JANET BLATZ

Twenty-three years ago, I stepped into Winnipeg’s North End thinking I was there to help change lives. But over time, it was my life that changed. I realized my role wasn’t to fix, judge, or save—it was to learn, listen, and love.

A song by Chris Rice helped reframe my entire approach:
“When I stoop down low, look him square in the eye… I get a funny feeling I just might be dealing with the face of Christ.”

That lyric shaped my journey. Living alongside and learning from my Indigenous friends and neighbours, I saw firsthand the disconnect between the Canadian Church and inner-city communities. I’m committed to helping build the bridge that isn’t there yet—with humility, compassion, and trauma-informed understanding.

At CareImpact, I work behind the scenes to make trauma care training accessible, engaging, and seamless. Whether it’s setting up lights, managing Zoom calls, or creating media content, my goal is to help our trainers shine and our participants feel supported.

✅ Tech & media coordinator for CareImpact’s in-person and online training (10+ years)
✅ Pivoted during COVID to transform our training studio for virtual delivery
✅ Support and assist trauma care trainers, helping deliver powerful, practical content
✅ ADHD-aware and systems-loving—my files are colour-coded, my house... not so much

My trauma training also supports my full-time work in a group home, helping me better understand and connect with youth facing complex challenges.

I’ve lived with over 45 people across 23 years, and spent 9 of those years embedded in the inner city. I’ve done respite care for kids in CFS, worked with children with ASD, and supported group home youth with therapeutic crisis training.

I’m someone who:
✔ Gets emotional at powerful movies… and loses her voice at sports games
✔ Loves camping with no electricity but gets giddy over new tech gadgets
✔ Is obsessed with organized computer files and surrounded by “doom piles” at home
✔ Plays video games, watches Broadway musicals and Bond films, and travels whenever possible
✔ Would be described (affectionately) as: “How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?”

I was diagnosed with ADHD a year ago—and suddenly, so many things made sense. I still lose things… but now I know it’s part of my wonderfully wired brain.

I believe that trauma-informed care isn’t just for professionals—it’s for everyone. Whether you’re in a church pew or a group home, understanding trauma helps us connect with others—and with ourselves—more compassionately.

🌉 We need more bridges, not barriers.
🎧 Everyone has something to teach us—if we’re willing to listen.
🌟 Healing happens through connection, humility, and shared stories.

Through CareImpact, I’m honoured to use both my heart for people and my love for tech to help make trauma care training accessible, engaging, and real.