Meet Carolyn, a mother and retiree who channels her love for children by lending a helping hand around the community. Carolyn says she has always volunteered in some capacity or another, and she began volunteering for Bissell Centre around five or six years ago after being referred by a friend. Since then, she has been an indispensable part of Bissell’s childcare team, which offers free daycare to low-income and in-crisis families Monday through Friday. Carolyn always looks forward to her weekly Monday morning shifts caring for the children. “My role is to cuddle them, feed them, play with them,” she explains. “It’s the best of everything.”
Carolyn says that the staff is what makes Bissell Centre special. “You have a very good staff in the children’s area,” she says. “They’re very devoted. It’s not an easy job, because there are such a variety of children that are all from different families and expecting different things.” Carolyn adds that parents who drop their kids off at Bissell’s daycare need never worry about their little ones – they are in very capable hands.
Although there is no single memory Carolyn would tout as her favourite, she says that the small, simple things are what she remembers most. “Things like the joy you have when you’re holding a baby and it falls asleep in your arms,” she says, “or if it’s upset and you’re able to settle it down. Those moments are what make it special – when you’ve made them happy for a little while.”
Volunteering is also a powerful perspective changer for Carolyn. “You really start to recognize that everybody here – they’re just people too. It really puts a different light on a lot of things.” Carolyn feels gratified to know that she is making a difference in the lives of people who need it most, but insists that she also benefits from the experience: “I find I’m learning lots all the time. I thoroughly enjoy it.”
Bissell Centre relies on volunteers like Carolyn to keep programs like the daycare centre in operation. Thank you to Carolyn and all of our amazing volunteers for helping us to keep the wheels of Bissell Centre turning!
Interested in making a difference? Click here to find out how you can get involved.
“I’m either Dad, Uncle, or Grandpa around here.” That is the way that Roger, a long time Bissell Centre volunteer, likes to introduce himself around the community. As he puts it, “I’ve got around two hundred street sons and daughters, and about five hundred street grandchildren.” To many community members and visitors to Bissell, Roger is more than a trusted friend – he’s practically part of the family.
Roger has a stocky build, iron gray hair that is nearly white around the temples, and a ready smile that creases his face with little provocation. He has been volunteering for Bissell Centre for over two years, but before that, he was a regular visitor to our Drop-in Centre. “I used to come here for coffee and that on the weekends, and one day they asked me if I wanted to volunteer for the Community Closet. I said, yes I would!”
Before he became a volunteer, Roger’s life was not without its share of troubles. “I lost a sister and a niece to an impaired driver,” he says. “And I lost a granddaughter to an impaired driver. And I got no use for that, people coming too close to kids when they’re drinking.” In the past, Roger has also struggled with homelessness and poverty, going back and forth between temporary homes before he at last got a place of his own in the inner city. Now that Roger has a reliable place to live, he devotes most of his free time to helping others in need.
“When I used to visit Bissell, a lot of people would ask me for something. And if I could help them in any way, I just did it. It’s something I was taught by my family.”
Roger’s desire for helping others was what drove him to start volunteering at Bissell Centre, offering support and assistance to people who now struggle with the same difficult circumstances that he once faced.
When he’s not at Bissell, Roger is also involved in a volunteer street patrol. All of his volunteer work keeps him busy, but Roger shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m coming up on sixty-seven years old,” he says, laughing, “but I don’t think I’ll retire until I’m about one hundred and eight.”
It is truly an inspiration to see someone like Roger, who has witnessed far more than his fair share of tragedy and personal struggles over the course of his life, devote himself so completely to improving the circumstances in his community.
We are proud to call Roger part of our Bissell Centre family.
For the month of May, our volunteer spotlight falls on Marla, a two-year veteran volunteer whose smiling face can be reliably found at Bissell Centre every Tuesday. She has worked with the arts and crafts Community Participation program since January, before which she worked in the Community Closet distributing free clothing to people in need.
