Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region
Report to the
Community
2011-2012 Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary
Mental health for all
2011-2012 Board of Directors President
Robert Schuett
Our Vision: Mentally healthy people in a healthy society Our Mission: A leader in reducing the impact of mental disorders and in promoting mental health and wellness through community-based services
Past President
Dr. Deborah Dobson Vice Presidents
CONTENTS
Donna Lee
HIGHLIGHTS.....................................................................4 CMHA AWARD WINNERS.. .................................................5 RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT..............................................6 THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS . . ..............................................21 DONORS...........................................................................22 FINANCIAL STATEMENT....................................................23
Provincial Board Representatives
OUR STORIES
William Bone Phil Dranse Treasurer
William Bone Janice Tye Board Members
William Bone Joe Colangelo Deborah Dobson Phil Dranse Donna Lee Jim Merchant Phil Scheibel Robert Schuett Barbara Tate Janice Tye Margaret Usherwood Candace Watson A special thank you to: Damian Blunt - Design & Portraits
cmha.calgary.ab.ca
SALMA..............................................................................8 MOIRA. . .............................................................................10 CLAUDIA...........................................................................12 DHENY..............................................................................14 CHARLOTTE & MARY.. .......................................................17 BILL.. .................................................................................18 HAMILTON + PARTNERS.. ..................................................20
PROGRAMS
SUPPORTIVE LIVING.........................................................7 POST DISCHARGE TRANSITION........................................7 COMMUNITY EDUCATION.................................................9 WORKPLACE WELLNESS..................................................9 STREET OUTREACH & STABILIZATION. . ................................................................11 INDEPENDENT LIVING SUPPORT......................................13 ADVOCACY.......................................................................13 PEER OPTIONS.................................................................15 LEISURE RECREATION......................................................15 CONTINUING CONNECTIONS.. ..........................................16 FAMILY SUPPORT.. ............................................................16 SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT...................................................19
From the President and Executive Director
C
anadian Mental Health Association – Calgary is a people focused organization. We help and educate people and that is our true strength and focus. Our dedicated employees show year after year how passionate they are about mental health and about their role in the community. Our invaluable volunteers dedicate their personal time to help us achieve our mission. Keeping the people we serve at the centre. That’s why this year; our Report to the Community is focused on people. Inside these pages you will see just a small sample of the stories, and of the inspiration and dedication that we as an organization experience every day. These stories are proof that we are truly living our mandate here at CMHA – Calgary Region. We are contributing to mental health for all. Over the past year, our organization began a new journey in terms of launching an expanded and exciting strategy. Our people – including staff, clients, board members and volunteers – have embraced our new focus and plan. We are truly in the middle of a mental health ‘explosion’. We have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the mental health of our community. In the years to come, we promise to continue on this path and provide the Calgary community with the education, programming and connection to mental health and addictions services. Please take time to explore our stories, our program successes, and our highlights for the fiscal year. What we ask is that the entire community accept the responsibility for taking care of individual, family, and community mental health. There is no health without mental health. It really does affect us all.
President Bob Schuett (left) and Executive Dan Delaloye (right).
PHOTO BY ALIX BROADWAY
In closing, we extend our sincere gratitude to our Board of Directors, employees and volunteers who so generously give of their time and talents. Also, we could not succeed without the generous support of our donors and partners. In particular we thank Alberta Health Services, the United Way of Calgary and Area, and the City of Calgary Family & Community Support Services.
Bob Schuett President
Dan Delaloye Executive Director
About Us CMHA – Calgary Region has been at the forefront of mental health in the Calgary area since 1955. It is part of a leading national organization that is one of Canada`s oldest voluntary agencies. CMHA is dedicated to reducing the impact of mental disorders and in promoting mental health and wellness through community-based services. For more information, visit us cmha.calgary.ab.ca
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Highlights Support •
The Capable Carers psycho-educational group, facilitated through the Family Support Program, was reviewed and improved in order to better meet the needs of family members of individuals with a mental illness.
