40……………………………………………………… Thank you, Statement of
- 3. Who I Am I am currently engaged in my third and final semester of the Career Development Practitioner Program offered through Conestoga College. The skills that I have developed through my studies thus far in my current program in addition to my Social Services Program education at Conestoga College coupled with my work experience in Community Development have indeed contributed to my strong interest in this area of employment. My research into the field of Career Development has revealed that Conestoga College is renowned for its Career Development Practitioner Program. In fact I have discovered that most local employers in Cambridge and Kitchener list this program as a requirement for a position as Career Counsellor within their agency. I believe this, complemented with my diploma in Social Services can make me a valuable asset to your agency. As highlighted in my resume, the work experience that I have obtained in the career development and the social service sector has provided me an opportunity to gain a genuine understanding of people whom are struggling with employment as well as other social factors in their lives. One aspect of my job as a Family Outreach Co-ordinator was to assist individuals in achieving goals set in areas such as obtaining employment or furthering their education. I found this facet of my job very rewarding and it most certainly produced successful outcomes for entire families. An additional, part of my role as Family Outreach Co-ordinator was maintaining statistics and monthly reporting to the Region of Waterloo National Child Tax Benefit Program. I also kept confidential case files on all family outreach clients. During my employment history I worked with a diverse population of people and gained an understanding of many different cultures. I understand the impact cultural differences has in relationships with others as well as how culture plays a role in your delivery of service to individuals. My work at Southwood Community Centre, in Cambridge allowed me the opportunity to develop outstanding relationships with many co-workers, funders, community partners and community members. As a result I have obtained a depth of knowledge in the dynamics of relationships, more specifically the “working relationship” with a client. I have a broad understanding of the importance of boundaries when working with clients. I have a growing understanding of my personal values and morals as an individual and as professional.
- 4. I have alsodeveloped a considerable comprehension of the correlations between funders and agencies. I have independently developed funding proposals to obtain funding dollars for programming. I have learned to chart and map statistics and outcomes in easy to understand formats in order to secure continued funding dollars. My volunteer work with Families and Schools Together assisted me in developing a clear understanding of the family unit and how extremely important the mental health and emotional well being of a parent is. I recognize that these factors have a direct impact on the family as a whole. Financial strain in a family, or even an individual, has a profound impact on an individual’s mental and emotional constituent. To be able to effectively assist individuals in achieving career goals would indeed be a rewarding experience for me. The number one question people ask upon meeting an individual, after your name is “What do you do”. We are a society who places a lot of value on how we earn our living. To be able to assist an individual to be able to say with pride “I am a …..” would be an exceptionally rewarding component of my work. I also have experience in planning, implementing and evaluating group work as well as fundraising committee work. I am certain that these skills will be vital during workshop facilitation, staff team meetings, committee work and overall working relationships with supervisors and all staff members. My employment with Southwood Community Centre proved to be a wonderful learning opportunity for myself. The “team”, at Southwood as well as its funders and community partners pulled together to ensure that the community centre serviced its high needs community members. After 5 years with the centre it was concluded that it was time for me to re-evaluate my career. I determined that the best way for me to do so was to enhance and develop further, my innate skills as a people person. Through a variety of assessments such as Careers Occupational Preference System, research on careercruising.com and JobFuture.ca, and with the help of a career counsellor I have determined that the field of career counselling is indeed where I belong.
