What to Expect at Sheena's Place

When you arrive for the first time, this is what you can expect:

Greeting:

As you enter the house, a volunteer receptionist or staff person will be available to welcome you, verify some information and direct you to the appropriate room.

Attendance:

Each week, the Facilitator will be responsible for taking attendance and this information is most critical in the early weeks as there is often a waiting list. If for any reason, you feel you are in the wrong group, let the Program Administrator know immediately so she can help you explore other options and your spot can be freed up for somebody else who may be a better fit. Remember it is important to let us know if you are withdrawing from a group. Once the group is underway, you should appreciate that your presence is important to everyone. Even if you are having a bad day, you should make every effort to come. Often the group support can make a difference. However, if you are going to miss a group session, please call ahead (416-927-8900) so group members and Facilitators will not worry about your unexpected absence. You can leave a message any time on voice mail (ext. 22).

Kitchen:

There is a small kitchen on the first floor. You are welcome to use the fridge and microwave and have your lunch in the half-hour before (not after) your group. Please have food only in the kitchen or in the dining room off the kitchen (or in the healing garden outside).You may bring beverages into the groups with you. Please put dirty cups and dishes in the dishwasher.

Library:

We encourage you to use our reading and lending library. The library which is on the second floor is open a half-hour before groups and also Tuesday’s 10 a.m.-noon. You may borrow up to two books at one time, for a two week period. After you have made your selection, you MUST formally check out each book with the volunteer or staff in the reception area. When you bring books back, put them in the box called “Library Returns” on the first floor near the fax machine. Please be respectful and return promptly so that our collection is maintained and others can benefit from this service.

Telephone:

There is one telephone in the front hall for your use. Please keep your calls very brief. We do not receive incoming calls or take messages for clients, as doing so would require us to breach our promise of confidentiality to you.

Arriving for and Leaving your Group:

Please arrive no earlier than the half-hour before your group starts. Unfortunately, Sheena’s Place does not have the space for people to arrive very early or to stay after groups. In the warm weather, you are welcome to sit in our new Healing Garden and there are coffee shops down the street (Bloor and Spadina). Smoking is permitted on the front porch (not in the healing garden) – please use the ashtrays provided.

Personal Possessions:

Please leave your coats and large bags in the coat area downstairs. Please keep all valuables with you as we cannot be responsible for items that are missing. Sheena’s Place has a zero tolerance for stealing of any kind – anyone discovered stealing will be immediately reported to the police and asked to leave.

Parking:

There is no parking at Sheena’s Place. There is meter parking at non-rush hours on Spadina Road, and some neighbourhood parking. Our closest subway stop is Spadina.

Wheelchair Accessibility:

We are not wheelchair accessible and we also realize that a number of people in our groups find the stairs difficult to manage. We regret any hardship and inconvenience this may cause.

Students

Sheena’s Place believes it is important to support students as they are the service providers of the future. We collaborate with several educational institutions, to offer 3-6 field placements each year. Names of students are posted on our bulletin board. If you have any problem with a student (e.g. you know a student and would not like them to sit in on your group) please inform our Program Administrator.

Respect and Confidentiality

Just as in other places, there will be people who are smaller and larger than you. We strive to offer a space that is respectful and accepting of all body shapes. People at Sheena’s Place are in different stages of recovery from just beginning to total recovery, and this provides the opportunity to learn from and/or help others. Being in a group may bring about change and this can be frightening. The philosophy of our groups is to recognize the power and control each person has over their own life. People are able to make healthy choices within a supportive and informative environment. Sheena’s Place groups are open to women and men of all ages. You may very well see someone you know. All efforts are made to respect your confidentiality.

Hopes, Fears and Expectations

People come to Sheena’s Place with lots of Hopes, Fears and Expectations. Here are some things people have said of their experience of attending groups at Sheena’s Place: