COLUMN: Beyond the Shelter – Growing as a team

When people think about the work that happens at a crisis shelter, they may think about training, education, policies, and the professional skills needed to support individuals experiencing violence. While these are all important, growth within a team goes far beyond completing a training session or learning a new framework.

For this month’s Beyond the Shelter, we spoke with Agape House’s clinical supervisor, Andrea Berg, about what it means to grow as a team while doing deeply relational and often challenging work.

“Growth is much more than completing training or learning a new framework,” Andrea explains. “It is an ongoing process of reflection, noticing patterns, asking ourselves what is happening beneath the surface, and being willing to consider how our own experiences and responses shape the way we show up in our work.”

In a busy frontline environment, learning does not always happen in a classroom. Sometimes, it happens in small moments throughout the day. It can look like pausing after a difficult interaction, reflecting on what happened, talking with a colleague, or asking ourselves what we might do differently next time.

“Survivors are often some of our greatest teachers,” Andrea says. “Every conversation offers an opportunity to listen differently, notice what is working, and remain open to what we might learn.”

Formal training remains an important part of the work. At Agape House, our team continues to learn through approaches such as Trauma-Informed Care and Safe & Together. However, integrating those ideas into practice requires more than simply knowing the language of a framework.

“When we connect the learning to our own ‘why,’ it becomes less about applying a framework and more about developing a way of being in relationship with others,” Andrea says.

Growth is also visible in how a team works together. Confidence does not mean having all the answers. Sometimes, confidence means being willing to ask questions, hear another perspective, or try something new.

Alignment does not mean everyone thinks the same way either. According to Andrea, it means being able to engage in difficult conversations while maintaining respect and connection. “When we can critically examine our practice, challenge one another with care, and remain open to different perspectives, we create a team culture where learning and accountability can coexist.”

The work of supporting individuals experiencing violence can be emotionally demanding. A strong team is not one where people never struggle. It is one where people know they do not have to struggle alone.

Connection, communication, and trust are essential. A trauma-informed team culture recognizes that people may become overwhelmed or have difficult days. Rather than expecting people to simply push through, we can create space to pause, reach out, and reconnect.

Andrea’s hope for the team moving forward is that we continue to show up authentically with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to acknowledge when we do not have all the answers.

As our team grows, every person brings different experiences, perspectives, strengths, and ways of understanding the work. By making space for those differences, continuing to reflect, and remaining willing to have even the uncomfortable conversations, we can continue growing together.

Because ultimately, growth is not about becoming perfect or having all the answers. It is about remaining curious, connected, and willing to learn—not just as individuals, but as a team.

Andrea Berg is a clinical supervisor.

Agape House provides a safe space and 24/7 support to those experiencing domestic violence in Southeastern Manitoba. The local crisis line can be reached at 204-346-0028.