•
Two Independent Living Support programs (on-site and off-site) were combined into one to increase consistency, capacity, and seamlessness of service provided to clients. The combination of the programs has resulted in increased ability to respond to emerging client and community needs.
•
Suicide Bereavement Services counselling sessions expanded to include services for family members together and couples together. In 2011/2012, all the individuals, families, and couples who needed suicide bereavement services received services; nobody was turned away.
•
The Supportive Living group home program intakes now include clients with current addiction issues who have been in recovery for less than the former six-month policy, reflective of our mandate expansion at the end of the fiscal year. We understand that many of our clients have used drugs and alcohol as a way of self medicating and see the need to assess each individual for their own recovery success whether that has been two months or two years. Program staff have collaborated with other professional supports to support these individuals to stay on the path of recovery. Many clients attend 12-step programs in the community. As well, new policies have been developed around relapse that will allow for a client to go to treatment and then back to the group home rather than a discharge from the program.
Advocacy •
The Advocacy program worked with the Calgary Police Service, to change how background checks are processed for people who may have encountered the police in relation to the Mental Health Act. As a result of the work, the Calgary Police Service has developed guidelines, protocols, and appeal processes that did not exist prior to working with the Advocacy program. The Advocacy Coordinator continues to influence change by participating on the Chief Advisory Board for the Calgary Policy Service Diversity Unit under the Disabilities Portfolio.
Awareness •
In 2011/2012, the Community Education program began working with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to evaluate the effectiveness in stigma reduction and increased help-seeking behaviours among participants in the mental illness and stigma presentations.
•
Mental Health Week, which takes place during the first full week in May every year, and was initiated by Canadian Mental Health Association, celebrated its 60th year! CMHA – Calgary Region hosted A Morning of Mental Health and Wellness, which was a free event featuring dynamic speakers on building resiliency, wholistic mental health, stress management and a pharmacist Q&A. The event brought together 14 agencies for a resource fair and attracted over 150 Calgarians!
•
The Street Outreach and Stabilization team participated in Project Homeless Connect 13. This is an all day event for at-risk or homeless individuals and families, and is presented by the Calgary Homeless Foundation.
cmha.calgary.ab.ca
CMHA Award Winners Throughout the year, many individuals and organizations help us to deliver services and promote our vision. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners:
BY THE NUMBERS: MENTAL HEALTH 20%
of Canadians will experience a mental disorder
Tim Grest Memorial Award (Volunteer of the Year): Bob Patrick The Tim Grest Memorial Award is presented to a volunteer who has been active in one or more of the Association’s programs and services, and who has demonstrated an exemplary level of commitment, involvement, enthusiasm and reliability.
Vince Van de Pol Award: Dheny Rivas The Vince Van de Pol Award is presented to person with a mental illness for their work on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region.
Outstanding Community Service Award: Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre The Outstanding Community Service Award is awarded to an Association, Corporation, Business, Government Department or individual that has provided special community service
Communications Award: Valerie Berenyi, Calgary Herald The Communications Award is present to a member of media who have provided regular, continued and special assistance in promoting the Association’s goals.
Professional Care Award: Shannon Middlemiss, Alberta Health Services The Professional Care Award is for a professional mental health worker (Nurse, Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, etc.) who has exhibited special caring or creativity in the provision of mental health service.
100%
of those will struggle with stigma
$51 Billion
in lost productivity from mental illness
$18,000
per employee is spent on mental illness by employers
CMHACALGARY REGION • Part of a network of 135 CMHA branches across the country • 12 main programs and services for Calgarians • 75 staff dedicated to mental health • 200 volunteers that help us achieve our mission
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RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
T
hank you to our loyal community groups, individual PEOPLE and corporate sponsors who collaborate with us to provide the necessary funding for our programs and services that directly reach over 21,000 Calgarians each year and thousands of others through public education and resources on our websites. We rely on your generosity each year to provide mental health programs, services and education to Calgarians. As individuals you contribute through individual donations, our Mind Leaders program, and fundraisers organized in the community. Just a few of our fundraising events and contributions are highlighted here.
