Colleen Ford

She is a support worker on the MAP Van and at Sereena's house. Colleen was there when I first started on the van - like with many other new staff after me, she helped me learn the ropes and helped make the MAP Van a safe and fun place to be. She started working on the van a few months after it started and has been closely involved ever since. It was her first 'straight' job. From MAP, she went on to work at Sereena's (where I believe she has seniority now). She is a dedicated and tireless worker: she always comes to work early, she will always take on extra shifts, sometimes working multiple shifts in a row between both jobs, sometimes taking care of her children and grandchildren at the same time! Colleen is insightful and funny and is a great support to the women she works with, including her coworkers (and supervisors!). From a northern reserve to the streets of Vancouver, Colleen has "been there done that", she has seen and survived a lot of shit, and remains a strong and resiliant woman with a heart of gold. She is an inspiration to me, and everything a support worker should be. It's high time she was recognized!