top of page

Day in the Life of a Day One Society Detox Worker: Sherri McEwen

Day One Society

At Day One Society, the path to recovery begins with compassionate and dedicated individuals like Sherri McEwen, whose work as a detox worker is a blend of strength, empathy, and resilience. Sherri’s role goes far beyond the typical expectations of a job—it’s a commitment to helping individuals find hope and healing during their most vulnerable moments.

“Every day is different,”

Sherri explains. “Those who can multitask and juggle a few balls at a time seem to cope better in this environment.” The unpredictable nature of her work requires flexibility and a calm focus, traits she has honed throughout her career.

Although Sherri has a Diploma in Social Work, she quickly discovered that her role demanded additional knowledge to fully support her patients and team. “I had to learn a lot about street drugs and the medications our patients receive,” she shares. This specialized understanding enables her to engage in meaningful conversations with patients while building trust and rapport.

However, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. As she notes,

“Staying in your own lane is critical for boundaries. It ensures patients get the care they need and helps us manage the emotional challenges of the job.”

Sherri’s ability to maintain strong personal boundaries stems from her dedication to her own wellness program and the balance she creates between work and her personal life. “I am always hopeful for our patients—even when their situations seem dire,” she says. Despite the emotional toll, her hope remains steadfast.

“Every once in a while, someone or their situation breaks my heart, but I believe that means I’m not yet burnt out!”

Sherri’s reflections reveal the profound fulfillment she finds in her work. Each small victory, a patient’s step toward recovery, reinforces her purpose and reminds her why she chose this path.

Sherri’s advice to those considering this field is both practical and heartfelt.

“I strongly recommend that future detox workers have more than experience or a one-credit course before committing to this job. Those with at least a certificate are much better balanced in their practice and face less risk of transference.”

She also highlights the physical and emotional demands of the job. “Twelve-hour shifts are not for everyone. I’ve watched many struggles, including myself, at times. Keeping staff comfortable and safe is essential because this is not an easy job for many.”

Sherri’s story is a testament to the resilience of detox workers and their pivotal role in supporting individuals on the journey to recovery. Even in the face of daunting challenges, her unwavering hope for her patients exemplifies the core mission of Day One Society: offering hope, help, and healing one day at a time.

“Every once in a while, we see someone take a step toward a better future. That’s why we do this—because recovery is always possible, even in the face of despair.”

At Day One Society, we believe in building a community rooted in support, understanding, and compassion. By sharing stories like Sherri’s, we hope to inspire hope and action—paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for all those we serve.

Comentarios


1L7A3128 internet.jpg
DayOneSociety_Logo-Vertical-Colour.png

Our main office is located at
922 – 3rd Avenue
Kamloops, B.C. V2C 6W5

 

Phone: 250-374-4634

Toll Free: 1-877-318-1177

Fax: 250.374.4621

Email: info@dayonesociety.ca

Day One Society provides services to bring help, hope, and healing to community members on land that, since time immemorial, has been a place of great importance in our region. We acknowledge that we are located on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory, situated within the unceded ancestral lands of the Secwépemc Nation. We honour and respect the people, the territory, and the land that houses our Society.

Day One Society
(l to r) Sian Lewis, Executive Director and Marilyn McLean, Board Chair of Day One Society

Disclaimer: All data, information, text, graphics, links, and other material on the Day One Society’s website are provided as a convenience to our site visitors. Day One Society does not warranty the accuracy of any data, information, text, graphics or other materials on this site or any other sites linked to or from this site. Day One Society makes no commitment to update or correct any information on this website and accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in any of the materials on or any materials referred to in this site or linked to this website. All material on the website is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Day One Society makes no warranty that the information on this website will be applicable to the purposes of website visitors, and under no circumstances will Day One Society be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from anyone's reliance on the information or other content posted on this website or from websites linked to this website. Day One Society makes no warranty that the use of this website will be uninterrupted and although Day One Society maintains the most recent virus protection available on this website, Day One Society makes no guarantee that this website is free from viruses. By visiting this website, you agree that neither Day One Society, the website designer, host or Internet service provider is responsible to you, and you hold harmless the Day One Society, website designer, host and Internet service provider from any claim, loss, direct or indirect expense, special or punitive damages of any kind you may incur in connection with the use of this website, even if you have previously advised the Day One Society of the possibility of such claim.

©2025 Day One Society. All Rights Reserved. 

bottom of page