Cynthia Okoye’s practicum with CUPS connected her to how life-changing housing can be for the people we serve and, at the same time, provided practical experiences to jump start her career in social work.

Placed on site with a housing partner through our community development team, this work term included mentorship and, most excitingly for her, a chance to participate in courses for employees.

Our partnership with the Royal Bank of Canada and their Future Launch program has helped CUPS expand its Building Foundations practicum and provide trainings, and often, certification for students.

Cynthia participated in motivational training, trauma informed care, the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative’s Brain Story certification, emergency first aid and respect in the workplace among others.

“This was something I will never forget,” she said.

On track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Calgary, this new path was inspired by the care her family received when her daughter needed additional supports.

Cynthia’s return to post secondary education comes after her first degree in agricultural technology. Her sights are set on a master’s in social work, and our CUPS practicum offered her a strong foundation.

As part of her practicum, she recalled one of her favourite moments was when she helped conduct the experiences survey to people at or below the poverty line living in rent subsidized housing.

In her experience, people were “ready to drop everything” to share what being housed and supported by the entire CUPS community meant to them. For many, CUPS offers them a way forward, she said.

The fear and apprehension that’s often associated with being vulnerably housed was starting to decrease and, as a result, there were always feelings of gratitude expressed, survey results suggested.