In the late 1950s, a number of visionary Christian people began to dream of providing a service in Christ's name for people who struggle with serious mental illness and psychiatric issues. Shalem was originally incorporated as the Salem Christian Sanatorium Inc., and in the mid-1960s it received Ontario provincial cabinet approval, with funding, for a 30-bed psychiatric hospital.
Many people gave sacrificially towards this end. The original plan did not materialize, but the dream of serving people in emotional and psychiatric distress did not die. Beginning in the 1970s, after legally changing its name to "Salem Christian Mental Health Association", Salem opened up numerous Christian counselling clinics across Ontario.
Many people gave sacrificially towards this end. The original plan did not materialize, but the dream of serving people in emotional and psychiatric distress did not die. Beginning in the 1970s, after legally changing its name to "Salem Christian Mental Health Association", Salem opened up numerous Christian counselling clinics across Ontario.
Services
Every person is thriving in healthy relationships in strong communities, regardless of circumstances. The Shalem Mental Health Network accompanies persons and communities as they journey towards emotional health and mental wellness. Developing effective partnerships between communities and professional mental health supports.
Mental health needs are immense-and rising. A recent report by Canada's Chief Medical Officer suggests that 9 million Canadians over the age of 15-one-third of Canadians-have experienced some form of domestic violence. Diagnoses of anxiety and depression in children and adults are burgeoning. The #Me Too movement is revealing the endemic levels of sexual harassment and assault in our society.
Shalem is a membership organization, and membership is precious to us. Shalem is a registered charitable organization (RN 13056 6011 RR00011), governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that the membership elects. The Board is accountable to the members. We invite you to apply for membership (at $5 per year, so that cost does not interfere with the desire to become a member).
We're currently looking for volunteers to help out during studio time at REcreate Outreach Art Studio. Studio times happen 3 times a week and are times when at-risk, street-involved and homeless youth can come to the studio and make art.
As a studio volunteer, you'd be responsible for assisting the studio coordinator to make sure all the youth have the supplies that they need, giving youth positive feedback on their work, encouraging youth and spending time, listening to them and being someone who cares about them and their lives.A criminal reference check (vulnerable persons), through your local police station, will be required to volunteer in the studio.
As a studio volunteer, you'd be responsible for assisting the studio coordinator to make sure all the youth have the supplies that they need, giving youth positive feedback on their work, encouraging youth and spending time, listening to them and being someone who cares about them and their lives.A criminal reference check (vulnerable persons), through your local police station, will be required to volunteer in the studio.
The decision to seek counselling is a courageous one. But many people find that once they've made it, they are already on their way to a welcome change in their circumstance or perspective. An event has happened in your family or relationship - and you need support and solutions. You're experiencing a personal crisis that you are not able to manage with current coping strategies.
Reviews (3)
Cheryl Knetsch
Mar 28, 2021
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Elske Eybergen
Jan 16, 2019
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Shalem offers to workplace environments, Restorative practice. As an employee I am grateful to work in an restorative culture and work environment. Having worked in unionized, non-unionized and soul destroying work environments throughout my over 40 year career, I am truly grateful. Check out our website and read further.
Mitch Ray-Borsc
Mar 02, 2016
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