Officials with the Mustard Seed in Red Deer say a new wellness centre will open in their facility this fall and offer both clinical and non-clinical programming for members of the community. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

Expanding Services

Red Deer Mustard Seed to open wellness centre

Jul 31, 2019 | 3:27 PM

Red Deer’s homeless population will soon be able to benefit from enhanced programs and services at The Mustard Seed.

Joshua Adams, Manager of Clinical Operations and Programs, says renovation work has begun on a new wellness centre at their facility, where both clinical and non-clinical programs will be offered.

“There’s a handful of things that we want to do,” says Adams. “The clinical programs will likely involve a doctor or a few doctors, some dentists perhaps, addictions counsellor, other mental health clinicians and whatever else suits the needs of our clients.”

Adams says they also intend to expand their services and partnerships with other agencies in the community, with the hopes those organizations can also utilize the space.

“That includes recreational programming, perhaps movie nights, various psycho-educational or educational groups, perhaps addictions groups, AA groups, those sorts of things,” he says. “As well, we’re going to continue to offer basic services, so hygiene items, clothing items, food and we have a shelter in our basement.”

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Adams says the changes stem from a desire to expand beyond the basic services, so they’re not seen as just a homeless shelter.

“We are a community place to come by and to hang out and to get to know people to perhaps connect with some case managers that will help you with whatever your needs are in life,” he explains. “Be it housing, help looking for work, mental health, physical health, whatever the case may be. Maybe even just a haircut.”

Adams says funding for the roughly $18,000 project is coming largely from community donations.

“We’ve got some funds already in, but we’re hoping to raise that money,” says Adams. “We definitely are looking for interested parties that would like to make a difference in the community to contribute in any way they can to this.”

Community impact is what the project is all about, he adds.

“There are a lot of lonely people in our community and that’s one piece in terms of impact is we hope that people will stop by, poke their head in and realize that ‘Hey, this is a community, this is a place that’s fairly close-knit.’”

Adams points out there are often barriers such as stigma that prevent people from seeking help when they need it.

“One big example that comes to mind is mental health-related services. There’s a lot of stigma around that,” he explains. “So many people that probably would really need a clinician to help them with their struggles, may live their whole lives without seeking that help, and if they come to us, they’ll be greeted by someone that will ask some questions and invite them to perhaps join a wellness group or see a clinician.”

Adams says it’s important the community knows they are a place the entire community can feel welcome in and make use of.

“We serve anybody who is in need, whether that be in need of food or a friend or anything really,” he says.

“We would love anyone else that thinks they can contribute in any way, either financially, or through volunteering, perhaps even professionals, doctors, massage therapists. If they feel like they could come by and explore the option of partnering with us, we absolutely welcome that conversation.”