Employees Make a Difference Through Donation Matching Programs Throughout the year we receive donations from many individuals whose employers generously match their donations thus doubling the benefit of the gift, enabling CMHA – Calgary Region to reach out to even more individuals in the community. Matching programs from ATCO, Cenovus Energy, Encana, Encana Cares Foundation, Flour Employee Giving, Haliburton - Giving Choices, Nexen, TransCanada and many others helped expand our reach this year. In addition, employers recognize their employees through grants because of their volunteer hours in the community (Encana, Imperial, Shell).
7th Annual Fish & Chips Golf Tournament & Fly-Fishing Derby Presented by Hamilton + Partners in support of CMHA – Calgary Region and Horizon Housing Society, this event combines fishing and golfing on the world-renowned Bow River and Cottonwood Golf & Country Club. This year brought over 200 participants together in support of two significant causes – homelessness & the stigma associated with mental illness. Amazingly, over $114,000 was raised to build better lives and safe homes through generous contributions of anglers, golfers, sponsors and volunteers. To date this event has raised over $800,000 shared by both charities.
7th Annual Mat’s Ride: The Journey to End Youth Depression
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012
Every year since 2006, Mat’s Ride, The Journey to End Youth Depression, hosts a motor rally that raises funds in support of CMHA – Calgary Region’s Community Education program. The program helps educate youth on the signs and symptoms of depression and where to seek help. This year’s Ride took place on June 18, 2011 and raised over $10,000. Mat’s Ride, created in memory and honour of Mathew Gilbert who lost his battle with depression at the young age of 18 has to date raised an amazing $81,000 for this crucial educational program.
Yoga and the Freedom to Be Calendar
23,000
We are grateful to yoga instructor Stephanie Babcock who coordinated a fundraiser selling beautiful yoga and wellness calendars, with proceeds going to CMHA – Calgary Region. She raised $3,077 from this fundraiser!
$114,000
Zumba for Mental Health
Calgarians accessed our programs and services
raised through Fish & Chips
$10,000
raised through Mat’s Ride
cmha.calgary.ab.ca
Through the desire to raise funds and awareness of mental health issues in our community, and the loss of a relative to suicide, three licensed Zumba instructors raised over $3,500. Special thanks to Allison Kiss, Jocelyn Hebert and Michelle Neufeldt for their dedication in organizing a 90 minute Zumba class in support of CMHA – Calgary Region.
SUPPORTIVE LIVING
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012
The emphasis of each Supportive Living Program is to offer support while focusing on the strengths of the individual client. They are encouraged in their use of personal, family and community-based resources to maintain their optimal level of mental health, and to maintain their community living status. Above all, CMHA’s Supportive Living Program is client-centered, empowering, flexible hours provided by staff and normalizing. Programming is designed to maintain the individual’s sense of identity, dignity and self esteem as they are encouraged to move towards optimal independence. Coordinators work with clients to increase their level of independence through individualized support and goal setting. Areas of assistance may clients served include development of daily living skills, accessing community resources, emotional support and more. Supportive Living coordinators operate out of 11 locations in Calgary. In the Group living setting, clients receive coaching for development of house meetings, community meetings independent living skills, social skills and coping skills. Clients are encouraged and groups to engage in community programs as their skills and abilities allow. Group Living allows for intensive assessment of client needs and functioning on a regular basis. In the Apartment setting, clients receive support for development of activities of daily living, such as nutrition and meal preparation, household maintenance, laundry and budgeting. Additional supports include connection to community resources and assisfeel their quality of life has tance with the development of coping and problem solving skills. improved since joining the
12,327 173
346
87%
program
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 33
clients admitted
3,797
hours of staff support
131
referrals to community agencies
74%
of clients discharged transitioned to suitable housing (own apartment, approved home or supportive living environment)
POST DISCHARGE TRANSITION PROGRAM The Post Discharge Transition Program provides individuals who have a severe and persistent mental illness and who are transitioning from the hospital to the community, with an alternative level of supported housing since often times they have not been able to meet the criteria for living in other supported housing. The program aims to transition clients within six months to a suitable housing accommodation within the community while assisting them to gain the highest possible level of independent living skills. Individuals are able to have a period of stabilization of their symptoms and illness in a community integrated setting, which prevents their re-hospitalization. The program allows clients to demonstrate a period of successful community tenure while at the same time they establish linkages to community supports and resources and develop their skills. Through the referrals from staff and through the partnership with Alberta Health Services (access to nurse and psychiatrist), clients are provided seamless access to services from hospital through to stable community living.
