Caroline Isles, the Community School Coordinator at Georgia Avenue Community School, is committed to making a difference in her neighbourhood but she'd prefer to do it quietly, in the background, with little ... let's make that no ... fanfare.

Recently I found myself sitting in her office along with Colleen Lind, the person who nominated her, and it was interesting to see how Caroline tried to change the focus of the conversation as Colleen began to sing her praises.

Colleen first met Caroline in 1994 when she took her children to the Children's Reading Circles Caroline ran at Harewood Mall and the old Northbrook Mall.

Caroline is one of those people who are passionately committed to building stronger communities and who work many more than their paid hours. Fortunately the world is full of folks like that... Neighbourhood Heroes all.

Anyway, back to our story. Caroline became more and more uncomfortable as she heard herself described as a valuable asset and tireless worker for her community; a person who always has a smile and kind word for everyone; a person who is always looking for an opportunity to lend a hand, to network and connect people; a person who is totally committed to making her community stronger.

"We are so blessed," Colleen said, "to have Caroline as part of our Harewood community. She has a kind manner and a supportive shoulder for everyone."

Colleen went on to talk about an incident that took place last year at the school's yearend assembly. Her two year old twin boys who were especially "wiggly" that evening. Noticing what was going on, Caroline quietly slipped in beside her, picked up one of the twins and disappeared into the library leaving Colleen with just one of the boys and able to enjoy the rest of the evening's program.

If you can picture Colleen with her two-year-old "wiggly" twin boys on her lap, you have a pretty good idea of how Caroline looked by now but she became much more comfortable once she was able to jump in and change the focus of the conversation away from her and toward others.

We talked about Harewood and how more and more people are learning to live together and help each other out, the free computers for families program, the Boys and Girls Club on site at Georgia Avenue School, the summer programs, the sports camps supported by Pacific Sports, the crafts nights, Children's Gift Closet and other programs.

There are definitely a lot of great things going on in Harewood but it is not all wine and roses as Caroline also pointed out.

Housing is a major problem. The vacancy rate is extremely low. Finding a place to rent is difficult at best and if you have a larger family, it's almost impossible.

For instance, Colleen, her husband and four boys, ages 3 to 13, have been living in a motel since the house they rented was sold a few months ago. Unable to find a suitable rental, and approved for a small mortgage, they are now looking for a three or four bedroom home they can afford to buy ... but it's a real challenge.

There is also a major concern regarding the possibility of funding being cut for the Community Schools Program that sees schools become a community resource and meeting centre. It also includes school meals and extra counseling for families.

The more I get to know about Harewood, the more I like the community and its people and Caroline Isles is just one of the folks that will keep that positive spirit growing ... no matter what.