Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for information?

Enter your search term in the bar below or scroll down for more details on our programs.

Men’s Recovery Program​

Our recovery program pairs the most innovative recovery research with a supportive community focused on spiritual development, vocational training, and encouragement to guide our clients from addiction to freedom.

Housing Solutions

While our recovery program clients are housed at the Calgary Dream Centre, we also have affordable housing solutions throughout the city for men, women, and children in Calgary who need the transformative power of a safe and stable home.

Volunteering

Interested in volunteering? We are so grateful for our incredible volunteers! Join us as we serve our community with compassion and respect. Read on to learn more about volunteering with the Calgary Dream Centre.

Men’s Recovery Program

Can I sign up a family member?

You can work with your family member to fill out the online application or attend with them in person for a walk-in interview. They will have to fill out the form and agree to the program standards themselves.

What can I expect?

The program consists of scheduled activities 7 days a week from morning to evening. It includes space for journaling, group processing, psychoeducation, service work, and mutual support groups. You will be assigned a recovery-oriented case manager who will work with you throughout the program to address any needs or concerns and develop a service plan. While in the program there will be certain expectations you will be required to abide by: dedicated visiting hours, pass requirements to leave the facility, approved cell-phone usage times, and program participation.

Do I need to live at the Calgary Dream Centre to enter the program?

Yes. The program is residential which requires you to live on site for the duration of the program.

Do I need to be sober before entering the program?

Yes. We require five 5 days of sobriety prior to entering the program. You will be drug tested upon intake and must pass to complete the intake.

Yes. We require five 5 days of sobriety prior to entering the program. You will be drug tested upon intake and must pass to complete the intake.

Yes. The program is residential which requires you to live on site for the duration of the program.

The program consists of scheduled activities 7 days a week from morning to evening. It includes space for journaling, group processing, psychoeducation, service work, and mutual support groups. You will be assigned a recovery-oriented case manager who will work with you throughout the program to address any needs or concerns and develop a service plan. While in the program there will be certain expectations you will be required to abide by: dedicated visiting hours, pass requirements to leave the facility, approved cell-phone usage times, and program participation.

You can work with your family member to fill out the online application or attend with them in person for a walk-in interview. They will have to fill out the form and agree to the program standards themselves.

Housing Solutions

Do you have housing solutions for families?

Unfortunately, at this time we can only accept single occupants.

How do I apply for housing solutions?

You may apply for the transitional housing program through the website or fill out an application in person for a walk-in interview on Tuesdays or Thursdays 8am – 12 pm.

What are wait times like?

Wait times are dependent on the level of need. Roughly 3-6 months, but sometimes quicker.

Are all your affordable housing options sober living sites?

Yes, all of our affordable housing options are sober living sites, as we support people in recovery as the Calgary Dream Centre.

Yes, all of our affordable housing options are sober living sites, as we support people in recovery as the Calgary Dream Centre.

Wait times are dependent on the level of need. Roughly 3-6 months, but sometimes quicker.

You may apply for the transitional housing program through the website or fill out an application in person for a walk-in interview on Tuesdays or Thursdays 8am – 12 pm.

Unfortunately, at this time we can only accept single occupants.

Volunteering

What can I wear while volunteering?

We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes for safety and comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily. This will help you stay comfortable while volunteering, especially if your tasks involve physical activity.

Where can I park when I go to volunteer?

We have plenty of parking available at our facility, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot.

How long can I volunteer for?

You can volunteer for as long as you’d like, whether it’s just for an hour or for a full day. We appreciate any amount of time you can contribute.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available?

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to match different interests and skills. You can help out in our kitchen, assist with facility care, sort donations, and much more. There’s something for everyone!

Can I bring my teens to volunteer?

Of course! We welcome volunteers of all ages, including teens. Volunteering can be a great way for young people to give back to the community and learn valuable skills.

Do I need to have a police check before I can volunteer?

Yes, we do require a Police Background Check for the Vulnerable Sector to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you already have a valid police check that’s less than six months old, you’re all set. If not, don’t worry—we’ll assist you in getting one.

Do you have group volunteer opportunities?

Absolutely! We love welcoming groups of volunteers, whether you’re a small team of three or a large group of up to eighty individuals. Just head over to our volunteer section and submit a group volunteer inquiry to get started. There’s no minimum number of volunteers required, so feel free to bring along as many or as few friends as you’d like.

