In the heart of Waterloo, ON, nestled within the vibrant community, lies the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre —a beacon of hope and healing for those facing life’s most profound challenges. Founded in 2013 through Martin Luther University College, the Glebe Centre has undergone remarkable growth and transformation.
For a decade now, this centre has been a steadfast pillar of support, embodying the values and teachings of Luther. In 2023, it boasts 49 therapists, including 10 Luther students, and is projected to provide an astounding 10,500 sessions. This remarkable evolution has been guided by a philosophy that prioritizes the client’s beliefs, values and needs above all else.
“You know, the Glebe recognizes the importance of the clients’ beliefs and values and supports them to make congruent choices,” reflects Luther’s Principal-Dean, Dr. Kristine Lund.
This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre—an unwavering commitment to honouring each individual’s unique journey, their beliefs and their struggles.
At its core, the Glebe Centre is not merely a counselling facility but a sanctuary where individuals can seek solace and understanding. With therapists hailing from various backgrounds, it provides a safe space for people of all walks of life. It’s about more than just providing therapy; it’s about preserving the dignity and identity of each client.
Toppling the barriers of traditional counselling, the centre’s flexibility sets it apart. They don’t fit clients into rigid molds; instead, they adapt to each individual’s unique needs.
From trauma-informed therapy to art therapy, play therapy to couple therapy, the Glebe Centre offers a plethora of therapeutic modalities to cater to every client’s distinctive journey.
The commitment to accessibility is woven into the very fabric of the Glebe Centre. Recognizing the financial constraints many face, they have created the “We Care Fund.” This fund, fueled by donations and the annual Glebe Centre breakfast, subsidizes counselling costs for those in financial hardship. The impact is profound, allowing clients to continue their healing journeys even when facing financial struggles.
However, this noble endeavour is not without its challenges. While the Glebe Centre subsidizes thousands of dollars in session costs each year, the need is immense. The demand for affordable mental health services has surged, especially in these turbulent times marked by the pandemic, global conflicts and economic instability. The centre’s commitment to accessible care, coupled with its refusal to maintain waitlists, places a strain on their resources.
Yet, the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre remains unwavering. It doesn’t receive government funding and relies on community support. It’s an institution deeply rooted in the values of Martin Luther University College, where experiential education and community building are paramount.
As they navigate the shifting sands of a post-COVID world, they are pioneering a hybrid model that ensures accessibility without sacrificing the invaluable in-person connection.
In celebration of their 10th anniversary, the Glebe Centre is launching a campaign to grow the “We Care Fund.” It’s an invitation to the community, a call to action to ensure that mental health support remains accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints. Every dollar donated to the fund goes directly to support clients in need. Learn more at glebecounselling.ca/wecare .
Your investment in the We Care Fund is an investment in a more caring and thriving Waterloo Region Community. A gift of just $40 can subsidize one client session for a student with an intern, while $240 can subsidize six initial sessions in the same category. Your generosity will empower individuals to take the first step towards a healthier future.
In the words of Neta Deonarain-Gear, the centre’s executive director, “Your gift will make a difference to those in our community experiencing mental health challenges and help them take the first step to a healthier future.” The Delton Glebe Counselling Centre stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Martin Luther University College, a place where faith, compassion and healing converge.
So, as we celebrate the journey of the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre, let us join hands to ensure that this beacon of hope continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path to healing for all who seek it.—Danny El-Aguizi, strategic communications and marketing manager
Loading ...