Creating an Unbreakable Bond in Wiarton

Ecclesiastes 4:12 proclaims, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” While a single strand is weak, three strands forge an unbreakable bond.

Within The Salvation Army Wiarton Community Church, the ‘Tri-Cord ministry’ comprises a trio of programs that serve as a lifeline for individuals endeavoring to reclaim their lives. Among these initiatives, the most recent addition is Guide By Your Side, which joins Pathway of Hope and Trades Start, collectively aiding participants in identifying and achieving their personal and professional aspirations.

Guide By Your Side (GBYS) launched in January 2023 through the support of a Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Innovation Grant, pairs mentors with mentees to ensure their commitment to goals around personal growth, education, career and family.

All GBYS mentors are devout followers of Christ, bearing the wisdom of life experience along with the patience and aptitude needed to bring out the best in others. Since January, GBYS has trained 14 community mentors, with five currently matched with mentees.

“Guide By Your Side bridges the gap between Trades Start and Pathway of Hope to keep participants from falling back into old patterns and habits. Mentors walk alongside clients to help them stay on course in pursuit of their objectives,” says GBYS program coordinator Ingrid Reichard.

Trades Start is the first strand of the Tri-Cord, offering hands-on training and education for young people in skilled trades The second strand, Pathway of Hope, is a caseworker-led support program designed to help individuals overcome obstacles on their journey to success by pinpointing their interests and coming up with a plan to make them a reality. Guide by Your Side is the final step in the Tri-Cord ministry, with GBYS mentors and mentees collaborating weekly for one year to keep participants moving forward with confidence and hope.

Individuals interested in training to become a Guide by Your Side mentor can reach out to Ingrid Reichard at WiartonCC.GuideByYourSide@salvationarmy.ca or call 519-534-0353, extension 104.