Vision

• Neighbour helping neighbour

Mission

• People with the least access to resources will have increased power to determine and achieve their goals

In pursuit of this vision, Bissell Centre exists in order to:

• Meet basic daily needs met for those with least access to resources
• Improve the quality of life for those with least access to resources
• Give children living in poverty a chance for a brighter present and future
• Increase the education and awareness of issues of poverty within the greater Edmonton community.

Philosophy, Beliefs & Values

Philosophy
Our philosophy is one of hope for human potential and social justice; of trust in the power of community through relationships and inclusiveness; and of resourcefulness with strength and capacity. We respect that people can make their own choices and that they take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. The United Church of Canada is part of our past and our present.

Beliefs
We believe that:
Every person has the right to have basic human needs satisfied.
Collectively and individually, each of us has a responsibility to care for one another.
Every person is welcome.

Values
At the very core of Bissell Centre is the development of positive relationships. This is inclusive of
relationships with people who access the agency, who volunteer and work here and those in the greater community committed to addressing issues of poverty.

Bissell Centre focuses on being active as a community on three basic levels.

• As an agency:  we provide services and resources within our community.


• As a Centre:  we create a sense of belonging that allows people to gather, interact and communicate; to foster neighbour helping neighbour.


• As an advocate:  we provide an opportunity for our community to have a stronger voice in society and to participate in making decisions that affect all of us.

• Acceptance
  To value and accept people as they are spiritually, emotionally and physically; celebrating the rich dimensions within each individual.
  
• Respect
  To foster unbiased consideration and regard for all people, including their values, rights, beliefs and property.
  
• Diversity
  To encompass acceptance and respect, recognizing our individual differences and understanding that each individual is unique.
  
• Compassion
  To provide genuine caring towards everyone in a non judgmental manner that is based on hope.
  
• Inclusion
  To recognize every individual’s right to be accorded the same services and opportunities, and to be involved in decisions affecting their lives.
  
• Integrity
  To base all actions on the principles of consistency, honesty, fairness and trustworthiness.
  
• Collaboration
  To have a shared investment and responsibility in working together with others to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources.
  
• Accountability
  To be good stewards and accept responsibility as individuals, as an organization, and community for our actions and decisions in order to achieve results.