EHM’s Spiritual Care program has been one of our most powerful tools to support clients through the change and trauma of the pandemic. It is widely agreed within social work and psychological circles that spiritual health and well-being plays a critical role in mental health, yet it is a service that is so difficult to find. Clients and tenants know that when they are feeling their most lonely, or struggle with life’s hardest questions, EHM has someone who will sit with them, who will listen, and who will remind them that they are important.
Spiritual care is many things, but first and foremost, it is the initiative to listen, and through that, connect. Because of this, spiritual care is sometimes known as a “ministry of presence.” By being present for a person, we embody an act of God’s love. It is listening without judgement, and without fixing. It is about creating a safe space for someone to express their fears, their hurt, their hopes, and most importantly – to be seen.
Rev. Dale and the spiritual care team is present for people who come to EHM when they feel most alone. And the connections that they offered is what helped so many people feel grounded and supported when surrounded by change and chaos. And while we are out of the pandemic crisis, Canada is experiencing a mental health crisis that will take years to recover from, and EHM’s Spiritual Care program is going to play a critical role in supporting clients and tenants build resiliency and envision a hopeful future for themselves.