Ruah Counselling Centre

06/18/2025

A softball tournament/fundraiser was held on June 15, 2025, in memory of Ben Penney who died by su***de in March 2025 at the age of 23. 75 men competed in the tournament bringing along their families and friends which speaks to the power of family, community and friendship. It is fitting that the 2025 tournament was held during Men's Health Month and that the tournament continues Ben’s legacy of kindness and generosity. The tournament was organized by Paul McEvoy and Dylan D**e coordinated the ticket sales.

Ben's parents - Deanne and Alex – donated one of Ben's dirt bikes as the ticket prize to help generate funds. Deanne recommended that the funds be given to Ruah.

Ruah is so fortunate to have been the recipient of the proceeds from the Benjamin Penney Softball Memorial Tournament ($10,000) to support our mental health services. We rely on the generosity and support of our community partners and independent donors to continue the essential work we do as a non-profit agency.

Pictured: Lori Petersen (Ruah Counsellor & Group Facilitator), Kim Kelly (Ruah Board Member and Group Facilitator), and Deanne and Alex Penney (Ben's parents).

06/06/2025

What are you hoping for? 🧡

05/28/2025

🫂Self-care and Self-Compassion– Take Care of Your Mental Health🫂

Life can be unpredictable and overwhelming, causing anxiety and stress which can damage your mental health and effect many aspects of your daily life. Self-care and self-compassion are essential tools for good mental health. By prioritizing ourselves, we become better equipped to navigate life’s challenges and to be the most productive versions of ourselves. This session will teach you about self-care and self-compassion strategies and how to prioritize your mental wellbeing.

🔗 Visit https://tinyurl.com/WLHJune4 to register or visit https://cmhanl.ca/events/ for a full list of our upcoming events! Link in bio for a full list of our events.

📅 June 4th
🕛 1:30pm to 2:30pm
💻 Deer Lake Motel
💸 NO Cost
🧍Ages 18+

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your self-care and mental health!

05/22/2025

Thanks to the generosity of independent donors in our community, one of our clinical staff members, Lori Petersen, had the opportunity to travel to the National Su***de Prevention Conference 'Lean in and Listen', held in Richmond Hill, ON, from May 14-16, 2025.

Participating in this conference provided our staff with valuable additional training, further enhancing the work Ruah is doing to support individuals affected by grief and su***de loss in our province.

Together, we lean in, listen, and take action for meaningful change.💜

05/09/2025

05/08/2025

05/08/2025

05/05/2025

Mental Health Week 2025- Unmasking Mental Health.

"This May 5-11, we’re encouraging people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country."

Many of us hide our struggles—at work, online, even with loved ones. But constant masking can be draining and isolating.
This , let’s start the conversation about and breaking down stigma.
📢 Download your own toolkit at mentalhealthweek.ca and continue the conversation.

04/29/2025

Register now for our 8-week virtual group program, Effective Communication! 🗣

‼ Group starting this Thursday, May 1, 2025 ‼
Have you ever wished you could express yourself more clearly? To be better understood by those you love, as well as individuals you converse with everyday in the workplace?

Learn how communication is linked to expressing our feelings, and how effective communication can improve everyday relationships.

Topics include:
-Communication styles
-Expressing your needs
-Asking for what you want
-Learning to say “No”
📆 Start Date: May 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday Evenings
💻 Location: ZOOM
👥 Facilitator: Brittany Hiscock, MSW, RSW
💲 Fee: $120 *

*Fee: The full fee for this 8-week program is $120, but we offer flexible payment options, including a sliding scale and no-cost alternatives for those who qualify. Please reach out to our office for more details!

To Register: Call Samantha at our main office at 709-579-0168, or visit our website http://ruahcounselling.ca/request-for-services/

04/28/2025

We want to express our deepest gratitude for Harvey's Home Heating thoughtful donation of $10,000 to our Centre, in memory of Benjamin Penney.

As a nonprofit community counselling agency, Ruah is dedicated to offering timely, compassionate, and affordable therapeutic counselling services to individuals, couples, and families. Thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners, we are better able to meet the growing need for these essential services, bringing hope and care to those who need it most.

Harvey's is honoured to make a charitable donation of $10,000 to the Ruah Counselling Centre in memory of Benjamin Penney, whose sudden and tragic death just last month deeply impacted the lives of everyone privileged enough to know him. The Penney family are longtime, treasured friends and partners of ours, and Benjamin's vibrant personality and positive energy will be dearly missed by us all. ❤️

The Ruah Counselling Centre is committed to the well-being and mental health of individuals, families, and communities – a mission we can stand behind with great pride. This support will ensure those without access to critical mental health and wellness services continue to receive the support, tools, and compassionate care they need.

📸 Christopher Forward, VP, Operations, Zack Penney, Alec Penney, Deanne Penney, Alexander Penney

04/25/2025

Register now for our 8-week virtual group program, Effective Communication! 🗣


Have you ever wished you could express yourself more clearly? To be better understood by those you love, as well as individuals you converse with everyday in the workplace?

Learn how communication is linked to expressing our feelings, and how effective communication can improve everyday relationships.

Topics include:
-Communication styles
-Expressing your needs
-Asking for what you want
-Learning to say “No”

📆 Start Date: May 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday Evenings
💻 Location: ZOOM
👥 Facilitators: Brittany Hiscock, MSW, RSW
💲 Fee: $120 *

*Fee: The full fee for this 8-week program is $120, but we offer flexible payment options, including a sliding scale and no-cost alternatives for those who qualify. Please reach out to our office for more details!

To Register: Call Samantha at our main office at 709-579-0168, or visit our website http://ruahcounselling.ca/request-for-services/

04/23/2025

Our 8-week virtual group program, Effective Communication, starts May 1—register today! 🗣

Have you ever wished you could express yourself more clearly? To be better understood by those you love, as well as individuals you converse with everyday in the workplace?

Learn how communication is linked to expressing our feelings, and how effective communication can improve everyday relationships.

Topics include:
-Communication styles
-Expressing your needs
-Asking for what you want
-Learning to say “No”

📆 Start Date: May 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, Thursday Evenings
💻 Location: ZOOM
👥 Facilitators: Brittany Hiscock, MSW, RSW
💲 Fee: $120 *

*Fee: The full fee for this 8-week program is $120, but we offer flexible payment options, including a sliding scale and no-cost alternatives for those who qualify. Please reach out to our office for more details!

To Register: Call Samantha at our main office at 709-579-0168, or visit our website http://ruahcounselling.ca/request-for-services/