Bissell Centre helps a wide range of people with different needs. Read on to experience the stories of real people that have received help from Bissell Centre over the years.

Essential Needs Services Real Life Story
Rose first came to Bissell Centre when she moved to town from Saskatchewan with her husband and small baby. Her husband found a job, but they spent all of their money on a deposit for their apartment. All they owned was what they had brought with them in their station wagon. They needed help. The Centre gave them food, formula, and diapers for the baby. They also gave Rose's family a voucher for the Centre's Thrift Store, which helped them get clothing and furniture for their apartment.
Learn more about Essential Needs Services

Robert Tegler Friendship Room (Drop-In) Real Life Story
Jim comes to Bissell Centre every morning at 7 a.m. hoping there will be a day's work available. If he's unlucky, he spends the day with his friends, playing cards and reading the newspaper. He can also get something to eat. He does his laundry at Bissell, and uses the phone, as well. As the bathroom in his apartment is unfit to use, he uses Bissell Centre's shower facilities. Jim considers the Drop In as his home. "I go to my apartment to sleep, but this is my home."
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Adult Support Service Real Life Story
Bill has chronic psychiatric problems but wants to live independently. The Mental Health Worker at Bissell Centre helps Bill with basic tasks such as banking, keeping his apartment clean, eating properly, and taking his medication regularly. Every Monday he attends a special social cooking class, and twice a year he spends a week at camp.
Learn more about Adult Support Services

Employment Services Real Life Story
Jim arrived in Edmonton toward the end of 2007 with hopes of working in the oil industry. In addition to not having housing, one of Jim’s first obstacles was discovering he did not have the specific training required to access employment in a higher paying oil field job.  Jim’s first priority was finding a place to sleep.  Because he didn’t have a job or sufficient savings, his only shelter was on a floor mat in a men’s hostel.

In the fall of 2008 Jim registered with Bissell Centre Employment Services with a plan of regular casual labour placements to earn enough money for housing.  After acquiring housing, Jim was sure he’d be better equipped to gain part or full time employment and commit to taking some of the training courses offered by Employment Services in order to increase his marketable skills.  The final steps in his plan included revising his resume and doing a thorough job search with the assistance of an Employment Support Worker.

Jim is currently fully housed and has finally accessed full time employment.

Bissell Centre Employment Services staff work tirelessly to support thousands of people like Jim each year in their efforts to stabilize and prepare for work.
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Family Services Real Life Story
Kristie has five children and was finding it difficult to make ends meet on her husband's low income. After she left her first husband, she first came to Bissell Centre to use the no-charge Child Care. At that time she needed some time on her own to build her new life. She also found out that Bissell Centre would provide assistance with formula and diapers for her baby. Recently Kristie and her second husband were evicted from the home they rented - it was judged unfit for habitation and was being demolished. It had been the only place they could find at a price they could afford. Bissell's housing worker found rooms in a hotel as temporary accommodation and has recently helped Kristie and her family find a permanent home.
Learn more about Family Program Services