Police Week 2022: Meet Jessica Kopechanski

It’s Police Week in Ontario from May 15th-21st, 2022.

Public safety involves a collaborative effort within police agencies and between police services, first responders, as well as social and community organizations.

Meet Jessica Kopechanski: 

“My role as Coordinator of 200 Larch is to guide and support staff, support individuals accessing services and oversee program operations at the Off the Street Emergency Shelter.

As a lead agency in mental health and addictions, the Canadian Mental Health Association-Sudbury/Manitoulin team works with individuals who are experiencing homelessness, daily. Our purpose is “to support healthy people and communities through advocacy and the provision of safe, inclusive, and accessible mental health and addictions services”.

I am passionate about what I do! Working for shelter services is a humbling experience. I strive to make a genuine human connection with individuals. Whether it's connecting individuals with the appropriate services, assisting an individual to make a phone call to a loved one, supporting with food and clothing or simply checking in to see how their day was. Every small act of support contributes to a larger meaningful purpose in the lives of individuals and in the health of our community. I love playing a part in that.

Our collaborative partnership with GSPS is something of great value when working with our diverse population. GSPS' proactive approach to finding solutions and working with individuals who are homeless helps to foster a sense of safety for those who access shelter services. Our shared interest in community wellbeing allows us to work in close partnership to support the unique needs of individuals experiencing homeless in our community.”