Honouring Helen Williams with the Staff Award of Excellence

Helen Williams has been a guiding light at Yorktown Family Services for over two decades, shaping the lives of hundreds—if not thousands—of children and families. This year, Yorktown proudly recognizes Helen as the recipient of the Staff Award of Excellence, celebrating her dedication, creativity, and care.

Helen’s journey at Yorktown began in 2003, when she joined the Supporting Young Families drop-in program as a part-time children’s group facilitator. While raising her own family, Helen sought meaningful work that allowed her to help others—continuing a lifelong calling to care for others that first led her to study nursing. More than two decades later, Helen remains a central presence in that same program, nurturing children and strengthening families with compassion and skill.

Over the years, Helen has contributed to many Yorktown programs, including Parenting in the Early Years, which helps parents and children build skills for emotional regulation, healthy routines, and confidence. She also facilitates the Ready, Set, School program, preparing children for kindergarten. Helen’s work in the Here To Help program deepened her expertise in child development and mental health, supporting children aged 0–6 who have experienced or witnessed violence. She has also been trained to deliver Baby Love and other parenting programs that foster secure attachment and resilience.

A lifelong learner, Helen earned her Early Childhood Education Diploma in 2019 and became a Registered Early Childhood Educator. In 2022, she stepped into her current full-time role as Yorktown’s Early Childhood Specialist. Her approach blends artistry and empathy—creating imaginative activities that build confidence and emotional awareness, and designing spaces that are colourful, warm, and engaging. Recently, Helen even constructed a child-sized kitchen for the Supporting Young Families group to teach child-friendly recipes and promote healthy eating habits.

Helen’s colleagues describe her as deeply committed and endlessly creative. She is known for arriving early, staying late, and setting high standards for herself and others. “My mission is to equip families by giving them direction, building their self-esteem, and helping them create a positive path built from their strength,” says Helen. “I aim to help them see their own light, and to help them stay on track even when things are tough. When their light seems dim, I drop little stars of creativity and hope to guide them back to a brighter path.”

Yorktown Family Services is deeply grateful for Helen’s two decades of service, innovation, and heart. Congratulations, Helen, on this well-deserved recognition.

Tributes for Helen Williams

There is no Yorktown without Helen! Helen’s decades of experience and expertise intersect with her passion for supporting people where they are at, going above and beyond to meet our clients’ needs. Helen’s energy, collaboration, and fun-loving spirit bring joy to co-workers and clients alike. Helen could not be more deserving of the Staff Award of Excellence!
Heulwen Williams, Family, Child & Youth Therapist – VAW Focused

Helen has worked at Yorktown for many years and has worn various hats. Helen’s dedication, passion, and commitment shine through her words of wisdom and in her delivery. Helen always goes above and beyond–100% and her creativity is Phenomenal!! Congratulations, Helen this award is well deserved!
Lisa Thomas, Care Navigator

You lift spirits with laughter, brighten moments with kindness, and remind us what it means to move through the world with grace. Your light is always here for others and always shining.
Karen Blake, Manager of Community-Based Violence Prevention Programs

For 16 years, I have had the privilege of knowing Helen, have worked side by side with her, and can genuinely say that she is one of the most creative people I have ever met. Her dedication and commitment to her work are exceptional, plus she always delivers with a smile and a warm heart. Helen always has the clients’ best interests in mind and, of course, is always ready to go the extra mile.
Karina Gonzalez, Care Navigator

Helen, your creativity lights up everything you touch. You have a steady work ethic that inspires confidence.  You turn ideas into thoughtful, beautiful work that clients and colleagues admire. You lift the mood with your humour. ‘Phenomenal woman, that’s you.’(Maya Angelou.) Thank you for being boldly you. You are always ‘here to help’.
Michelle Fraser, Here to Help Group Leader

Helen is Yorktown. She has lived and breathed these neighbourhoods and streets, and all the diverse people who call them home.  Helen is Family—mother, nurturer, caregiver, sister, mentor, friend. She weaves love into every interaction, every relationship, every act of service.  Helen is the first star to rise and the last to fade—always giving, always guiding. Eyes fixed on Polaris, she moves through her work with love for her community, lighting the way for others.
Catarina Rodrigues, Executive Administrative Assistant