- 5. Most recently mypracticum with Cambridge Career Counselling Services Inc. has provided me with an opportunity to utilize a wide variety of skills in many forms of application. My hope is to one day work in a college setting and assist people of all walks of life in choosing a career that will provide them a lifetime of success and happiness. Additionally if one day, they decide that it is a time for change; I will be able to share with them that I too have made changes in my career (s) throughout my life, and that change can sometimes seem scary and daunting but, with change can come happiness and fulfilment. My employment history has not only contributed to my strong interpersonal skills and indispensable multitasking skills, but it has also helped shape me into the individual that I am today. I am a person who believes that all people have value. I believe strongly that… “all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.” Please feel free to contact me at any time at [email protected] Sincerely, Kim Bolger Kimberly A. Bolger
- 6. Self Marketing Card REVERSE
- 7. Kim Bolger [email protected] 810 Clyde Road Cambridge, ON N1R 5S7 519-267-3090 OBJECTIVE: To secure a position in the Career Services sector as a dynamic Career Development Practitioner SUMMARY Vast skills in the area of active engagement Dedicated employee that displays a non-judgemental attitude Possess excellent organizational, communication and problem solving skills Flexible individual who is capable of reassessing priorities and planning Receptive to cultural differences in which I demonstrate outstanding understanding and knowledgeable skills Acquiring skills in completing multiple tasks under both collaborative and individual approach Creative and resourceful individual I believe a strengths based approach with individuals is the most effective Currently in my second semester of Conestoga’s CDP program learning the additional essential skills of my profession
- 8. WORK EXPERIENCE Cambridge CareerCounselling Services Inc, Cambridge, ON March –June 2009 Assessment Coordinator Facilitate groups of up to 20 individuals Walk clients through the Career Occupational Preference System; CAPS Provided essential service in assisting individuals in determining educational and career goals Participate in active listening in regards to clients anxieties, question and or concerns Ensure follow up appointments have been scheduled Evaluate each assessment determining client skills, values and interests Provide counsellors with clear concise documentation outlining clients skills, values and interests Designed statistical document to track assessments to assist co-workers
- 9. Practicum ~ CambridgeCareer Counselling Services Inc. Support Staff Position Group Work Administrative Assistant “Fast Track” (Ministry of Training Colleges and Operating multiple line phone system; redirecting Universities) funding applicants calls, message taking Reviewed referrals P.I.F’s (personal information Collection and protection of personal information forms) screening for group readiness. Scheduling referred client appointments Schedule clients into groups Scheduling follow up appointments Audited groups and created notes/process for Scheduling assessment appointments future facilitators. Group planning including administrative tasks Photocopying Prepare MTCU templates Faxing Prepare client worksheets for meeting funding requirements One on One Involved in the steps in preparing a MTCU Job shadowed six Career Counsellors application Review P.I.F’s (personal information forms) Follow up meetings with client and facilitator in a referral documents to gain an understanding of group setting the clients needs etc. Discuss potential barriers and areas of concern Contribution to The Agency with counsellors Created electronic & hard copy resource binder Attended initial client interviews for new Career Counsellors Debrief with counsellor regarding meeting Sources of vital LMI information outcomes and next steps Community College & Private Career College Developed case notes contact information Participated in budget review of the Ministry of Outline of requirements for funding Training Colleges and Samples and procedures for counsellors assisting Universities (MTCU) application clients moving through the decision making process and developing a career plan.
- 10. Southwood Community Centre,Cambridge, ON 2003-2007 Family Outreach Co-ordinator Developed working helping relationships with vulnerable families, community organizations and systems to reduce the barriers to services Provided direct assistance to low income families through the Community Outreach Basic Need Fund (NCB) Linked families and children to appropriate resources, services and supports within their community both formal and informal Provided support in the contexts of referral making, problem solving, advocacy and exploring options for families in need of assistance from outside agencies Provided bridging and follow-up services for families as they connected with mainstream services in order to support the individual and facilitate family capacity building Developed a depth of knowledge of community resources and an understanding of how they work in particular Ontario Works, Ontario Disability and Support Services, community housing & shelter services, food assistance programs and recreational agencies
- 11. Southwood Community Centre,Cambridge, ON 2003-2007 Program Coordinator Responsible for securing funds, developing, implementing and evaluating all programming Administered all phases of volunteer management Responsible for hiring, supervising and evaluating staff Responsible for reporting to the Region of Waterloo and the agencies Board of Directors Worked closely with Community Members in developing healthy working relationships that promoted growth within the community Qualified in neighbourhood conflict / crisis resolution
- 12. EDUCATION Career Development Practitioner,Conestoga College, Kitchener, ON 2008- 2009 Excelling in programs focusing on areas such as: Interviewing, Mentoring, and coaching, Trends and Issues in The New Work Dynamic, Career Counselling and Development, Career Consulting Techniques, Group Training and Facilitation, Career Development with Special Needs Groups and the CDP course Practicum Seminar Social Services Diploma, Conestoga College, Kitchener, ON 2001-2003 Excelled in programs focusing on areas such as: community organization, group process and dynamics, group populations and programming, techniques of interviewing and assessment, social service/client and family systems Participated in two years of field work in community based organizations
