Pat Carlson, Author & Advocate
Pat Carlson is a mother and grandmother who has dedicated her life to advocacy, compassion, and community service.
She graduated from Teachers College before earning her BA degree in Psychology from STU. Her careers included 12 years as the Executive Director of the Fredericton Emergency Shelter, where she started a second shelter for women called Grace House, and later worked with the Faculty of Nursing at UNB to open the Community Health Clinic, now the Downtown Fredericton Clinic.
Pat later founded "Changes" Non-Profit Enterprises, where she trained hard-to-employ men and women in the work skills necessary to find and keep a job.
Service above self – a fundamental responsibility we all share to care for our fellow human beings.
She is currently semi-retired and works from home on transportation issues for people without their own wheels. She has volunteered on several boards, holding executive positions, including one working on establishing a rural community in the greater Harvey Area and another in Charlotte County for the Southwest NB Transit Authority.
A Legacy of Impact
Shelter Leadership
12 years as Executive Director of Fredericton Emergency Shelter, founding Grace House for women in need
Community Health
Collaborated with UNB Faculty of Nursing to establish the Downtown Fredericton Clinic
Employment Training
Founded "Changes" Non-Profit Enterprises, empowering hard-to-employ individuals with essential work skills
Public Advocacy
Wrote a biweekly column in the Daily Gleaner for seven years, addressing mental health, poverty, and addictions
Recognition & Awards
Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow
Recognized for "service above self"
Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year
2003 - For extensive changes brought to awareness of the homelessness situation
Voice for Change
Pat wrote a biweekly column in the Daily Gleaner for seven years, addressing political issues relating to mental health, poverty, and addictions. As a public speaker, she has spoken from church pulpits to university classes, always carrying the message of our need to care for our fellow man as a fundamental responsibility of all of us.
Now, through her writing and handcrafted creations, Pat continues to share stories that matter and items made with heart, bringing her decades of compassion and creativity to every project.
From advocacy to artistry, from public service to personal storytelling, Pat Carlson's journey reflects a life lived with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a little better for those who need it most.