Waterston Centre helps residents turn lives around
This week, the Salvation Army’s Waterston Centre hosted tours of its facility in recognition of Mental Health Week. Members from Regina Mental Health and Social Services as well as members of the public, community stakeholders and local dignitaries were invited to attend.
Built in the mid-1950s, the Waterston Centre is a men’s-only shelter and transition house in downtown Regina. The centre consists of a short-term shelter, the second floor men’s residence for more long-term housing and Waterston House, which offers subsidized independent living spaces for as long as the tenants need.
Prashansa Christian is a caseworker for the second floor men’s residence. She helps the residents in get established in the community by helping them look for permanent housing and setting them up with other community organizations to meet their various needs.
“I feel happy to see a resident getting settled or established. When they move out, we help them. We prepare a plan, we set a goal for them ... that is the most rewarding part,” said Christian.
She also conducts room checks to make sure they are safe and clean, and monitors residents’ behaviour and medications.
“The most challenging part I would say is when the residents don’t know you and you don’t have that relationship in the beginning and then you have to establish that rapport ... once they come to know you it becomes easy,” said Christian.
She said simply taking as much time as possible to talk with the residents and get to know them goes a long way.
According to Christian, many of the residents suffer from extreme mental health issues. The centre’s supportive residential program provides support for physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health. A registered nurse practitioner makes sure the residents in the program get the medication and support they need to deal with their mental health issues.
Struggles with alcoholism is what first led resident Joel Taylor to the temporary shelter about four years ago. Since then, he has transitioned through all levels of the centre and currently resides in Waterston House.
“Today, I can honestly say I have control over my alcoholism and I owe a lot to the Salvation Army for that,” said Taylor.
He said keeping busy also helps him to stay focused. He does work for the centre, including painting, drywall repairs and plumbing — things he used to do for work before trouble with alcohol took over.
Taylor hopes to get back into the workforce and move into his own private residence this year. He also hopes to repair his relationship with his three children, whom he hasn’t been able to see much, and meet his first grandchild who was born in November.
“If I can get through and see my grandchild and just sit at the table with my children and touch base with all of them the way it should be,” Taylor said.
If you missed out this week, virtual tours of the Waterston Centre are available on the Salvation Army website: www.sarmy.ca/ theTour.php