Our Leadership
Chris Buffington, Executive Director
Chris came to Forward House Ministries with lived experience in addictions and a 20-year background in business and operational management. He has been employed in ministry work with registered charities for the last 18 years, working with individuals experiencing homelessness, adults living with disabilities, and youth camp ministry. Chris strives to walk alongside those who are suffering hardships in their lives with a heart full of compassion and empathy, hoping that they will experience God’s love through meaningful conversations and interactions. When he’s not working, Chris also serves as the vice-chair on the Board of Directors of a local women’s ministry, co-chair of the Program Advisory Committee for a Business Administration Assistant Program at a local college, and as a husband and father to his wife and four children.
Board of Directors
Robert Kreis, Board Chair & Treasurer
Appointed in February 2021. Robert has launched and operated several successful enterprises over the last several decades. He has also served in leadership capacities in several commercial and community organizations. He and his wife have operated their businesses with a commitment to integrity and respect for people, which is rooted in their faith and a caring for people regardless of their situation. They feel strongly that we need to do more in helping the marginalized and disadvantaged.
Dr. Neil Craton, Board Secretary
Appointed in January of 2023. Dr. Craton has been practising medicine for over 30 years with a passion for sports medicine for most of them. With a career that began in the emergency room in Winnipeg and six years later was admitted to UBC sports medicine fellowship where he earned his Master’s degree in Human Kinetics. He returned to Winnipeg in 1992 and started Legacy Sport Medicine Clinic in 1994. He works with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and has devoted a great deal of time to working with local charitable organizations including several years with Siloam Mission where he learned the lessons he shares in his book “Wisdom From the Homeless”. He believes that practising medicine is a privilege and an opportunity to serve others.
Elizabeth Greer, Board Member
Raised in Ontario, Elizabeth moved to Manitoba in 2000 when she and her husband sensed God’s call into ministry. For eight years, they led a Bible Camp and Retreat Centre in the North Interlake, hosting 500 children/summer and managing the retreat business year-round. They then founded Pathway Camp Ministries which ministered to children and youth in northern Indigenous communities. Pathway provided Day Camps, youth retreats, and an internship program for young leaders. She stepped down from Pathway after moving to Winnipeg and served for almost five years with Prison Fellowship Canada as a Regional Representative for the Prairie Region. Since 2023, she has served at Headingley Correctional Centre as a full-time Chaplain. Elizabeth is a graduate of Briercrest College & Seminary and is a licenced minister with The Alliance Canada. She has been married to Rick for almost 45 years and is a mother and grandmother. When not working, you can find her quilting or tackling difficult jigsaw puzzles.
Angelika Fletcher, Board Member
With over 4 decades in Health Care, Angelika bears a plethora of experience and expertise in direct health care delivery in nursing as well as health care administration and management. Having focused the last half of her career in the Christian Non-Profit service sector, she provided direct health care, support, and preventative care with emphasis on addiction care, recovery, and prevention. Her leadership ability, experience in healthcare, and heart for dealing with vulnerable populations has proved to be a great addition to our Board of Directors.
PAST BOARD MEMBERS
Scott Groen
Appointed in September 2019 and serving on the Board of Directors until May 2025, Scott was the Pharmacy Manager with Tache Pharmacy in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and had been a long-time supporter of Forward House, both professionally and personally. As a pharmacist he brought a unique perspective of what is needed to effect positive change in the lives of our residents. Having many years of experience working with men’s groups and their growth as individuals, he was passionate about the transformative role we can have on improving the lives of our residents.