A Healing Journey: Kim’s Story

“I think we should be lifting people up, not putting them down. Everybody deserves another chance in life.” - Kim Park, MP Neighbours Associate 

Kim Park worked in childcare and education after she became a mom in her early 20’s. Being a mom ignited a passion she had for helping kids and she felt this was where she could make a real difference. Kim completed her certificate in Early Childhood Education and then as a level 3 Educational Assistant in the evenings, all while juggling work and the responsibilities of being a dedicated mom of two boys. 

After many years in the field, Kim faced a workplace injury and a concurrent mental health crisis. She was hospitalized for 10 days and then repeatedly tried to return to work. But she felt unsupported, making a job she once loved impossible to do well. 

Kim remembers, “I was sad. I was really hurt by a lot of people that I thought that I could trust. I felt judged, discriminated against, and it was a really difficult time.” 

Ultimately Kim ended up on long-term disability, staying at home to heal and protect herself from the physical and mental challenges of a workplace where she no longer felt safe. 

That’s when she learned about Mission Possible. 

“I was kind of hesitant when I started out because it had been a while since I've been in any kind of workplace environment. But everyone here is so open, caring and inviting and that's a really big thing. All my MP colleagues have also been so understanding of my shoulder injury too. Although I still feel bad about not being able to lift as much as the others and it’s hard at times, there is no judgment here. They are so good about it.” 

Kim has recently been hired by the MP Neighbours Team as a Community Navigator, supporting people struggling with substance use, mental health, homelessness, and poverty in the Downtown Eastside. She helps provide connection, referrals, overdose prevention, security, and support. Although Kim initially felt nervous about working in the Downtown Eastside, she has appreciated the chance to learn, grow, and be a part of a team again. With her own personal experiences with PTSD and trauma, Kim has a deeper understanding which helps her de-escalate situations with people facing similar struggles while still taking care of herself. 

Kim recently graduated from a six month, full time course through Discovery Community College, and is now a Crisis Response Mental Health Worker. She connected with WorkBC through an information session at Mission Possible, and they sponsored her through it. Kim is looking forward to applying what she learned to her work with MP Neighbours. Not only is Kim taking strides in her professional career, but she is also building and strengthening relationships with family and friends. Kim also hopes to travel one day.

It takes determination, tenacity and courage for people who have been shut out of the workforce due to injury, mental health challenges, addiction or trauma to re-enter the workforce. It’s not a one-step process– it takes time, investment and compassion from a community that cares. 

When you make a donation to Mission Possible, you empower people like Kim to rediscover their strengths, self-confidence and ability to contribute. You lift people up and give them another chance. 

All donations support people in our flagship Employment Readiness Program. This provides people with access to training, coaching, workshops and the 1:1 support they need to reach their employment goals.