Eden Health Care Services is saying goodbye to CEO James Friesen after 35 years.

Friesen began with Eden as a frontline housing support worker; at that time he never imagined rising to oversee the entire organization.

"I've gone through life just wanting to make a difference," Friesen says, adding he also wanted to express his faith in a meaningful way.

"In the almost 36 years this organization gave me that opportunity," he says.

Friesen spent the last nine years as CEO of Eden Health Care Services

However, after over thirty years working for Eden in a number of roles, Friesen explains he chose to retire for both personal and corporate reasons, "the organization is in a strong position, I have health, I have interests, and just generally thinking now is a good time... to look at what's next."

Looking back he says amazing staff and committed board members are aspects he'll miss most.

"What a fantastic job," Friesen says. "I have enjoyed the incredible privilege of making a difference in people's lives."

Friesen says as a faith-based, not-for-profit, organization responsible for publicly funded services, Eden hits the sweet spot between a grassroots effort and government. Being able to build business partnerships without losing focus also allows them to remain "incredibly dynamic," Friesen says.

Eden provides everything from acute psychiatry treatment and counselling services to housing and employment programs, coupled with the active Eden Foundation. Friesen has also seen Eden services grow to Steinbach and Winnipeg.

As a parting message to the community as CEO, Friesen thanks the community for their support.

"Continue to be a supportive community. Inform yourself of mental illness, provide board members like you have, but don't forget the mental health agenda."

Friesen will officially retire in January.

Friesen is also an avid cyclist, using his passion to both promote mental health initiatives and raise funds

James Friesen at the Eden Foundation's annual Tractor Trek fundraiser this summer