THIS IS US...

JIM BEAMISH,  B.A., M.I.M.A.

  Jim is a retired tax manager and paralegal who worked for 43 years for the Ministry of Finance and  for DMA Canada ( Ducharme, MacMillan and Associates Canada). 

Jim is a loving devoted husband to Barb, his wife of 54 years. They have 3 children and 5 amazing grandchildren. They moved from Burlington to Norfolk County 35 years ago. 

Together, Jim and Barb were dedicated to foster care treatment parenting, and tenant advocacy for NACL. Barb was a daycare and respite care provider for children with special needs for many years. 

Jim's commitment to live his life for the Lord has included serving on various boards including the Board of Directors for CAS Haldimand-Norfolk, and for several churches. His wisdom and integrity, the gift of administration  and his kind and gentle spirit are reflected in his ability to lead and guide in a mature manner.

Together, Jim and Barb enjoy gardening at the community garden, traveling, boating , fishing, and  cottage country. Jim is a diehard fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and an 'armchair coach.' He enjoys cheering on his grandchildren in their sports and other activities. 

Jim and Barb are passionate and excited to support this ministry, focused on reaching out to the communities most vulnerable and broken people, drawing them to Jesus and the life He has for them through His saving grace and unconditional love.       

DALE NOLL

Dale demonstrates a gentle, passionate love for God, his children and beloved wife, Wendy, with whom he lives in Norfolk County. 

 His evangelical gifting draws him to the streets where he ministers to those entrenched in addiction and homelessness. He has gleaned volunteer experience through various ministries: Salvation Army Food Bank, St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Indwell and Milton ReStore.  

Vocationally, Dale holds a strong mechanical aptitude and skillset as noted in his prior work as a diesel mechanic, and heavy equipment operator. Dale brings over 18 years experience in the Legal Field.

Dale is a motorcycle enthusiast who has travelled throughout Canada and the USA; and engaged in motorsport racing.

Admittedly, Dale has recovered from alcohol and drug addiction by the grace of God. Dale eagerly shares the Good News of the Gospel Message and his recovery journey by demonstrating the "love God has shown him!"

JUDY BRIDGMAN

Judy has been married to the love of her life, Rick, for 48 years. Together they have 2 children, 4 amazing grandchildren, and a wonderful dog. They tragically lost their younger son, Ryan, in 2013. Family means everything to them and is their greatest blessing. They currently reside in Burlington.

Judy is retired from Ford Canada after 31 years, where she held various positions. In her last position as HR manager, she oversaw the administration of the company’s pension and benefit programs, union negotiations and, drawing from her own experiences, helped to guide Ford’s mental health initiatives. She helped create comprehensive programs centered on the belief that achieving mental wellness is more than just coping with stress; it’s about balancing life and work, maintaining physical health and participating in intrinsically rewarding activities. She also held various financial positions during her time at Ford .

Judy has a passion for individuals who have fallen through the cracks due to mental health, addiction, homelessness, or unfortunate circumstances. She has been involved in various street outreach programs. She attended NYSUM (New York School of Urban ministries) to learn how to minister to homeless populations in New York City. Judy volunteered with Harvest Outreach Ministries in downtown Hamilton, who were involved in sharing the love of Jesus, building relationships, feeding, clothing and praying for those in need.

Judy was on the Board of Directors of a church in Flamborough where she held the position as Deacon of Benevolence.

After losing her son, Judy sought help through peer support and a support group. Becoming involved with Acclaim Health, she received training and became a peer support volunteer for child loss and child loss group facilitation.

Judy is passionate about supporting, advocating and bringing the love of Jesus to those who are hurting. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares the Good News about how God can restore and bring healing to the brokenhearted.

WILLIAM GEORGE

Bill’s maternal lineage traces back to Indigenous culture. Bill and his four siblings were raised, by foster parents, in a country setting on the outskirts of London, where they helped start the family business. 

At an early age, Bill developed a passion for horticulture and landscaping; he gleaned experience and skillset from various employment opportunities throughout his life.

In his spare time, Bill enjoys fixing and tinker with things. He especially enjoys fixing used bicycles and donating them to others in need. Bill is a hands-on learner and completed his GED in 2019. Bill maintains several artistic abilities among which are playing harmonica and writing poetry. He is empathetic, understanding, hardworking and honest.

Bill appreciates spending time in nature connecting with God. Bill adores time spent with family, whether outdoors with his son learning about nature and life or playing volleyball with his stepson. 

Bill moved to Norfolk County in the fall of 2019 to attend a treatment program for substance abuse and begin a life of recovery. Currently, Bill serves in various recovery fellowships and dedicates time helping others who struggle with addiction and mental health. In July 2024, he remarried the love of his life, Jodi and resides with his family in Norfolk County. 

ALISHA LEANNE THORNTON, MCrim, HBA

Born and raised in Norfolk County, Alisha's greatest blessing is noted as her family, her dogs, and her beloved husband, Roger.  

Vocationally, Alisha has obtained a Police Foundations Diploma, a Bachelor of Arts (with honors) in Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, a Masters of Criminology at Bond University in Australia and recently a Concurrent Disorders Certificate through the University of Toronto/CAMH.

 Alisha gleaned her skillset through various internships and employment opportunities. She was employed as a caseworker at a residential facility for men on federal parole, she managed a residential home for women in federal corrections, and was an Intensive Case Manager for adults with developmental disabilities.

Alisha was mentored by an expert in Behavioral Evidence Analysis and Criminal Profiling.  

Alisha navigates a continuum of social services with ease and has worked diligently to support individuals in overcoming personal, societal and systematic barriers. She has proven success in writing proposals for individualized funding and program restructuring through different government departments. This work detailed the financial, social, psychological and physical needs required to support the individuals she served.  

Admittedly, Alisha spent years suffering in quiet desperation . She reports prior struggles with multiple forms of abuse, mental health,

addiction and lack of authentic spirituality. 

On the brink of death, she hit rock bottom, and finally made the decision to surrender her life and will to God. 

 "God’s gift to me is my life and my gift to God is to do His will."