‘Embarrassed’ to be singled out, but honoured to do work

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This article was published 04/12/2022 (1213 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LISA van den Hoven’s desire to help others in need by sharing what she’s learned drives her community involvement.

“It feels like a moral imperative,” she says. “If you know how to help somebody and you don’t help them — that would be very uncomfortable for me. I don’t think I would be OK with that.”

One of van den Hoven’s biggest volunteer commitments since 2015 has been with Inspire Community Outreach Inc. The charitable social services organization provides education and programming for people living with mental health challenges and neurological differences.

The 39-year-old Transcona resident has facilitated programs, served in peer support roles, researched and developed new resources, and now oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations.

Van den Hoven is most proud of the work she’s done supporting the mental health of parents who are raising children with complex needs such as autism, fetal alcohol syndrome and ADHD.

“Being able to show up for someone when you know not a lot of people are showing up for them is really meaningful,” she says. “It does make you feel like maybe the rough time you went through was worth it.”

The eldest of van den Hoven’s three children was diagnosed with autism seven years ago, so she knows first-hand what raising a child with complex needs is like.

Even with the help of her husband, her extended family and her church community, it can be challenging for van den Hoven.

“I can imagine it will be that much more difficult for someone who isn’t in as privileged a position as I am,” she says.

Inspire offers one-on-one and group programming that supports and empowers parents as they raise children with complex needs.

If a parent requires further support, staff and volunteers at Inspire connect them to additional social services.

This past summer, van den Hoven’s efforts were recognized with the CTV Champion of Mental Health Volunteer Award.

The award is presented as part of Volunteer Manitoba’s Volunteer Awards each year to someone who challenges the stigma around mental health and provides support or services to those living with mental health issues.

The recognition is long overdue, says Inspire founder and CEO Angela Taylor, who nominated van den Hoven for the award.

She describes van den Hoven as heartfelt, compassionate, loving and community-focused.

“It was an honour for (us) to show our gratitude this way and I also know that this is just the beginning,” says Taylor, adding that she believes that van den Hoven will continue to make the community better for many years to come.

“As much as this is an acknowledgement of the volunteer hours she’s already contributed, it’s also a small thank you for all the work that she will do for her life.”

Van den Hoven shies away from the spotlight and says she was “kind of embarrassed” to receive the award.

At the same time, she’s glad an award exists that recognizes the importance of mental wellness.

“I personally think the families that are struggling in our society should be everybody’s concern,” she says. “When people do well, that’s good for everybody.”

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.