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S
alma started volunteering with CMHA – Calgary Region in 2006. While looking for a volunteer opportunity with which she could put her presentation skills to use, she contacted the office and got in touch with the volunteer coordinator.
Salma cmha.calgary.ab.ca
By chance an orientation was taking place that weekend, and Salma knew this was the opportunity she was waiting for. “It’s a neat opportunity because I come from a public health background, and there’s a lot of emphasis on prevention. It’s great to be able to present to people who may have a high risk of mental disorders and to actually take it to that level of face-to-face communication,” she says. Salma volunteers as a presentation speaker with the Community Education program. Volunteers and staff in this program go out to schools and make presentations on stress, suicide awareness and mental illness and stigma. Salma focuses on suicide awareness and she just recently started to deliver the stress presentation as well. “It’s definitely an indispensible program. It targets people who are at high risk for mental disorders and youth who are under stress. I honestly don’t know any program that can match it. To actually be able to prevent is a great opportunity,” she says. Working with youth provides an opportunity to reach Calgarians in their early years, with the hope that they will remember what they learn and remain equipped to handle stressful situations, mental illness or perhaps a situation where one of their friends is considering suicide. “At first I thought maybe the information would be overwhelming for a person. I now feel if anything there is a need for them to learn even more. They are really ready to receive this information and I think it’s easier for them to digest it than it might have been when I was in school,” she says. “It may be because they’re growing up with it they’re dealing with the bullying, etc. first hand, or issues at home, or in their neighbourhood. To think we shouldn’t discuss this with kids for whatever reason, is absolutely ridiculous.” Salma lights up when she thinks about the feedback she has received from students. Just a personal story about a friend who was going through a hard time and that the student now knew how to help, makes it worthwhile. “We want to be able to say to students that you’re not alone in this and there is help out there – that is really what I’m there for.”
COMMUNITY EDUCATION Our staff and volunteers are out in Calgary junior high and high school classrooms, as well as at post-secondary and community groups presenting topics such as suicide awareness, stress and mental illness and stigma. The Mental Illness and Stigma presentation focuses on the importance of early intervention, the difficulties associated with public misconceptions about mental illness while promoting awareness of mental illness and encouraging help-seeking by reducing stigma and recommending helpful resources. The Stress Management presentation promotes early recognition of stress and teaches healthy coping strategies to deal with stress. The Suicide Awareness presentation helps individuals gain an understanding surrounding suicide by increasing their knowledge of warning signs of suicide, age appropriate ways they can help someone at risk for suicide and how and where to access help.
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 735
presentations made by educators
22,077
individuals participated
61
junior high and high schools were presented at
19
community agencies, corporations and post-secondary institutions
99%
reported they learned where to go to get help
WORKPLACE WELLNESS
96%
who attended the Mental Illness & Stigma presentation had a better understanding of mental illness
92%
who attended Stress Management reported they are more aware of their own stressors
The Copernicus Project™ - Risk Management for Workplace Mental Health enables organizations to better understand and communicate the impact that both mental of the survey respondents who attended health and mental disorders have within the workplace. Either the suicide awareness presentations through a succession of workshops entitled Copernican Shifts or reported that they have a better via a one hour session entitled What’s Up with Biff, employers and understanding of the warning employees are given the tools and strategies needed to address mental signs for suicide health in the workplace. Both train the trainer modules have been made available for purchase by organizations which have recognized the importance of dialogue regarding mental health, mental disorders and stigma within their workplace.
