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 the Centre over the years.

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 Emergency Needs Services

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."
Learn more about Drop In Services

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

Len has been sober for one year now after trying to quit drinking many, many times before. He credits much of his success to the support he received from the staff and other vendors of "Our Voice". Len is one of the regular vendors of this street magazine and he makes his living from it - staying independent of a government handout.
Learn more about Employment Services

Thelma became involved with Bissell Centre when she discovered that two of her children were affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder(FASD). The support network and wealth of resources she found at Bissell Centre resulted in a much more positive lifestyle for her children and entire family. Thelma later became a volunteer at Bissell, helping educate others about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. Thelma now works part-time at the Centre.
Learn more about Well Communities Well Families

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

Ernie has worked on the rigs in Northern Alberta for many years. It's a seasonal occupation, only operating between May and October. He earns a reasonable living during the six months he's working, but it's not enough to keep him going for the other six months of the year when he's forced to collect E. I. or Social Assistance. Every morning during his "off" months, Ernie comes to Bissell Centre's Casual Labour program and earns enough to cover his needs.
Learn more about Casual Labour Services