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Second Champion’s Centre seen

In a meeting between Jeff Hanger, assistant director of the Champion’s Centre, and the Rotary Club Sept. 16, Hanger explained the hopes to open a second centre.

By Jasmine Franklin

It’s a home where champions suffering from mental illness and low incomes can manage a balanced lifestyle with a close-knit family — and research for a second centre is underway.

In a meeting between Jeff Hanger, assistant director of the Champion’s Centre, and the Rotary Club Sept. 16, Hanger explained the hopes to open a second centre.

“The reality is, trying to pinpoint a specific population and their needs is difficult,” Hanger said. “Out of research conducted, we have not been able to answer as to what specific supports we would need to provide.”

Hanger sent out a survey in hopes to get a better idea of specific needs but no clear conclusions were drawn.

Gerry Hildebrand, a member of the Rotary Club, said Hanger approached the club not to seek of funding, but any kind of support the club could offer to push the project along.

“He was trying to get an assessment of the specific needs for a second centre,” Hildebrand said. “He thought we would have a good understanding of what the community wants.”

Hildebrand said Rotary was and is interested in responding to the needs of the community and as Rotary heard of the surveys they wanted to offer support. Since no clear evidence was gathered, Hanger was invited back for a second meeting when specifics can be drawn.

What Hanger hopes to see for a new centre, would be the addition of a part-time and or full-time nurse to help manage medications.

“When you see the difference we make,” Hanger said. “Imagine what we could do with a nurse’s assistance.”

But currently the centre can’t afford a nurse employee.

The Champion’s Centre first opened in 2002 as a rooming house for low income residents most of whom suffer from mental illness. The centre currently houses 13 men while charging rent, providing meals, and assistance in finance budgeting and medication management.

“The difference between us and a hospital or transition house is that it is permanent,” Hanger said. “We become the family they don’t have anymore.”