Making It Happen: Prakash, Fund Development & Evaluation Assistant
When Prakash first arrived in Canada four years ago, everything was new to him. It was his first experience outside his home country of Nepal, but he was determined to learn about his new home and become involved in his community.
He began volunteering with various organizations around Calgary, including Closer to Home. He supported our Adopt-a-Family initiative, helping to sort and organize gifts for families who were struggling during the holiday season.
Just a few months later, he accepted a full-time position as Fund Development and Evaluation Assistant. We sat down with Prakash to find out a little more about him and what it means to be a part of the Closer to Home family.
What’s your favourite part about your job?
I get to work with so many incredible staff members who work around the clock to support and empower families. To be a part of the team is a privilege. It feels good when you realize you are ultimately contributing to making differences in the lives of people. I think that is the most important part of my job, and I like that aspect of it.
What is the best success story you’ve had here at Closer to Home?
There was a family we were supporting through the Centre, and they were having a very tough time. They were new to Canada and the father had severe medical issues. They got our support through Adopt-a-Family, and I remember them because that was the first year I became involved with Closer to Home and Adopt-a-Family. Their donor was so generous and got so many gifts for the kids. We got some thank you cards back from the kids, and they were so, so thankful for the gifts. I personally was thankful to that donor also, and I was happy for the family.
What do you think makes Closer to Home special?
The first time I heard about Closer to Home, I was researching it and found out it is one of the leading agencies and the only agency in Canada that works with the Teaching Family Model. Beyond that, I think it’s the people – the staff and team members who work here around the clock, providing support to families. Whether it is with Foster Care or special initiatives like Adopt-a-Family, the agency caters to so many different needs of the community members. It’s incredible.
What do you like to do on the weekends? What are some of your hobbies or interests?
These days I like to spend time with my daughter, of course. Besides that, I like to play my favourite games ping-pong and badminton and also like to volunteer for community organizations whenever time permits.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working in social services?
I have always worked in social services, so it’s difficult for me to imagine what I would do besides that. But I also like to travel, so maybe I would be travelling somewhere and meeting new people by doing that.
And lastly, how do you define success?
Success for me, is when you achieve your goals. And my goal is to be better person every day and be able to contribute to society.