Marla makes time to volunteer around her part-time job at a charitable organization that seeks to alleviate poverty in South and Central America and parts of Africa. “It does great work,” she says of the organization, “but I also wanted to help out locally. That’s why I came to Bissell. My children are all grown now, and I’m at a point where I’d really like to give back to the community.”
When she’s not working or volunteering, Marla also loves to travel. Her volunteer work has taken her as far as Ecuador and Guatemala; in the future, she hopes to travel to even more new places, and is in the process of learning Spanish. She also has a strong artistic background that comes in handy during her Tuesday afternoon painting sessions, where she helps to instruct participants in arts and crafts.
“Some people are just going through a rough patch in their lives, and are just happy to share, happy to have an ear to listen”
– Marla
When asked about her favourite memory with Bissell Centre, Marla recalls serving New Year’s Day dinner. “My family was volunteering with me,” she says. “My daughter and her boyfriend came along to help, and we were serving meals at the Drop-in Centre. That was very special.” Marla’s pleasant, approachable personality makes her well-suited to her volunteer role. As she explains, “I treat people here the same way as I treat my own friends. Some people are just going through a rough patch in their lives, and are just happy to share, happy to have an ear to listen.”
One of Marla’s favourite things about Bissell Centre in particular is the people she gets to work with. “Every staff member I’ve met here has been phenomenal,” she says. “The staff make such a huge difference – they are very caring people, all of them.”
And when asked what she would say to someone considering volunteering, Marla’s answer is immediate: “I would say go for it! Especially if you like people. For me the most rewarding part is actually working with the people you are helping. You really get more out of it than you put in.”
Thank you Marla for your continued dedication with helping people.
Want to volunteer?! Please click here to get started!
We extend our deep sympathies to the individuals and families affected by the devastating fire in Fort McMurray and affected areas.
Ways that you can help the fire relief efforts:
Canadian Red Cross: The Red Cross has set up an emergency Alberta Fires Appeal where you can make online donations.
YMM Fire.ca: Connects Albertans who are able to open their homes, rental properties, recreational properties, and other available space to people in need of somewhere to stay.
In October 2014, Debbie was involved in a car-jacking incident, which left her traumatized and made it difficult for her to continue working. She tried working a few more months but required stress leave when diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to the incident. Debbie eventually returned to work, but quickly started to experience deep symptoms of anxiety and depression, which resulted in her leave being extended.
With her income greatly compromised, Debbie utilized Employment Insurance and Income Support to financially help her and her family as she pursued opportunities to get back to work. She had limited support from her parents and one of her daughters also helped her to make rent.
When Employment Insurance ran out and her daughter moved to Vancouver, Debbie’s struggles increased as she tried to find ways to pay rent and utility bills leaving her and her family on the verge of homelessness.
“I would probably be on the streets if it wasn’t for the Community Bridge helping me”
– Debbie, former Community Bridge Participant
That’s when Debbie turned to Bissell Centre’s Community Bridge Program for financial help thinking that she and her children could soon lose their home. The program paid her next month’s rent and program staff were able to keep their utilities going to ensure that they would not be evicted.
Community Bridge staff continue to stay in contact with Debbie every month to see if she and the children need assistance and to provide any support they may need to remain housed. Debbie feels she has stable support from Bissell Centre and is currently enrolled in programs to help with her transition back into the workforce.
Please visit Bissell Centre’s Housing Services to learn more about the Community Bridge Program and our efforts to provide stable housing and financial support for people living in poverty.
Thanks to our funding partners United Way, City of Edmonton, Stollery Charitable Foundation, ENMAX, and Edmonton Charitable Foundation.
This week, we honour our volunteers who assist people who are struggling with poverty in Edmonton. In conjunction with National Volunteer Week, we have planned activities at Bissell Centre to recognize their valuable contribution to the inner-city community.
Each year, our 1,100 dedicated volunteers give more than 11,000 hours serving meals for the hungry, leading activities for children from low-income families, sorting numerous donations, and providing administrative support. We are continually inspired by their compassion and commitment!
Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages for stories and photos about our dedicated volunteers.
“Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who give their time and talent graciously!”
– Bissell Centre Staff and Leadership
Interested in Volunteering?
To help make a difference for people in our community, please visit our Volunteer Services page and sign up through our online application program to tailor your volunteer experience with us!
We are excited to announce the appointment of Gary St. Amand as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bissell Centre. Gary was appointed Interim CEO after the resignation of Mark Holmgren in November 2015.
“Gary St. Amand is a dynamic and thoughtful leader in Edmonton’s social sector and he has the full support of our organization,” states Ken Ristau, PhD, Board Chair of Bissell Centre. “The Board is confident that Gary will continue to work with our supporters and all Edmontonians to meet the challenge of our vision to eliminate poverty in our community.”
“Bissell Centre has a long history of compassionate and empowering support for families and individuals living in the grips of poverty. During my time here, I have gained a deep respect for the strong tradition Bissell Centre has as a place of safety and support, while also exploring innovative ways to eliminate poverty,” says Gary.
“I am honoured to work with an excellent team of staff, volunteers, and supporters to further this tradition towards the elimination of poverty in our community”
– Gary St. Amand
Gary’s strong leadership as Chief Programs Officer of Bissell Centre for the past three years has been integral to the growth and strength of the organization and its mission to empower people to move from poverty to prosperity. Gary is also a member of the City of Edmonton’s EndPoverty Task Force Implementation Committee with a vision to eliminate poverty in the city within a generation.
During the past four months, five local artists brought their talents into our Drop-in Centre, and led our community members through a variety of creative art workshops. With the help of our steadfast volunteers and practicum students, these generous artists-in-residence provided an opportunity for participants to express themselves through both new and familiar mediums. This endeavour, made possible through the generousity of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, left a lasting and positive impression on everyone involved.
In October, participants used paint-pouring techniques reminiscent of Jackson Pollock. Artists poured, dripped, and stained un-primed canvases that had been placed on the floor. They were invited to “feel” their compositions as they layered the colours together.
The following month, participants were invited to try silk-screen printing; the art of creating multiples. For some of the “students”, the repetitive nature of this medium was therapeutic and calming.
With December came Relief Printing. This involved carving images into Styrofoam or Lino then transferring the images onto paper or fabric.
In January, participants enjoyed embroidery on Wednesdays. The needle work was popular with all — older and younger, men and women! On Saturdays they discovered the art of making traditional Indigenous rattles and fans, eager to learn about their ceremonial significance.
Over the months, a genuine camaraderie developed among those who took part. This was made evident through the increasing number of positive and encouraging comments about one another’s pieces. One artist noted:
“There was no segregation when it came to level of skill and ability. Everyone was welcome and that atmosphere was established”
– Artist from the Creative Arts Program
Bissell Centre believes that working alongside one another builds community, breaks down barriers, and fosters inclusion and respect. This Creative Art Program reinforced this belief.
Most of the community members who attended the workshops donated their work to Bissell Centre. Most do not have a place to call home, and no place to showcase it. If you would like to see more of their work, some of it can be seen in our reception area. We hope to display more soon. It is an honour to share their art created here at Bissell.
Thank you to the artists who shared their time and talents with our community: Debra Rusler, Leanne Olson, Brittney Roy, Devon Beggs, Carolyn Wagner
Creativity knows no bounds, but arts supplies and equipment are frequently too expensive for people living in poverty. It was a delight to bring paint, brushes, textiles, a printing press, and more into the Drop-in! Our community members truly appreciated the opportunity!
Because of you, our supporters, we’re able to provide families with the resources and practical support they need to raise healthy, happy children. Thank you, and happy Family Day!
When I look back over the long history that Bissell Centre has in supporting vulnerable citizens in the City of Edmonton, I am honoured and grateful for the opportunity to stand together with many, many other leaders, staff members, donors, and volunteers who have contributed to making a difference in their community and changing lives for over a century.
