Staff Highlight: Tom Cadham

We are excited to continue our Staff Highlight Campaign, where we celebrate the incredible individuals who contribute to the purpose and values of arc programs. This month, we are proud to feature Tom Cadham, a dedicated member of our Youth Services team who is retiring after 28 years of service. 

Tom has been a pillar of the agency’s youth-focused work for nearly three decades. His grounded presence, sense of humour, and commitment to young people have shaped the lives of clients and colleagues across the region. With deep appreciation for learning, collaboration, and building strong relationships, Tom has modeled what it means to lead with care and consistency. 

As Tom prepares to begin a well-earned retirement, we are honoured to share his reflections on what has made his journey meaningful: from moments with youth and teammates to the values that kept him grounded in this work. 

To get to know Tom better, we asked him a few questions about his journey at arc programs: 

Questionnaire:

Name: Tom Cadham 

Job Title: Youth Services Support Worker 

Program: Youth Services 

Length of time within the organization: I have worked at arc programs for 28 years.  

What is one of the most rewarding aspects of your employment at arc?  

The most rewarding aspect of my time at arc is the people. I look forward to coming into work and seeing my fellow workers at the main office (a brief update about their lives, sharing a laugh or being a supportive ear if needed) and attending arc gatherings, where I can catch up and chat with old and new staff. Working with a great staff makes even the most stressful days manageable.   

How have you grown or developed personally or professionally during your time with arc? 

Training (conferences, workshops, etc.) and learning from fellow staff, management and the youth I work with have helped me to develop the skills I use to offer the best service possible for my clients. I feel the experience and training I have gathered has given me the skills to be respectful, knowledgeable, aware of and understanding the many people I encounter in my daily work. I feel it has helped me to build a strong relationship with the community members I have worked with over the years.  

How do you observe your role contributing to create thriving communities, free of systemic barriers and full of belonging, equity, and hope? 

Ultimately, it’s all about the kids and seeing the progress and successes they have made over the time I have worked with them. Those results confirm to me that I went into the profession I was meant to be in. The program I am part of gives youth an opportunity to believe in themselves and explore opportunities that they might not otherwise have had, which can lead them into being proud and contributing members of their community. 

Outside of work, what are your passions or hobbies that contribute to your overall well-being?  

My free time is spent with family, and kayaking, fishing, biking, curling and gardening are the things that keep me busy in my casual time. 

Is there anyone you would you like to recognize or give a shoutout to for their support, mentorship, or teamwork? Why?  

arc has been a huge part of my life and that wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Shane and his plan to create a setting that focused on the best services it could offer to children, youth and families in need and hiring the best staff, management and admin to ensure his dream would come to fruition. I would like to acknowledge the 2 best Sup’s in the world – Geo and Kelly; the many wonderful teammates I have had the privilege to work with over the years; my tech team, who helped me resolve computer issues as they arose: too many to name, but you know who you are. Thank you to all the long timers that reside at FCC, the Kootenays and Penticton; and to my best bud Brenda – we’ve been through more than a lot together. I hope to be able to keep in touch with many of you as I sail off into my new life.