 
The Champion's Centre Inc. houses men with significant barriers. Some come with simply a lack of skills, but most often it is a combination of factors that lead to the inability to care for one's self properly. The Champion's Centre does not have a rigorous program persee but over a period of time a trust is built and the men are gently encouraged to increase their skills in the areas of develpment, grooming and life skills. By treating our men with love, dignity and respect we have seen personal choices improve over time. Development may include getting out into the community if one is a bit reclusive. Or if one is constantly asking to borrow money from other tenants, we encourage and help them find work in the neighbourhood by working in cooperaton with lcoal businesses. Someone may be simply bored and needs the challenge in a community course such as wood or ceramic working, volunteering for the Centre or another organization or club. Living in a positive environment like the Champion's Centre reduces the risk of relapsing into former self destructive behaviours and cycling back into the system.
Management and key staff possess a Medications Administration Certificate for those requesting assistance. While many tenants are capable of self administering on time, some may simply need reminding, while others need a little aid. Staff look for indicators of those neglecting to take their meds by monitoring physical health and behaviour. Management also works closely with pharmacies, social agencies and mental health workers should intervention be called for. Tenants are also reminded to meet their doctor's appointments regularly and if any great distance is required transportation is arranged.
One life skill lacking in some tenants is the ability to budget and handle money. Fortunately, at the Champion's Centre, food and shelter are provided and there is no chance of being homeless or hungry. Since most of the tenants are on a disability pension, arrangements are made for rents to be paid direct to the Landlord. The balance of the pension, for about half of our men, is managed through a small 't' trustee program where monies are disbursed on a daily or weekly basis so that they will last until the end of the month.
For those who are able and should the opportunity arise the Champon's Centre offers employment in the areas of housekeeping and kitchen help. Due to the severity and dibilitating effects of mental illness and brain injury, it is likely that two or three hours per week would be the norm.
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