98%
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Moira
S
everal years ago Moira found herself living in a Calgary women’s shelter after trying to move to B.C. to take a jewelry making course and things not working out the way she had hoped. “I was living in B.C. in a small town – there wasn’t a lot of employment, I was working part-time. I went to Nelson to take a course in jewelry making. Things didn’t work out at all. I couldn’t get a job there, and couldn’t pay for my course. So I made the decision to move back to Calgary,” she remembers. “It wasn’t until I moved back to Calgary, and got a ride to a friend’s house I thought I would be staying at, and realized it would not be a good situation. She was out of control with drinking and drugs, and in the sex trade. I think I was there 72 hours and I knew I had to get myself out of that situation. I didn’t want to couch surf, I knew I wanted to go somewhere I wouldn’t have to leave right away.” So Moira phoned the shelter and was told to come down. “I explained what was going on, and got put into the emergency beds. Within a week they offered me my own room. I realized then how quickly things can change. One minute I think I’ll be living with a friend, and the next I’m at a shelter.” cmha.calgary.ab.ca
When she was living at the shelter, her counsellor suggested she speak with a Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region Street Outreach and Stabilization (SOS) outreach coordinator. She agreed, and started to work with the agency. “She (the coordinator) was getting to know me and she understood that I wanted to move on, and also that I was dealing with anxiety and depression from trauma I had experienced in my life,” Moira recalls about the CMHA staff member. “Talking to her helped me get a better understanding of my mental health issues. She not only helped me find alternative housing, but she recommended two other programs.” Moira began taking the Art of Friendship course through the Peer Options program, as well as an art-focused program in Calgary as well, ArtRecruits. At the same time she was told she was a candidate for the SOS program’s transitional apartment. After an intake process Moira moved into the apartment and continued to see the same CMHA coordinator, who helped Moira stay focused on her goals. “When I first started dealing with my anxiety issues way back when, I was scared to even talk about it to best friends. I felt very alone and as though people were turning their back on me. I never felt as though I was alone while I was living in that apartment and being involved with CMHA. I always felt I had people to talk to, to turn to, and I think that’s probably one of the most important things. “As life goes on and as I gain confidence in dealing with my mental health, I see a lot of people that probably know they have mental health issues, but don’t want to acknowledge them or know where to start. I just wish somehow more people could know that if you need someone to talk to, this is the organization to go to. There is support here and people here can help steer you in the right direction. You aren’t alone.” “At this point what I’ve learned is that any mental health issue can become severe if not dealt with,” she adds. After staying in the apartment and receiving CMHA services for a year and a half, Moira also became involved in Opportunity Works and began to build on her small business of making jewelry. She is now living in her own house, and making and designing jewelry. She was accepted into an internship with a designer and has started an online store. She’s also taken Healing Touch and Reiki courses, and she has a lot of hope for the future. “The staff at CMHA really helped get me where I am and let me know somebody was there for me. Because of that, I have been able to put one foot in front of the other. They understood I had an issue with my mental health and they were willing to support me on that at any time.”
STREET OUTREACH AND STABILIZATION Up to 70% of homeless individuals have a mental disorder which often leads to a deteriorated quality of life. The Street Outreach & Stabilization (SOS) Program has been working to link hard to reach homeless individuals who are experiencing mental health concerns to essential services within the community. The SOS Team supports individuals and provides resources needed to help turn their lives around. The SOS team offers specialized, cultural inclusive support to Aboriginal people who have mental health concerns and experience homelessness. Linkage to psychiatric and medical treatments, income support, housing referrals and daily living skills enables homeless individuals to get back on their feet so they can live in safety and comfort.
