Brook Catherine Doseger Endowment Fund – Modest, Yet Mighty

“This is the first time in my life that someone believed in me.”

When Brook Doseger’s vibrant life was tragically lost at age 24, due to a traffic accident in Kuwait City in October 2016, for a time there were no words or actions that could assuage the overwhelming grief felt by her family, friends and the global community.  Time helped with the grief, as did the realization that Brook’s energy, aspirations and values were still with those who knew her.  Her legacy was, and is, writ large in the lives of those whom she deeply touched, including Greg and Catherine Bell, who knew her from birth. 

Brook was a born teacher and strived against numerous challenges to graduate from university and secure her first kindergarten teaching position in a private school in Kuwait.  She was a champion of the underdog, always advocating for people who were ignored and left behind.  Inclusion, participation and enabling accessibility guided her teaching and involvement in several not-for-profit organizations.  The innovative work done by the H’art Centre of Smiles, Kingston, captivated her attention with its focus on creativity, participation, and accessible artistic expression for all. 

When the Bells were seeking a way to honour Brook in keeping with her life’s goals and passions, they were on Har’t’s Board of Directors.  It was obvious that placement students from post-secondary institutions played a huge role in H’art’s amazing programs and the development of their artists, and that a deliberate mechanism to acknowledge their invaluable efforts was needed.  But how?

With the assistance of the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area, the Bells created the Brook Catherine Doseger Endowment Fund. Since 2018 the proceeds of the Fund have recognized the talents and commitments of outstanding placement students who embraced and demonstrated the aims of H’art through annual awards in Brook’s memory.

The Bells were so touched when the first award recipient exclaimed, “This is the first time in my life that someone believed in me,” because at the heart of their intentions was a desire to encourage students in their education and careers.

Through the award application process, students describe what they have learned during their placements at H’art, and how they will apply their experiences going forward.  Reading through their applications every year brings a fresh awareness of the depth and importance of H’art’s work. 

Students continuously confirm the value of making artistic expression accessible to all, and how this has a positive impact on both individuals and their communities. One pursuing a career in human health during Covid, when everyone was wearing masks, discovered how incredibly important it was to be able to read emotions solely based on eye expressions. A child and youth care student learned about the differences that people experience in their day-to-day lives, and that looking at situations from other perspectives encourages one to face challenges head on.

One award-winner expressed a passion to open a wellness centre for people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, and mental health challenges. Another realized that focusing on abilities, not disabilities, as they do at H’art, is a missing piece in some group environments.  A healthcare student, who observed that approaching people with patience, respect and a smile establishes equity and encourages others to share thoughts, went on to apply this in a family medicine and psychotherapy clinic.

Frequently, the award winners remarked on the enrichment that came from spending time in H’art’s fun, uplifting atmosphere filled with joy, laughter and pure love, where successes in life were celebrated, instead of focusing on limitations.

Brook’s Fund, compared to many others administered by the Community Foundation, is modest, yet mighty.  As this Fund moved from an idea into reality, numerous things were discovered.  A primary kernel of wisdom involved the realization that the initial value of this fund was not key, because endowment funds continue to grow over time. It is the intent of the Fund that is most important. Being able to encourage a person in their education and career has been lifechanging for everyone.  We urge anyone with an idea to make a lasting impact through the Community Foundation

Catherine & Greg say: ‘We urge anyone with an idea to make a lasting impact through the Community Foundation.