About the Centre
The Centre for Human Relations and Community Studies (CHRCS) is a community of practitioners, researchers, community members, students, and other learners dedicated to improving the quality of life in human systems.
History of the Centre
The Centre for Human Relations and Community Studies has been serving its mission and purpose since 1963 by creating a direct link between the University and the community. Over the years the Centre has provided consultation and training services to over 375 organizations and has delivered hundreds of workshops open to the public and has developed one of Canada’s most established Human Relations Trainer Development Program. The Centre continues to create learning opportunities to students through internships and student placements in these various activities. The Centre has also been instrumental in developing curriculum and academic programs such as the “Family Life Education” and “Community Service” certificates, as well as the MA program in “Human Systems Intervention” have all been direct outgrowths of the Centre’s relationship between the University and the community. And, finally the R.D. McDonald endowment fund was established in 1994 to insure the financial viability of the Centre.
Mission
The mission of all activities within the Centre is dedicated to improving the quality of life in human systems through research and other programming.
Goals
- To promote understanding of the human dimension of organizations and the social environment;
- To provide consultation and training programs to address the needs of groups and organizations;
- To provide opportunities for adults to understand life change processes and social change, and to gain more effective control over their lives.
Team
Jim Gavin
PhD, ABPP, FACP, MCC, Centre Director
Co-Director of the Professional and Personal Coach Certificate Program
Jim is a full professor and co-designer of the internationally renowned Human Systems Intervention graduate program at Concordia University. Jim is a certified coach and licensed psychologist who has, over the past 40 years, coached hundreds of individuals and worked with senior management teams in the public and private sector. He focuses on the whole system in furthering both organizational change and conflict management processes. Among his numerous publications, Jim's Lifestyle Wellness Coaching is a comprehensive and classic work.
Marilyn Aziz
Administrative Assistant
Marilyn has a computer background in web design, programming and desktop publishing. With degrees in both Art History and Music, she is an enthusiast of the arts, and enjoys cooking and all things gastronomic.
Board of Directors
- Don de Guerre
- Steve Henle
- Raye Kass
- Warren Linds
- Randy Swedburg