“
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 208
signed-up clients served
1,663
hours of intensive support to registered clients
3,198
referrals provided to various agencies
96.5%
of Aboriginal homeless individuals contacted through outreach and surveyed said that they received the support they needed today to meet their needs.
96%
of individuals contacted through outreach at shelters (Non-Aboriginal Program) and surveyed reported that they have received the support necessary to meet their basic needs.
Before the Supportive Living program, I spent 8 years eating the same microwave food every day, watching TV, and sleeping 18 hours a day. Nowadays I have living skills and goals.� Supportive Living Client
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C
laudia was new to the city two years ago, and looking for a job that reflected her experience in the social work and mental health sector. She had previous experience working at a youth shelter and with mental health issues.
Claudia cmha.calgary.ab.ca
During her search for a position in Calgary, she found a role with CMHA – Calgary Region and started working here a year and a half ago. “What drew me to CMHA is it is a recognized association of mental health in Canada. I started off as a part-time ILS worker working out of the Foothills Hospital. Then an opportunity came up to facilitate groups, which I have a passion for and have done in the past, and so I moved into full time hours doing that,” she says. Claudia now facilitates the eight-week Skills for Life workshop, teaching participants psycho-social skill development. “We work on building relationships, building self esteem and life skills,” she says. Just recently she and a colleague were instrumental in establishing a youth sports group aimed at 18-30 year olds. “We noticed there is a gap for youth specific services for mental health, and things that are really active. So there are lots of groups out there that are low key recreation based, but this is for youth who want to be more active and engage with those in their peer groups as well,” she says. Claudia says the hope is that the group increases self esteem through building on participants’ current skills. “A by-product of physical activity is feeling better and feeling more uplifted. Hopefully they’ll make some connections, make some friends as well,” she says. As an Independent Living Support coordinator, Claudia is part of a staff of 11 coordinators who work with caseloads of clients, meeting with them regularly and helping them meet their goals in terms of living successfully in the community. “The ILS program really helps people along with their personal goals,” Claudia says. “Sometimes you need coaching to help you to reach your potential. Sometimes you need someone to guide you and give you resources and maybe challenge you a bit. “Once I get to know my clients, I try to challenge them and get them outside their comfort zone and try new things. Hopefully the more they do that, the more they can get out on their own. The goal is really to not need me anymore,” she adds.
“
(The ILS Program) has provided support to living a more stable, less stressful life. The program has improved my self-esteem and allowed me to participate in more social activities. I am working on my fears and life challenges.� Independent Living Support Client
INDEPENDENT LIVING SUPPORT
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 382
clients served
7,138
hours provided by staff
77
workshops and group sessions
98%
of clients felt supported in working on their goals Staff in the Independent Living Support (ILS) program deliver supportive, skill building services to people who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder that affects their ability to live independently. With the support and guidance of coordinators, clients establish individualized goals related to skill development (personal care, cooking, shopping, budgeting, etc.) and work toward attaining these goals. Through workshops such as Skills for Life, Pro-Active You and Money Matters, ILS coordinators assist clients in developing skills to enhance daily living, social and occupational needs and provide guidance as they set and meet goals which help them move toward a more independent life.
