We are happy to answer any questions you might have. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us.
Why a Foundation?
The creation of a Foundation allows for a division of tasks based on the gifts and strengths of everyone involved. The Shalem Mental Health Network is the “doer” of ministry. The Shalem Mental Health Foundation is the “funder” of the Network’s ministries. The Foundation allows the Network to focus increasingly on its strengths—walking alongside people and communities in the valley of mental illness, and there encountering the extraordinary courage of people and the God of hope.
The Foundation focuses its expertise on raising the support needed to enable the Network to carry out its ministry mission.
When was the Shalem Mental Health Foundation established?
The Foundation received approval as a charitable Public Foundation in 2014. Somewhat behind the scenes, considerable work since then has gone into establishing policies and a comprehensive draft Development Plan. The Foundation was introduced publicly in mid-2016.
The Foundation is a separately incorporated, independently governed legal charity.
Why support the Shalem Mental Health Network?
The Shalem Mental Health Network does not receive sustained government funding, which allows it to innovate new best practices in mental health. The Network’s innovative edge is the creation of new, different partnerships between communities, including faith communities, and the professional mental health sector—building the capacity of communities to care for their most vulnerable members and of professionals to embed themselves in communities.
This innovative edge has quickly captured the attention of a number of leading mental health professionals in the world, including people like Dr. Michael Ungar, Dr. Dan Hughes, Dr. Jean Clinton, Dr. Sue Johnson and Terry O’Connell, and organizations like the Dalhousie University’s Resilience Research Centre, the International Institute for Restorative Practices and the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Institute. The Network is making a difference not only in people’s lives but also in the mental health field.
The Shalem Network works with anyone regardless of creed, orientation, economic circumstance or social status. It is committed to best practices in mental health and to anti-oppressive practice. Finally, it serves as a vital witness to the healing power of the Gospel in an age of alienation, division and strife.
All of us are affected by mental illness. The stats are clear: 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. When it strikes, there is no “map” for a way out. The Network helps to create a map together, a way through, seeking to restore hope, based on the Gospel. Our support of the Network allows this ministry to grow and thrive.
What is the budget of the Network?
The annual budget of the Network is approximately $1.2 million. About $200,000 of it comes from donations, and another $100,000 from interest income on about $2.25 million in capital held and managed by the Foundation. The remaining $900,000 is made up by fees for service and grants from other sources.
Can I meet with someone from the Foundation?
Yes! We are committed to partnership with supporters. That means, first and foremost, that we are interested in relationship. We would be delighted to meet with you and learn about your interest in mental health and your priorities in giving. Please contact Jennifer Bowen by email: [email protected] or phone: 905.975.1362.