- 13. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Southwood CommunityCentre, Cambridge, ON Organized and facilitated special events Facilitated various groups for adults, children and youth Provided administrative support Fostered relationship with local school through the Families and Schools Together Program A group intervention designed to build protective factors for children and empower parents to be the primary prevention agents Selected as an outstanding volunteer by the City of Cambridge ~ MPP St. Joseph Catholic School, Cambridge, ON Worked one on one with students to improve literacy skills Offered one on one and group support, tutoring students in math & computer skills Provide one on one and group support, to students developing appropriate social skills Supported delivery of Anti Bully Program & Mediation Training Program
- 14. ADDITIONAL SKILLS Experience with various computer software programs Diverse population experience Proven to excel in all positions Exceptional multitasking skills Developed excellent working relationships with faculty and clients Thank you, Kim Bolger Please feel free to view my Linked-in Profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kimbolger References Available Upon Request
- 17. “Supporting Our ChangingCommunity” an Article from The Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation 2004 Annual Report Imagine moving into a community where your culture was mostly misunderstood. No one seems to care or know why you The second phase of this project was to actually host a wear different clothes, eat different foods and certainly, your Ramadan celebration. Robbin and her staff shopped, traditions are a mystery at best. Our own Muslim community cooked and dressed with Muslim customs in mind. Just faces these barriers everyday. According to Immigrant Services, shopping proved to be a challenge and a younger member we have the highest rate of immigrants now calling Cambridge of the community had to accompany her to ensure that she “home” and many of them are Muslim. With language barriers would make the correct purchases. Everyone received an and cultural differences, how do we reach across and make these invitation and one day during Ramadan over 40 members of newcomers not feel like strangers in a strange land. One such the Muslim community crowded into the townhouse that agency has taken great pains to start a process that can only be holds the community centre. After prayers, traditional dishes called amazing. With a grant from the Cambridge & North and fellowship, it was decided that the evening was enjoyed Dumfries Community Foundation, the Southwood by all. More importantly, it was considered by Southwood Community Centre has implemented the “Building Bridges” “Building Bridges” Community Centre to be invaluable in the efforts to Build project. This is a three-part project that has at the heart of it a the Bridges needed to assist people of Muslim culture need to understand and envelope residents into a caring society. become part of the community. Plans are already in place to Robbin Sterzer, the Community Development Co-ordinator and host her staff bring enthusiasm and a desire to assist people through another Ramadan a difficult transition. “There truly is a lot of support in this celebration next community for most people who need it. It became apparent to year. As one young staff Southwood Community Centre that in their catchment’s area, there was little support for the Muslim community, and with member voiced “this was language and cultural barriers, they could not even take truly the most advantage of what is meant to be available for everyone.” extraordinary experience Building Bridges created the opportunity to first learn about this of my life!” very distinct culture. A lot of research was done to make sure that any attempt to connect with people of Muslim culture The third and final phase would not be taken as offensive. In the research phase, they is quite possibly the most learned a great deal about the most important occasion in important. Robbin and Muslim society, Ramadan. This is the Muslim community’s most holy time of year and great pains were taken to try to understand her staff will be involved in training and workshops that will the traditions and customs of this occasion. The Centre also further develop the level of understanding that they have took on the advice of a local gentleman, who was considered a already worked so hard to achieve. Once the training is leader within the Muslim society. Having not been raised in this complete, they will then be able to take this knowledge back culture, the team knew that they were bound to make mistakes to the mainstream community at large. The grant and however, every step of the way, this gentleman acted as their support for Building Bridges was provided by the liaison to ensure that whatever they did would be met with Arriscraft International Inc. Flow Through Fund. patience and understanding.
- 18. Ramadan Photos Staff and Community Members of Southwood Community Centre
- 19. Conestoga Institute ofTechnology and Advanced Learning Student Achievement Social Services Fall 2001 AN INTRODUCTION TO HELPING B+ SOCIAL WORK AND THE LAW B+ GROUP PROCESS AND DYNAMICS A SOCIOLOGY I B+ MODERN ISSUES AND THEORIES IN CRIMINOLOGY A
- 20. Conestoga Institute ofTechnology and Advanced Learning Student Achievement Social Services Winter 2002 FIELD WORK SEMINAR Pass TECHNIQUES OF INTERVIEWING & ASSESSMENT A+ SOCIAL SERVICE SYSTEMS B+ GROUP WORK: POPULATIONS AND PROGRAMMING A FIELD WORK I Pass CLIENT SYSTEMS A- PSYCHOLOGY: BASIC PROCESSES OF BEHAVIOUR B+
- 21. Conestoga Institute ofTechnology and Advanced Learning Student Achievement Social Services Fall 2002 SOCIAL WORK VALUES AND ETHICS A+ COUNSELLING INTERVENTIONS B+ GROUP WORK: ASSESSMENT, INTERVENTION AND EVALUATION B UNDERSTANDING FAMILIES: A SYSTEMS APPROACH B+ COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION I B
