Testimonials

Program Development & Counselling

We have known Jeffrey for over 25 years as consultants, mentors and friends and can personally attest to the fact that he has made and is making outstanding contributions to his community.

Jeffrey’s development in his professional life is also a significant testament to his commitment to learning, growth and positive change not only for himself, but also for others who struggle with addiction. At Place of Refuge, he has demonstrated accountability and responsibility in his work as Executive Director. He is a gifted counsellor bringing deep insight and compassion from his lived experience to his work in counselling adult men recovering from addiction. At the same he has demonstrated consistent efforts in his professional development.

Michael Wilson, PhD
Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), (LL.D.)

Ann Wilson, EdD
Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), (LL.D.)

Counselling

In my view, Jeff offers a unique contribution to the substance abuse field. I have had the opportunity to meet with Jeff for individual consultations and to observe his work directly. I have no reservations whatsoever about his professional competence. On the contrary, I find his work to be an outstanding example of how to do counselling with integrity and purpose. I have always found Jeffrey to be thoughtful, ethically astute, leadership-oriented and professional. He is also thoroughly familiar with adolescent issues, caring and considerate, and is "street-smart" more than anyone else I know.

Dr. Ross Laird
PhD (Creative process)

A Judicial Training Seminar

Mr. Borden spoke today to 140 Provincial Court Judges at a judicial training seminar. He was part of a program that I moderated on Sentencing Addicted Adolescents. These youth probably cause judges the most difficulty when it comes to sentencing. Mr. Borden's training, enhanced by his personal experience, proved him to be a very important contributor to our program....through his appearances in my court with his clients ... and in preparation for today's program, I have come to know Mr. Borden. From my knowledge of him, he is the sort of committed and compassionate individual we should seek to care for the most vulnerable of our youth.

The Honourable Thomas J. Gove
Provincial Court
British Columbia

Instituto Kanankil – Merida, Mexico

Thank you for spending the afternoon facilitating a workshop on Walks and Conversations with Substance Use. Our Master Degree students in the Psychotherapy, Families and Couples Therapy and Addictions Programs, were delighted and appreciative of your experiences and knowledge.

The depth of your reflections and the honesty with which you delivered the information and answered their curious questions, is a breath of fresh air in the halls of academia. We hope to have you back in the Fall with a full weekend program. You are always welcome at the Kanankil Institute.

M.T.F. Rocio Chaveste Gutierrez
Ph.D. Director

Presentation to Nursing Students at Langara College

Jeff's presentation concerning addiction, addiction issues, and the management of these issues was fascinating. The students enjoyed the frank and open discussion he facilitated. They had the opportunity to explore the topic of addiction with Jeff in a safe and supportive environment and to expand their understanding of this complex health challenge. I know this will help them provide appropriate care to future clients.

Jeff's open style was a great fit for our students as he made it easy for them to ask questions. He was flexible in his presentation so that their learning needs were met. He is a wonderful speaker. Jeff was a valued guest speaker and…we have added his name to our file of guest speakers.

Melanie Forseng, RN, BSN, MSN
Nursing Instructor
Langara College

Presentation at Burnaby South Secondary School

I was extremely impressed with the quality of Jeff's presentations. He was articulate in describing his own experiences in regard to drug abuse and recovery. He was effective in communicating his message regarding the dangers of drug use, the difficulties encountered by addicts, and the long ongoing "road to recovery". The students were very attentive to his message and I feel that the students benefitted from the presentations.

I hope to have Jeff return to speak again at Burnaby South and I recommend him to anyone involved in education, social services, medicine or any field involved with helping others.

Don McNamee
Teacher
Burnaby South Secondary School