Hearts and Hands Restoring Dignity Through the Love of God

Guest Program - Emergency Care

The Herb Jamieson Centre offers short term, and emergency room and board, to men with little or no resources. These men, normally between 18 and 60 years of age come here for a great variety of reasons. Some are transient, needing only a few days before they move on, while some are unemployed and just need some time here to get "back on their feet". However, the majority of our residents are from the "street". They are men who have found themselves destitute because of addictions, emotional trauma, mental health problems, or more likely because they face a combination of these and related problems. Essentially they are men who are simply unable to cope in normal social and communal life.

To these men, we try to offer a Christ-like response. Besides giving food and shelter to over 250 men per night we offer various activities (Movie nights) and programs (Bible studies) and support (Addiction support groups). A Chaplain is always available for one to one counseling and prayer. Our Chaplains and staff are also available for referral and information with respect to employment and education.

• Nursing services are available at the Centre for our residents, and for people in the inner city.
• The Herb Jamieson Centre also assists Alberta Family & Social Services with conducting a work program for the residents.

Men's Treatment Program

The Treatment Program, gives men seeking to break addictions, a place and support and care. Separate rooms provide a degree of privacy and security and assist them to begin to focus on their own recovery. Three meals per day, laundry services and recreation facilities, contribute to the well being of the program residents.

Treatment begins by identifying addictive patterns and so potentially dispels the self deception that accompanies any addiction. Educational, vocational and employment planning, communication and social skills, personal health and fitness accompanied by "work therapy", combine to help the resident acquire some basic living skills. Education in relapse prevention, referrals to other agencies and support systems, helps maintain what has been gained. Finally, introduction and discussion of the relevancy of Christianity provides the opportunity of finding the Source behind any good change.

To achieve these objectives the Chaplains work closely with the residents by way of individual and group counseling, through lectures and discussions, through weekly outings and simply through day to day relationship building. Our prayer is for God to touch the souls of these men.

  Breakout Testimony