Lutherwood makes the grade as a great employer
WATERLOO REGION, ON - A multi-faceted charity with Christian roots has been recognized as one of the best workplaces in Canada for the second year running.
Lutherwood is a non-profit organization founded 40 years ago by Lutheran Church-Canada to provide practical support to young people dealing with mental illness. While mental health remains a core component of their work, they have since expanded to provide a wide range of employment, education, housing and counselling services to more than 18,500 people in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.
This spring, Lutherwood was recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute of Canada as one of the top 10 best workplaces for women and the 13th best workplace overall. The annual survey looks at the quality of relationships which employees report to have with management and each other, and their passion for work. They have about 380 staff.
“We're a multi-faceted organization involved in many different aspects of the community," says Chris Sellers, manager of marketing and communications. “We help individuals find work. We help individuals and families find suitable and sustainable housing. We provide counseling to individuals, couples and families. We operate youth shelters.
“Our work is good and it's noble, but it can be very exhausting."
As part of orientation, new staff are given an opportunity to visit several Lutherwood locations. These include the Safe Haven Shelter, at the Betty Thompson Youth Centre in Kitchener, which helps young people who are at risk of becoming homeless, as well as Luther Village on the Park retirement community in Waterloo. The main offices are located at The Children's Mental Health Centre on Benjamin Road in Waterloo, which also includes a school for children with mental illness.
“We give an opportunity to meet the people they'll be speaking to on the phone," Sellers says, “so they really like they are part of a team. We make sure everyone knows who they are. Whether they are a new director or a new housekeeper the process is the same."
“What impresses me," says Donna Buchan, director of development, “is seeing front line staff doing the hard work, day in and day out. I see the staff getting kicked, sworn at and threatened. And yet staff are so focused on the saying to the children, 'You are worthy. You deserve my respect. I believe in you.'
“They are unwavering in their confidence that these children have gifts, even though the outside world has given up on them."
The Lutherwood recruiting process focuses on finding individuals who share the organization's passion and commitment to their core values, such as respect and compassion. Employees are also given opportunities to relocate internally to prevent burn-out.
Buchan says the strong support of the Waterloo Region community is also a key factor in Lutherwood's work.
“We have had a long history of supporting from the faith community," she says. “It's been incredible. It's what built Lutherwood. We need friendship, support and community with the folks who share our Christians values."
She says that while Lutherwood receives government funding for a significant portion of its work, there are some staff positions that are funded entirely by donation, including the Christian chaplain, a recreational therapist and a musical therapist.
“It's those special gifts which we can offer the children that really make a difference," she says. “Lutherwood is a last resort for many of these kids. If we don't help them, they are going to end up in a place of harm and destruction."
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