Trinity Western's Human Services Certificate program develops graduates who combine academic knowledge with empathetic leadership to make meaningful differences in people's lives.
Through capstone projects that are part of the Human Services program, students come alongside local schools, non-profit organizations, and community agencies to support them in their work of serving diverse needs in society.
Over the past academic year, TWU Human Services students took their learning beyond the classroom, making valuable contributions across areas including refugee support, youth work, social and mental health, and education.
Supporting refugee claimants in Canada
Hailey Hrvatin joined Journey Home Community in their faith-inspired mission to provide refugee claimants with services such as housing, settlement needs, and a community of welcome. She helped to create a new volunteer role called the Community Bridge Builder Role to support recently housed clients who may need additional settlement resources.
Building emotional strength in children
At Tipping Point Counselling Services, Jan Lourens supported youth in care, many of whom have survived early trauma. Drawing on concepts of interpersonal neurobiology, Jan was able to better understand each child’s approach to social interactions and help them with emotional regulation and positive social engagement. Through facilitating play therapy and group therapy in nature, Jan created safe spaces for healing and connection.
"The most meaningful thing I have gained throughout this experience is the ability to walk alongside others in their times of need, and having the honour to help them through their struggles and adversities."
Mobilizing resources to help vulnerable youth
Responding to the need for homeless youth to access basic survival supplies, Lauren Huguet launched a grassroots donation campaign to support MY House, a community-based outreach program serving vulnerable youth. Lauren rallied support through social media and visits to local family-run businesses, encouraging contributions of practical resources like food, toiletries, clothing, and sleeping bags. Her efforts resulted in an increase in donations to MY House. She also helped reduce food waste by diverting soon-to-be expired items from landfills to individuals who could benefit from the supplies.
"The most meaningful thing I have gained throughout this experience," said Huguet, "is the ability to walk alongside others in their times of need, and having the honour to help them through their struggles and adversities. The clients I have worked with have taught me so much and have helped me appreciate the work I do even more."
Innovative support for mental health and education
TWU students also demonstrated creative ways to promote emotional well-being and learning.
At MEI Middle School, Delaney Unger developed an eight-lesson Social Emotional Learning workshop to help students learn more emotional regulation techniques. Meanwhile, Joe Bebawi served at Young Life Capernaum, where he helped host a soccer program for young adults with developing abilities, fostering both physical activity and community inclusion.
Recognizing the mental health needs of university students, Jong Woo Choi hosted a “Burnout Prevention” live music event with TWU's The Well to promote well-being, relaxation, and connection among TWU students.
Serving through creativity and event coordination
Students used creativity and care to bring hope to those in different walks of life. At the Langley Hospice Society, Jason Rodriguez created a template for grieving individuals to write a letter to a deceased loved one and then display the letters on a remembering tree. This initiative provided a gentle outlet for processing grief through writing and ritual.
Jenna Renkema helped coordinate the Western Youth Summit with Apologetics Canada to help teens strengthen their Christian faith. The upcoming May event features a wide array of speakers that include authors, youth workers, and artists, who can help teens learn how to navigate faith and life after high school.
"I love...when students realize that they can use their skills and knowledge to benefit others and shine a light into the world.”
Preparing for future success
From improving organizational manuals to creating learning tools, TWU students served with thoughtfulness and initiative. For example, Danica Stephen, working as a Behavioural Interventionist, helped develop a sensory-motor activity to teach a young child how to roll a ball—encouraging their learning and development. At Umbrella Multicultural Health Cooperative, Heaven Tesfay helped to compile and expand a policy manual to support future volunteers, field placement students, and employees, centralizing important information.
Preparing compassionate professionals
As Alexandra Dueck, sessional instructor of Psychology and Sociology and coordinator of the Human Services Certificate remarks, “It is incredibly rewarding to work with such dedicated, compassionate, and passionate students. I am inspired by the ways they are applying their academic knowledge to benefit agencies who serve the most vulnerable in our society."
She adds, "I love seeing these light-bulb moments when students realize that they can use their skills and knowledge to benefit others and shine a light into the world.”
About TWU's Human Services program
The Human Services Certificate prepares students for careers in social work, youth and community care, mental health services, and government agencies, with a focus on practical experience and applied learning opportunities. Learn more at TWU Human Services.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.