George Schwab

Job Title
HIV Outreach Worker

Department/Location
Regional HIV Program

How long have you worked at VCH?
10 years

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I outreach clients living with HIV who have become disconnected from care, with the goal of supporting them in getting re-engaged to care, however that looks to them.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
Everything. I love my job! From my clients to our community partners, our team management and all my co-workers. I have never felt so supported in my day to day work since I started at VCH. If VCH wants to pick a team that all others should be modelled after, it would be the STOP Team.

How does your work contribute to the VCH True North goals?
We don’t wait for the clients to come to us to “provide the best care”. We go looking for them to ensure they get connected to the best care. And we don’t give up until they are well-connected.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I played Tevye in the Drumheller community production of Fiddler on the Roof. When my parents saw it, my Dad was bawling, saying “I didn’t know you could sing that way”. I have been singing in the Vancouver Men’s Chorus for 10 years.

Three things you always have in your fridge:
Chocolate (because I love to keep it cold and snappy), worms (for my fish), and milk.

Who or what inspires you?
My husband inspires me to be a better person. He is the kindest, gentlest person I have ever met.

Most healthy habit:
Long walks with my dog.

Favourite vacation spot:
I don’t have one! There is so much to see in the world, I don’t want to limit to any one place.