Over the past three years, I have had the great privilege of working closely with our former CEO Mark Holmgren. Bissell Centre experienced tremendous growth during Mark’s time with us and I am thankful for the opportunity that I had to learn from Mark and be part of the innovative initiatives that he led us through during his time with us.
As one person commented to me, those are big shoes to fill – figuratively and literally!
Humour aside, this is a true statement but I am able to move forward with confidence not only because of my own leadership experience and successes, but fundamentally and more importantly, because we have an incredibly talented team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about ending poverty in our community. It is they who truly make Bissell Centre the amazing organization that it is.
Who I Am
I came to Bissell Centre having worked for most of my career in non-profit agencies that were committed to supporting families and individuals realize their hopes and aspirations. Over those many years in leadership roles, I began to form and understand which values were important to me personally and professionally. As I learned more about Bissell Centre, it did not take me long to realize that my core values were closely aligned with the organization’s.
Respect, diversity, inclusion, integrity, compassion – these are the things that define what an organization is, rather than what it does. At Bissell Centre, it became clear to me that these values are not simply words on a webpage; they are characteristics that we seek to live out on a daily basis regardless of our role.
Personally, I am as concerned about who I am, and not just with what I do. To put it differently, who we are on the journey is as important as the end we are moving towards. As a father of three, I am reminded of the importance of this daily, as my children pick up my values (and at times my bad habits!), from seeing how I approach life on a day to day basis. Staying true to our values can be hard work, but in the end, the effort is worth it.
The Harsh Reality
As I think of my own children, I cannot help but reflect on the many children who are faced daily with the harsh realities of poverty here in Edmonton. I still find myself shocked at the significant numbers of families and children who find themselves lacking their fundamental needs. Consider this quote from End Poverty Edmonton:
“The most recent data from 2012 finds that one in eight Edmontonians experience poverty as a daily reality. The younger you are, the more likely you are to live in poverty. Just under one in five Edmonton children under 18 years of age live in a poor family. Just over one in three children living in a lone-parent family lives in poverty. “
– End Poverty Edmonton
This was data from 2012, before the recent slide of oil prices and the resulting economic challenges for many in our community. I am afraid to think of what those numbers would be today!
This sobering reality presents a significant challenge to all of us. But it also provides an opportunity. It is in this moment, perhaps more than any other, that we need to join together and come alongside our neighbours, our friends, and family members to join in the long history of those who have taken action to make a difference and bring hope of a brighter future.
This is why I am working with our team here at Bissell Centre to expand the services that we provide to families and children. It is why we are seeking to expand our Community Bridge Program, which helps prevent evictions for families and individuals.
Our Bold Vision
A number of years ago, Bissell Centre adopted a bold new vision, the elimination of poverty in our community. This was at a time when conversations were focused on the reduction or management of poverty. The idea of ending poverty seemed ludicrous to some – the problem was too big, too complex. Some have said it cannot be done. But this also what many told the Wright Brothers about building an airplane.
To believe that poverty is a foregone conclusion is to give up on what might be and preclude us from taking concrete actions that might actually bring the seemingly impossible closer to reality. How many iterations of the filament did Edison have to attempt before he was successful at creating an effective working lightbulb? Where would we be today if he hadn’t been driven by a deep belief that creating an electrical light was in fact possible? Doing something great is never easy. By definition, a great accomplishment is only great because it was so difficult.
“I speak without exaggeration when I say that I have constructed three thousand different theories in connection with the electric light, each one of them reasonable and apparently to be true. Yet only in two cases did my experiments prove the truth of my theory. “
– Thomas Edison
In order for us to make the impossible possible, we need to begin with the belief that we can make a difference, we can succeed, and then we need to take concrete steps towards that end. Whether they are big or small, all of those steps joined together begin to form a movement, a wave of support and engagement that can change the tide and make the impossible possible.
