KUU-US Crisis Line Society works and operates on the unceded territory of Tseshaht and Hupacasath
Mission Statement: The KUU-US Crisis Line Society is a non-profit registered charity that provides 24 hour crisis services
through education, prevention and intervention programs
KUU-US CRISIS LINE STAFF
Executive Director - Colin Minions
My name is Colin Minions and I am the Executive Director for the Kuu-us Crisis Line Society in Port Alberni. I have been in this role since December 2021. Prior to that I was on the Board of Directors for Kuu-us. In addition, I am a volunteer with Port Alberni's Emergency Support Services which is a community emergency response program. Prior to working with the Salvation Army I was with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
Contact Colin at 250-723-2323 extension 227 or by email at kuu-used@kuu-uscrisisline.com
Associate Director - Cindy McAnerin
Cindy grew up for most of her young life in Ucluelet, BC. She has lived in Port Alberni for 28 years and has been married to her husband of 30 years who is Hupacasath First Nation. Cindy and her family built their home on the Hupacasath First Nation reserve 25 years ago and continue to reside their now. Cindy has a deep respect and love for indigenous people and is driven to support and empower her community.
Her position at KUU-US Crisis line society as Associate Director has given her the opportunity to do what she loves, which is support and work with all people. If you require advocacy support and/or employability skills support, please contact her at 250-723-2323 Ext227 or email to kuu-usadvocate@shaw.ca
Housing Coordinator - Rhonda Ursel
Rhonda has lived in Port Alberni her whole life and when not working enjoys spending time outdoors in the beautiful Nuu-cha-nulth territory she has grown up on.
Rhonda is very client driven and puts her all into her role as Housing Coordinator with KUU-US. She provides support to those in need of housing and works to compile a weekly housing registry. Please contact Rhonda for your housing needs. Contact Rhonda at 250-723-2323 extension 226 or by email at kuu-ushomefullness@shaw.ca
Project Cooridinator - Kaelyn Vimhel
Kaelyn was born and raised on Nuu-cha-nulth territory in Port Alberni. The mother of three sons, her days away from the office are just as busy spending time outdoors with her family and her dog.
Kaelyn has devoted her career to helping those in need in the Alberni Valley and surrounding communities and her work with KUU-US as the Project Coordinator helps bridge many service gaps and provide much needed supports to those in need. Contact Kaelyn at 250-723-2323 extension 336 or by email at Kaelyn@kuu-uscrisisline.com
West Coast Coordinator - Kara Bryant
Kara was born in Fredericton New Brunswick and has lived all over Canada. She came to Port Alberni and Nuu-cha-nulth territory in 2017.
Kara has worked as a photographer, scuba instructor, activities coordinator for those with barriers and joined the KUU-US team last year.
She is the mother of two young girls and shows her love for the community through her work in Port Alberni and the West Coast. Contact Kara at kara@kuu-uscrisisline.com
Operations Manager - Shawn McAnerin
Shawn McAnerin was born in Port Alberni and is a member of the Hupacasath First Nation. He has been married for 30 years and has one daughter. Shawn has over 15 years in forest management and for the last 20 years has worked on many large hydro, gas & oil, mines, dams and construction projects throughout BC and Alberta.
He has acquired extensive knowledge, experience and management skills throughout his work years. Shawn has spent time at BCIT, College of the Rockies, and heavy equipment schools. Back in the 90’s he operated his own forestry company and worked for multiple divisions of McMillian Bloedel in enhanced forestry and helicopter salvage.
Shawn has experience supervising a Job Creation Partnership to support business creation and to support people to gain employment skills. He feels he will be an important asset to KUU-US Crisis Line Society with his business experience as Operations Manager and is looking forward to making a difference in people’s lives.
Crisis Team Lead - Bianca Leblond
Bianca grew up in Ontario where she learned a lot about the Annishinaabe. Learning about the Ojibwe & Chippewa clans, she has incorporated the cultural practices into her life and daily routine. Bianca moved to Victoria, British Columbia as an adventure out on her own in 1997 when she was 20. She has recently moved to Port Alberni, marrying a man who was born & raised on the traditional territory of the Hupacasath & Tseshaht Nations. Bianca & her husband like to explore nature, going for hikes with their dogs and hosting family dinners. Bianca has relatives with the Tla-oqui-aht Nation & looks forward to learning more about their traditional ways. For the last 8 years Bianca has been learning about the Shipibo-Conibo lineage from the Amazon in Peru & continues to learn and heal through their teachings & ways.
KUU-US Mascot - Merlin Harvey
Merlin is a 5 month old Olde English Bulldog & is the mascot of Kuu-us he brings joy & a lightness to many of the staff here. He loves people, especially children. His hobbies are being off leash bush
bombing and he is very food motivated. He often growls to communicate and at times makes strange "alien" sounds.
ʔuušy̓akšiƛeʔic, thank you to Andrée Cazabon Director of the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation, from the tiičmiss team. (KUU-US Crisis Line Department). Our hands go up to you for gifting the team with an opportunity to rejuvenate and refuel their ƛiḿaqsti (spirit) so they can top up their self-care and able to continue to give of themselves.