About us
Program history
Since 1983, Focus on the Family Canada has been a pillar of support, offering hope and encouragement to families as they build their lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
As a charitable organization, we work hard to respond to the many real issues families face today by providing sound and practical guidance based on Christian principles.
Proven track record
The Journey to Us marriage program, formerly known as Marriage Enrichment, was born out of Focus on the Family’s Hope Restored marriage intensive program. Using the same principles from the Hope Restored program, these retreats and conferences seek to prevent marriages from ever reaching a point of crisis.
Journey to Us is designed for couples at every stage of married life, providing them with practical tools and insights to navigate the path to a stronger, healthier and even more fulfilling marriage.
Meet our speakers
With years of professional and ministry counselling experience, our speakers have the expertise to help couples like you build a relationship that not only survives but thrives.
Wayne Reed and his wife, Eveline, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They are parents to two grown sons. Wayne has been a pastor and a counsellor for over 25 years, originally from South Africa where his ministry life began.
He developed a passion for seeing marriages thrive while pastoring there. Wayne and his family came to Canada so he could pursue a degree in counselling, which he obtained from Briercrest Seminary in 2010. He served Centre Street Church in Calgary, AB, for five years as their marriage and care pastor where he helped establish a marriage ministry network as a cooperative effort between several of the largest churches in the city.
Wayne is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Psychotherapists. Wayne began his ministry with Focus on the Family Canada in June 2017 and has since trained to be a marriage therapist with the Focus Marriage Institute in the U.S.
Vicki Hooper and her husband, David, have been married for over 25 years. They are parents to two grown children, a son and a daughter. Vicki is a Canadian certified counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. She has an extensive background in teaching and ministry settings prior to becoming a counsellor in 2013.
Her most recent counselling assignment was with women in a residential treatment program. She and her family served the Lord in ministry in the Middle East for 10 years prior to returning to Canada. She earned her Master of Education in school counselling through Liberty University. The Lord’s leading was very clear in her life to respond to the opportunity to be considered to come to work with couples through Focus on the Family Canada.
Vicki began her ministry with Focus on the Family Canada in August 2017 and has since trained to be a marriage therapist with the Focus Marriage Institute in the U.S.
Jeff Dienesch is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Jeff holds an MA in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Jeff and his wife, Cathy, have been married for over 35 years and are grateful to share life with their two married sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
Tara Lalonde is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Tara has a PhD in professional counselling from Liberty University. Her dissertation explored the post-intensive success of the Hope Restored intensive program. She and her husband, Vince, have been married for more than 20 years. Tara is co-author of the book, Empowered to Love.
Harv and his wife, Shirley have been married for over 20 years and have one son. Harv is an Associate Professional Counsellor with the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists. He has an MDiv as well as an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy with more than 20 years of experience in pastoral and clinical counselling. He is especially passionate about helping struggling marriages.
Retreat Centres
Choose from three luxurious Canadian locations
When couples stay in these luxury, resort-style accommodations and are surrounded by the calm of Canada’s natural beauty, they’re more equipped to once again invest in their relationship with spouse
When you arrive, you’ll feel welcomed by our caring team who will help you feel right at home so you can feel rested and ready to strengthen your relationships, both with God and with your spouse.
- A beautiful private suite is uniquely decorated and includes a private bathroom, therapeutic mattress, electric fireplace and more.
- Delicious and nutritious meals and snacks
- Numerous quiet, secluded areas to relax and unwind
- All-inclusive, resort-style service including clean-up
Alberta centre
Focus on the Family Canada’s Alberta marriage intensive centre is nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, approximately 45 minutes southwest of the Calgary airport. Surrounded by 66 acres of Albertan wilderness, it’s the perfect place to truly come away and find stillness from the busyness of life.
Manitoba centre
Focus on the Family Canada’s Manitoba marriage intensive centre is located approximately an hour and 15 minutes east of Winnipeg, MB, on 103 acres of pristine conservancy land. Surrounded by mature forests and situated away from major roads, the centre sits on a preserved jewel in the wilderness.
Ontario centre
Located only one hour away from Toronto, Focus on the Family Canada’s Ontario marriage intensive centre provides an oasis for those seeking restoration. This lovely estate offers year-round natural splendor and immediately makes you feel as though you’ve entered another world. Relax in the luxury of 96 secluded acres surrounded by mature forests and overlooking a spring-fed pond.