When one is given a second chance at life, one must not squander the knowledge and wisdom gained from all the misgivings experienced in the initial attempt at life.

- Jim Mandelin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Mandelin's Biography

Major Projects I have been Involved with most recently: A documentary film called, “Anatomy of a Gang Member: The Jim Mandelin Story” is being filmed on my life story. Also in progress is a movie script being written by two local writers based on my autobiography. The autobiography is also being edited and prepared for publishing at this time.

Television documentary “Beyond Medicine” produced in 1999 by Partners in Motion. The documentary features myself and others discussing the use of alternative medicine rather than traditional medicine.

Television documentary “Sexual Abuse, Both Sides of the Coin” (1991).  This documentary featured me as a survivor of childhood abuse and Graham Cook as a recovering pedophile.  The Knowledge Network, National Film Board and the Province of British Columbia provided funding. It was produced by Images for Thought Productions.  The film was selected as a runner-up at the 1992 New York International Film and Television Festival Awards.  Capilano and Malspina College and over one hundred educational institutions across Canada and the United States retain this film as part of their video library.

Educational documentary “Challenging the Medical Model of Addition” (1988).  This video highlights pieces of my life with reference to addiction issues and is kept by the Simon Fraser University - Psychology Department Library.  Production funding was provided for by Simon Fraser University - Psychology Department.

I have been a frequent guest on such shows as the Bill Good Show, Terry Moore Night Line Show (CKNW Radio Vancouver, B.C.), Open Line (CKRD Radio – Red Deer, Alberta) and a phone-in show (CFCN Radio – Calgary, Alberta).  I have also appeared on a number of radio and television discussion panels(BCTV, CBC, COOP Radio UBC) as well as several feature articles in a number of newspapers throughout Western Canada and the Northwestern United States.

I have given hundreds of lectures including 56+ Lower Mainland High Schools, numerous Colleges, United Way fundraisers, High School Teachers’ professional development days, and Teachers Conventions.  I have also designed and instructed numerous classes of new “Police Recruits” on how to effectively relate to young offenders.

I have counseled many clients and have been able to assist most to see that their life can be a life beyond victimhood and mere survival.

I have been a  parent to four sons (now grown) and one daughter for many years and this has given me a practical based education on the process of parenting.