Therapy Cats Bring Joy and Support to Residents at Edmonton’s Centre of Hope

Participants of four programs from The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope, now share their living space with some friendly four-legged friends.

Dr. Bob, Wilson, Freddie, and Leroy are the names of the four cats who were brought into the Centre of Hope’s facilities, to accompany the residents and bring them some joy.

The new pet therapists have been assigned to different programs. Dr. Bob and Wilson, live at Keystone and Cornerstone sober housing facilities respectively. Freddie frequents the Grace Village Supportive Housing building, while Leroy spends time with seniors at Grace Manor.

Vanessa Sim, assistant executive director at the Centre of Hope, says bringing the cats is already showing positive signs when it comes to improving the residents’ mood.

“We’ve seen some significant changes in some of the behaviours of our participants. It has been an amazing experience to see people come out of their norm.”

“We know statistically and research-wise, that animals are excellent therapy. The interactions are wonderful. We’ve seen some significant changes in some of the behaviours of our participants. It has been an amazing experience to see people come out of their norm,” Vanessa said.

Thanks to the arrival of the furry friends, residents are seen frequenting general areas of their facilities more often. The personality of the cats also blends in with the atmosphere of each facility, which helps with the transition for both the pet and for the residents to get accustomed.

All four cats hang around the building and like to be present during activities at each of the programs they are part of.

Dr. Bob is playful, while Wilson is a calming presence. It is a good balance for the residents at recovery housing facilities. Freddie likes to move and be around lots of people, which made him the perfect candidate for supportive housing. Leroy, who doesn’t like to move much, was a great cat for residents at Grace Manor to pet.

“It is a companion, it helps you through troubled times,” said David, a resident of Grace Village, referring to Freddie.

Vanessa has witnessed the positive impact of this initiative. She recalls seeing a resident make significant progress thanks to the cats’ presence.

“One of our participants, who is nonverbal and quite antisocial, was holding the cat and posing for pictures the other day. It was a bit miraculous, honestly. We had never seen such engagement from her in all the years that she has been there,” she shared.

“One of our participants, who is nonverbal and quite antisocial, was holding the cat and posing for pictures the other day.”

The new feline occupants have had a positive impact on the atmosphere at the Centre of Hope’s facilities. Staff members have noticed residents discussing the cats with one another as they walk by.

The initiative’s success has participants of other programs asking if they can get a cat as well. Vanessa says they are open to adding more furry companions in the future.

“We would certainly be open to each of the programs having a centre cat for sure. It’s been a positive experience.”

By Juan Romero