Kate Dawson - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 24)
Kate’s journey with Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House began 40 years ago, when she was a teenager living in the Dunbar area of Vancouver. Her brother told her about an outdoor youth leadership program on Vancouver’s east side. It sounded cool – but Kate didn’t live in Mount Pleasant. She studied ballet and had no experience with the outdoors. Would she be allowed to join?
Although Kate's family lived in an affluent area, they were not wealthy. She still recalls the feelings she had when she travelled to MPNH that day.
“To be able to go and join this neighbourhood house program for free and not have to explain myself was powerful - really powerful.”
When Kate arrived at 535 East Broadway, she found an up-and-down duplex bursting at the seams, every room serving multiple purposes. But it was welcoming.
In Kate’s words, “As others have shared with me, if you find your way to a neighbourhood house, you're welcome. You don't need to explain yourself. You don't need to identify yourself. All you need to do is find your way there.”
Kate had no idea that her journey was only beginning. She completed the leadership program, then worked at MPNH in summer camps, the junior volunteer club, and the Loose Caboose games project.
What Kate couldn't have known was that her experiences at MPNH would set the course for her entire professional life.
"I've never worked in a restaurant. Never worked retail. It has only ever been about working with children," Kate says. "And that started with Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House."
As time went on, Kate moved to Richmond, pursued university degrees, and built her career. But connections with neighbourhood houses were always there. Her brother met his wife through the leadership program, and they both worked at Sasamat Camp. All three of Kate's children as well as their cousins attended Sasamat Camp, and when they became teens, her daughter and nephew were also Counsellors in Training.
Last year, Kate saw a job posting for Director of Childcare at Cedar Cottage, a neighbourhood house closely connected with MPNH. At first, she didn’t apply. But the opportunity kept presenting itself – and now, as Director of Childcare at Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, Kate has come full circle.
Kate hopes people of all ages continue to experience the meaningful connections that MPNH brought to her life, and that people who are part of the neighbourhood house now continue to find connections 40 or 50 years later, like she did. Most of all, she would like to offer her appreciation for MPNH.
"I have just a huge sense of gratitude," Kate says. "To the people."
Story written by Carrie Keen through an interview with the former staff during her practicum placement at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
50 Stories for 50 Years at MPNH is a collection of meaningful stories that celebrate the lasting impact our Neighbourhood House has had over the years. These stories come from long-time participants, families, youth, volunteers, community members, and regular visitors whose lives have been touched, supported, or transformed through our programs, services, and connections at the House.
