Combining his passion for the outdoors and desire to help others, Ian Goodge seems like a natural fit in his new position as the young adult outreach worker for Community Outreach Services (COS).
Born in Southern Ontario, the 36-year-old picked up an environmental studies degree at the University of Waterloo before earning his teaching degree at the University of Manitoba.
But what sets him apart from others is not his academic credentials, but his work experience.
During his studies, he split his time working for Nahanni River Adventures in the Yukon, and HeLa Ventures, an outdoor education school outside of Rocky Mountain House, Alta.
Upon completion of his teaching degree, he landed a gig as a facilitator and programmer with an organization in Edmonton called YOUCAN Youth Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting youth so they have the knowledge, support and skills to better their lives.
“For the last seven years I worked with at risk youth or young people with barriers and basically we facilitated pre-employment programs and development programs to get them on their feet,” said Goodge, who started with COS at the beginning of January.
In his new position, he said he will be focusing on two main areas: helping young adults troubleshoot problems in their lives, from addictions to housing issues, and offering them an alternative lifestyle that doesn't include the bar scene.
“It doesn't matter what the problem is, I'm essentially here to help people work out some of their problems,” said Goodge.
“I see myself as a first contact to help people navigate their way through the system or accessing different people, but also providing that one-to-one support.”
As part of his new role he said he'd also like to be a part of the community, rather than waiting for people to come see him.
“I'm hoping to get out in the community more, because a lot of people—especially young adults—are not likely to stop into COS,” he said.
“It takes a lot for someone to walk through the door so I'd like it to be known that they don't have to walk through the doors,” he said, adding he's willing to meet people wherever they feel most comfortable.
“I think we forget the 'out' in outreach a lot,” he said.
Beyond working with people directly, he also said he is looking forward to working more collaboratively with employers as well as other social services in town.
When he's not helping young people, he spends a lot of time outdoors doing just about every activity imaginable.
“The outdoors is a major focus of mine so that goes for everything from whitewater canoe trips to backcountry skiing, rock climbing, and I've dabbled a bit in mountaineering,” said Goodge, adding he's climbed Mount Edith Cavell and ski toured the Columbia Icefields.
“I think one of the draws for Jasper is not just the outdoors stuff, but the fact that it is a very community orientated town.”
To meet Goodge, drop by the Community Outreach Services building located at 627 Patricia St. or book an appointment by calling 780-852-2100.
