Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Lorrenda Southern representing the Gilead Foundation

Topic:

Ms. Southern will speak about the Gilead Foundation which is developing into a community rehabilitation center for people struggling with life controlling issues such as drug addiction, alcoholism homelessness, abuse, and violence

Speaker Bio:

Lorrenda Southern's original work experience was in corrections with women and teenage sexual offenders as well in a group home with street youth. During that time Ms. Southern received a diploma in Reality Therapy.  Shortly after  Lorrenda became married and started her family of three children. Her career took a change  to working in school"s with behavior problem children as a teacher's assistant. As Lorrenda's children grew, she desired to go back into the Social Work field.  Lorrenda worked for six years as a crisis worker in a womens shelter, designed and managed several programs for immigrant's and their families, and managed a Red Cross office.  Lorrenda then went on to get her Social Work Diploma and intends to continue her education. 

Ms. Southern moved to Lethbridge in September 2010,  and by October went to England to see the original  Gilead Foundation. Lorrenda has also visited Ukraine and learned of their similar model.  The success of these centers are them being a one year program, community centered, and Christian model. I am privileged to be the first staff that has been hired by the Canadian Gilead Foundation and look forward to seeing the day it will open.

www.gileadalberta.com