The question frequently arises asking what Eden does in the
community. The initial thought usually
is that Eden provides critical care for those dealing with issues of mental
health. The answer is absolutely correct
but it is incomplete. It may be helpful
to mention again that Eden Health Care Services is active across a significant
portion of southern Manitoba, providing counselling services, job training and
also has more than 90 residential units.
In Steinbach, those residences are managed by personnel from
the Eden East office. Penfeld Court,
built in 2006 is an award winning apartment complex of 24 units. Twelve of the suites in Penfeld Court are
rent supplemented and designated for those with a mental illness and living on
Employment and Income Assistance. The remaining twelve suites are for families
and individuals who are living on a fixed income and are in need of affordable
housing.
Wilson Courts is the other apartment complex in Steinbach
that Eden manages and it too has 24 units with the same purpose as Penfeld
Court. Here’s what the residents of
Wilson Courts have to say about the place where they live.
“We appreciate the
opportunity to live in Wilson Courts.
The majority of us are on disability or social assistance. Without Eden East it would almost impossible
to find a place to live. We find the
landlords very helpful and understanding.
They are always there to listen to our problems. Through Eden East we have had the opportunity
to meet new friends.”
“The common room is a
wonderful place to puzzle, play darts or just to talk to one another. We also have dart tournaments, make supper
and have a wonderful time visiting together.
We also appreciate Lucy coming to have coffee with us every two weeks.”
“In summertime we have
a garden out back where we can all plant some vegetables. It’s almost like having your own place.”
“Thank you Eden East
for this wonderful place to live. We
also thank the people who clean and do the maintenance.” (Permission granted to use quotes.)
Wilson Courts is not only home for people, it is a place of
meeting and a place of friendship. It
has been said that good mental health depends on three things; a decent place
to live, a place to work and find fulfillment and a friend. One could compare these three needs to a
stool with three legs where all three are needed in order to function
properly. From the quote above, it would
seem that two of the three legs of that stool are in place through Wilson
Courts. The third leg of fulfillment
through work is part of the mandate of Eden’s new Segue Career Options office located
on Main Street in Steinbach.
