Gail Dirks

Gail is a family support worker with the Westmount Regional Services in Calgary and is deeply committed to her role as a support and advocate for families. She is described as a very caring, compassionate person, always positive and someone who projects a wonderful image of the fostering community.

Gail is a determined advocate for families, ensuring they receive the supports they need, advocating for extra respite, conveying training opportunities and resources as they become available, and always going above and beyond for those she supports.

Gail’s happy disposition creates positive relationships with caregivers, biological families, medical professionals, case workers, and everyone she works and interacts with. She is a huge champion for children and youth in care, working alongside families to ensure their well-being. Families describe Gail as always putting the needs of kids first, strongly advocating for what is in the best interest of the child, and ensuring they have the supports and resources they need to thrive. In one particular instance, she went out of her way to arrange overnight care for a medically fragile child until the child stabilized. She also connected the caregiver to the Mentorship Program, to become a mentor for families caring for medically fragile children, always looking for ways to help others.

“Gail is an absolute gem and I am so grateful to have her as my family support worker”, said one foster family of her. She is truly dedicated to her role.

Congratulations on your well-deserved award Gail, and a heartfelt thank you, for all you do for the families you support.