Biography

Red River College - Child Youth

Director, Knowles Centre (resigned)
Nonprofit Organization Management
Dave
Purpur
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Resourceful leader with 27 years experience managing and operating programs for level 4 and 5 at-risk youth in a group care setting. Proven ability to work within various government institutions and systems, including Child Welfare, Departments of Justice and Education. Strengths include effective leadership skills, time management, ability to work well under pressure, reliability and excellent verbal and written communications. Skilled at public speaking and presentations, relationship building, problem-solving and providing exceptional understanding of client needs.

Key Accomplishments at Knowles Centre
• Researched and implemented a strength-based treatment philosophy and training for program staff
• Changed semi-secure units from locked doors to open doors, resulting in better client outcomes in many categories, such as fewer assaults, false fire alarms, calls to police and days AWOL
• Eliminated containment units to help prevent re-traumatizing youth
• Implemented and instructed professional development classes for all staff at Knowles Centre and outside agencies and schools
• Reduced on-site units from ten youth to six, resulting in a better milieu for staff and youth
• Turned four open bedrooms in on-site units into a safety/comfort quad for youth needing a break from a particular unit or individual, reducing the need for the crisis stabilization unit, mobile crisis team and police intervention
• Opened a new level 4 four-bed home on Edison Ave
• Certified as trainer in Mental Health First Aid and Masters level instructor in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)