Absolutely! We love welcoming groups of volunteers, whether you’re a small team of three or a large group of up to eighty individuals. Just head over to our volunteer section and submit a group volunteer inquiry to get started. There’s no minimum number of volunteers required, so feel free to bring along as many or as few friends as you’d like.

Yes, we do require a Police Background Check for the Vulnerable Sector to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you already have a valid police check that’s less than six months old, you’re all set. If not, don’t worry—we’ll assist you in getting one.

Of course! We welcome volunteers of all ages, including teens. Volunteering can be a great way for young people to give back to the community and learn valuable skills.

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to match different interests and skills. You can help out in our kitchen, assist with facility care, sort donations, and much more. There’s something for everyone!

You can volunteer for as long as you’d like, whether it’s just for an hour or for a full day. We appreciate any amount of time you can contribute.

We have plenty of parking available at our facility, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot.

We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes for safety and comfortable clothing that you can move around in easily. This will help you stay comfortable while volunteering, especially if your tasks involve physical activity.

Still have questions?

We are here to help. Send us an email at info@calgarydreamcentre.com and we’ll get back to you asap.

Werner Haag

Bio coming soon.

Steven Balisky

Steve Balisky is an intrapreneur with over 15 years of experience driving data-driven transformation within national companies Suncor and Mark’s. He has also been providing leadership consulting to nonprofits for the last 10 years and has served on the CDC board since 2019. Steve holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Management and an MBA in Strategy. He is a husband and father of two, and has his own faith-filled recovery story, which inspires him to support others on their path to recovery.

Ben Johnson

Ben has been the Lead Pastor of First Assembly Church in Calgary since 2014, bringing over 30 years of ministry and leadership experience to the non-profit sector. He’s also an executive leadership coach, helping leaders thrive across various sectors since 2012. His experience includes serving on national and regional boards within his denomination, as well as supporting Vancouver’s homeless through his past involvement with Operation Compassion. Ben has served on the CDC board in Calgary for the past decade and believes the Church plays a vital role in creating lasting community impact.

Craig Hill

Craig Hill has been involved with the Calgary Dream Centre (CDC) since its inception. Starting with trips to the LA Dream Centre where seeds were planted in him that were never forgotten. After years of working in business, real estate, and church ministry, Craig returned to the CDC to step in as the CEO. Craig has a deep appreciation for the life change that happens here, the incredible team, and seeing the redemptive work that God is doing. Outside of work, Craig is a family man who loves nothing more than being with his wife and kids at the lake.

David Taylor

David grew up in northern Canada and attended the University of Alberta where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked as an engineer for about seven years before moving into project management and then business management, primarily focused in the oil and gas production and refining industry.

David stepped into the COO role of a business that was in trouble due to the 2008 financial crisis. After turning that business around, he took an international role leading project managers who managed a portfolio of $1.5B of projects around the globe.

Since then, David has consulted for businesses and organizations in medicine, engineering, homelessness, and addiction recovery, and serves on various not-for-profit boards.

David is currently running another business in California that was also in need of a dramatic turnaround and now scaling this business for further profitable growth.

Cal Johnson

Cal has spent 35 years in the agricultural industry and brings domestic and international executive leadership experience in strategy development, operations, business development, and M&A in a rapid growth environment.  He is a Professional Engineer, Certified Post Merger Integration Specialist, and is a holder of the Institute of Corporate Directors Director designation (ICD.D).

Throughout his life, Cal has volunteered in his community in sport and programs that focus on relational, emotional, and spiritual health.  He has served on non-profit boards in both governance and advisory capacities.  Cal truly believes no one is beyond hope and counts it a privilege to serve at the Calgary Dream Centre.

We want to stay connected, Calgary! ​

Stay connected with us! Sign up to receive all our updates, including inspiring stories, important news, event invitations, and opportunities to get involved with the Calgary Dream Centre. Be the first to know how you can make a difference.

Your data is in the safe hands. Check out our Privacy policy for more info.

Bob Nash

Bob Nash is a dedicated and service focused professional Electrical Engineer volunteering as Board Chair and Project Manager for the Calgary Dream Centre (CDC). Bob’s involvement with the CDC extends to its earliest days.  His faith, and his sincere passion for helping people overcome addiction and restoring their lives, have motivated his service. Using his 35 years of senior management experience at Canadian Pacific Railway, Bob has effectively used his leadership, management, strategic planning, project management skills and philanthropic support to help propel the Calgary Dream Centre to where it is today. Bob and his wife of 44 years have two children and six grandchildren.