How We Work.Our work is grounded in the inherent dignity and worth of every person. We look for the divine image in every person who walks through our doors. We cannot give dignity; we can only bear witness to it.
We are committed to creating a community that reflects our deepest values: Relationship, Justice, and Beauty. We believe that how we work is just as important as what we do. We work quietly to fight against the systems that oppress. We protest inequity by sitting as equals, and we confront loneliness with presence. Our ethos guides our behavior, decisions, and commitments in every aspect of our service. It is rooted in the teachings of Jesus—non-violent, compassionate, loving, and inclusive. |
Relationship
We believe that transformation begins with connection and that connection is developed by listening deeply and honoring the lived experience of those we serve. We build trust through presence, consistency, and mutual support. |
Justice
We work towards a world where every person has access to the resources, opportunity, and freedom they deserve. We challenge systems of inequality and oppression by treating every person with respect, empathy, and care. We work to share power and center the voices of those most impacted, advocating alongside those we serve, recognizing their agency and leadership. |
Beauty
We believe beauty is a sign of dignity and hope and work to create spaces and experiences that reflect care, artfulness, and humanity. We celebrate the beauty in every person and every story, cultivating joy, creativity, and shared purpose as acts of resistance against despair. |
⬤Servant Leadership & Shared Power
We lead by serving others, not by controlling them, making decisions collaboratively and respect the contributions of all. We consistently ask: Who is missing from the conversation? Who benefits, and who bears the cost? |
⬤Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable first to those we serve, and seek honest feedback through direct relationships and volunteer engagement. We name mistakes, take responsibility, and commit to growth and repair. |
⬤Integrity & Stewardship
We act with honesty, transparency, and care in all we do, protecting confidentiality, honoring boundaries, and stewarding resources wisely. We reflect regularly on our impact and hold ourselves to high ethical standards. |
⬤Environmental Responsibility
We acknowledge that environmental harm disproportionately impacts people in poverty. We reduce food waste by rescuing and redistributing surplus food with dignity, and will only serve food that meets health standards. We prioritize purchasing sustainable products that reflect our values, and care for the environment as an expression of justice and stewardship for future generations. |
⬤Compassion is "Golden" Rule
We recognize that many in our community stand in lines, wait to see workers who may or may not be able to help them, who are turned away from services due to past issues etc. Compassion or “together suffering” is our most important rule. Programs are designed to help those who participate, however, programs serve the community, the community does not serve the programs, our Code of conduct is to be upheld, AND the person who is struggling needs to be safe. We work to balance out the needs of the broader community with each individual. |
Royal City Mission
50 Quebec Street Guelph, Ontario N1H 2T4 |
Registered Charity | Royal City Mission Church Charitable Number | BN 845427871RR0001 |