10 Years of Service
A conversation with Krystyna Niziolek and Patricia Ramos
In February, Krystyna Niziolek, our longest-serving board member, sat down with Pat (Patricia) Ramos, our longest-serving seasonal staff member. Over cups of tea and croissants, they reflected on their KidSafe journeys. Krystyna asked Pat about what led her to KidSafe more than a decade ago.
In 2010, Pat was 18 years old and working at the YMCA when she was introduced to KidSafe by her colleague.
She initially joined the KidSafe team in the winter and worked as a volunteer before coming back as a site staff member in the summer.
Now, Pat has been leading our break-time programs at Queen Alexandra Elementary (KidSafe's first site) for 13 years. She does this in addition to her year-round jobs with the Vancouver School Board, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Public Library.
When asked what keeps her coming back to KidSafe, Pat said, "The kids."
Research shows that a caring adult is the most important part of a child's healthy development. For many KidSafe kids, Pat has been and continues to be that adult. When children are in need of support, Pat is always there.
In tears, she recounts one particular story of a child who was brave enough to ask for help when life had become more than he could bear. Pat was able to provide not only support, but a much needed friend when things looked bleak.
To this day, Pat keeps in touch with many kids (now grown up) who are no longer in the program. She is the person they call when they graduate or land a job. She says, "It makes me proud to see them become good people who are happy! It's all I could ask for."
Despite changing the lives of so many children, Pat says, "I wish I could do more."
Though a lot has changed in the community since she started working at KidSafe, the need for there space for kids to go, where they can access food and support when schools are closed, is still very high. That is why Pat, in her many jobs, remains dedicated to serving her community.
"I just want the kids to know that if they need someone, I'm here. No judgement."