- 22. Conestoga Institute ofTechnology and Advanced Learning Student Achievement Social Services Winter 2003 VIOLENCE/ABUSE/NEGLECT A- GROUP WORK: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS A FIELD WORK SEMINARS, SIMULATIONS AND A.V. TAPING Pass FIELD WORK II Pass HELPING FAMILIES: SUPPORTING THE SYSTEM A+ COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION II A
- 23. Conestoga Institute ofTechnology and Advanced Learning Student Achievement Career Development Practitioner Fall 2008 INTERVIEWING, MENTORING, AND COACHING A+ TRENDS AND ISSUES IN THE NEW WORK DYNAMIC B CAREER COUNSELLING AND DEVELOPMENT A CAREER CONSULTING TECHNIQUES I: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES A
- 24. Conestoga Institute ofTechnology and Advanced Learning Student Achievement Career Development Practitioner Winter 2009 GROUP TRAINING AND FACILITATION: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES A+ CAREER DEVELOPMENT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS A+ CAREER CONSULTING TECHNIQUES II: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES A PRACTICUM SEMINAR/FIELD PLACEMENT B+
- 25. Conestoga Institute ofTechnology and Advanced Learning Currently Enrolled Career Development Practitioner Spring 2009 Consulting In Career Development: Entrepreneurial & Intrapreneurial Roles Assessment In Career Development: Formal Instruments Practicum Project
- 26. Character Reference fromRobert S. Weisler- Owner/Operator Advance Pump and Tank Ltd Cambridge and Surrounding Areas During the 10 years of our acquaintance, I have known Kim in many capacities. I have seen her at community functions, in our church and in the company of family and friends. Having gotten to know Kim very well over the last several years, I believe this puts me in a position to provide you with a pretty accurate character assessment of Kim. Kim has always been a highly committed and hard working individual. This is evident through her commitment to her family, friends, the church and her educational goals. Kim always finds time to get involved in life around her. When Kim adopts a cause, she is guaranteed to be highly committed and dedicated. I have seen Kim take on very time invasive projects in our church with great passion and desire for excellence. Kim is highly organized and extremely competent. Her knowledge of community resources is astounding. This is evident through her daily acquaintances and her desire to help those around her. She is always opening her home and offering advice to those in our community who require help, assistance or just a friendly ear. Kim is extremely personable and very friendly to everyone she interacts with. I feel confident in saying that she is capable of handling any situation with great thoughtfulness and maturity. I could continue with descriptions of Kim’s many other good qualities such as her strong sense of ethics, her strong sense of what is right and her creativeness - to name a few. Instead, I am honoured to have been asked to share how much I think of Kim and how strongly I would recommend her for any task or job that requires a higher level of problem solving, professionalism and commitment. Kim is highly enthusiastic, reliable, hard working and trustworthy. If you would any further details about Kim Bolger, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Robert Weisler Robert Weisler Advance Pump and Tank – Owner/Operator 519)249-9122
- 27. Recommendations “Kim is bright, capable and talented, an absolute delight to teach. She has a natural aptitude for guiding others in their career ambitions and I'm confident she will continue to touch many lives.” February 26, 2009 Elizabeth M. Lengyel, Faculty Member , Conestoga College Elizabeth taught Kim at Conestoga College
- 28. “Kim was always professional in her position of Family Outreach Worker at Southwood Community Centre. Kim was dedicated, showed compassion for the families she worked with and had a caring attitude every day. Kim would be an asset to any agency looking to hire her. As a team player and someone who is always willing to give that "extra" Kim would bring a positive attitude to any work environment.” February 27, 2009 Jaye Kuntz, Executive Director , Greenway Chaplin Community Centre Jaye was with another company when working with Kim at SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE
- 29. “Kim is a very hard working, dedicated individual who puts a lot of passion into her work. She is organized, empathetic and works in harmony with all types of people. Kim exemplifies excellent communication and interpersonal skills and she is an absolute pleasure to work along side.” March 2, 2009 Kelly Mills, Recreation Assistant , Lanark Place Retirement Residence Kelly worked with Kim at Southwood Community Centre
- 30. “Kim is an enthusiastic and organized student dedicated to achieving both individual and group goals. I recommend Kim as a dependable team member who works well with others, has passion and motivation to succeed. I have enjoyed working with Kim and look forward to continuing group work with her.” February 24, 2009 Julie White, student full time , Conestoga College Julie studied with Kim at Conestoga College
- 31. Kim was always available to help. She arranged sponsorship for my family for Christmas 2006. We where sponsored by the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. It was a wonderful Christmas for me and my six children that would not have been possible if it where not for Kim. NCB Client Kim was a great volunteer coordinator. I always enjoyed going to volunteer at Southwood Community Center. Kim always had kind words, a listening ear and a big smile. Bill Whalen
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- 33. Fundraising Initiatives BIDS FOR KIDS DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION April 17, 2006
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- 39. If youbelieve as strongly as I do that I would be an asset to your agency, please do not hesitate to contact me to set up a meeting [email protected]
- 40. Thank You Kim Bolger Student,Career Development Practitioner Conestoga College I certify that this e-portfolio and its contents are factual and are the results of my own work Kim Bolger