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 1,240
individuals served
40%
of inquiries were for mental health issues and access to services
98%
91%
of clients felt their ability to function independently had increased
92%
were more confident in their daily living skills
ADVOCACY Navigating through the mental health system can be a daunting experience and clients with mental disorders can sometimes feel lost and unaware of their options. The Advocacy program is available to assist people in overcoming challenges and identifying opportunities while ensuring the protection of human rights. The program assists with such issues as health care, finances, completing paperwork, filing complaints, residential tenancy issues and more. The Advocate also maintains close working relationships with community organizations to move systemic issues forward for improved service delivery. People receive support to deal with their issues, information on available community resources, and assistance with developing actions or steps to address their issues and improve their situation, promoting their skills for advocating for themselves.
reported the phone call or visit was helpful
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I
magine a seven-year-old girl in Grade 2, dreading going to school and seeing her classmates, and once there, suffering from panic attacks so bad that she had to leave the school. While it’s difficult to believe such a young child could be suffering so badly, that was Dheny. Dheny has struggled with mental illness all through her childhood, turning school into a personal struggle. “During school it seemed as though everyone else was happy and had friends and not had any problems – but I always felt so different,” she says. “I did not function normally. At 13, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders; but at the time, I didn’t receive much help from my doctor and I didn’t know how to deal with it. Once I got to high school, I had a lot of friends but was still very disconnected; nobody knew the real me. I began to deal with my problems on my own – by self-medicating with drugs.” When she was 20 years old, Dheny reached a breaking point and decided to seek help for herself. After seeing countless specialists and striving to understand her mental disorders, she was introduced to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region’s Peer Options program. “When I was first referred to the program, I was pretty skeptical. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to become involved,” she remembers. “I had a lot of uncertainties as I had been through a lot of different therapies already.” Dheny turned 24 years old in March and has been dealing with mental illness for about 16 years. If you met Dheny today, you would see that she is a confident, happy adult with an exciting future ahead of her. “Though my mental illness is a part of me, I manage it, and help others do the same through the Peer Options program,” she says. Peer Options is focused on peer support, connecting with people who have similar struggles, though everyone has a different story. Everyone who enters the program begins with a nine-week course: the Art of Friendship. The Art of Friendship is a psycho-educational program that teaches self awareness and interpersonal skills through topics such as human behaviour, responsibility, values, boundaries and trust as well as dealing with conflict. “This course really taught me about my own selfworth and value and that I am worthy of positive relationships and friendships,” Dheny says. Dheny currently participates in the Circle of Friends, where graduates of the Art of Friendship course come together and build friendships and their social skills, confidence and life skills. “Before I came into this program I was not confident, and I felt very isolated. Now I am a peer mentor, looked up to by my group members, and I was accepted to university to study social work, which I will begin this fall. All the things I had thought about doing before, but never really believed I would, I now know I am capable of and I will accomplish my goals.”
Dheny cmha.calgary.ab.ca
PEER OPTIONS The Peer Options Program provides a safe place to share with other adults who have a lived experience with a mental disorder and are now wellness and recovery focused. Together participants learn the value and skills of building healthy friendships, as well as strive to develop peer support networks, and transition to the community. Clients start with the 9-week Art of Friendship and transition into the Circle of Friends drop-in group. Peer Options Program Staff conduct transition investment sessions with participants to discuss commitment and personal learning goals. Staff also assist participants to transition to the Circle of Friends ongoing peer support group for additional skill enhancement or to set goals to transition to community programs and identify ways to achieve these goals. Many graduates of the program give back to the mental health community through peer support by offering inspiration, understanding and mentorship as volunteers.
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 321
clients served
136
new participants
224
group sessions
3,236
volunteer hours
98%
of participants reported improvements in their wellness
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 153
clients participated
135
group sessions organized and facilitated
96%
clients surveyed reported improvements in their wellness
100%
reported attending Leisure and Recreation activities has helped decrease isolation
LEISURE RECREATION The Leisure Recreation program contributes to client wellness and community integration by providing the means for adults with mental disorders to participate and learn interpersonal skills within the structure of social/recreational activities. Benefits of the Leisure Recreation program include: increased opportunities for socialization and building community networks, physical and mental health enhancement, increased recreational skills and activity interests, promotion and involvement in leadership opportunities, and the opportunity to travel outside of Calgary. Participating in activities with others boosts self esteem, builds confidence, promotes recovery and above all, provides a safe, empowering venue for clients to have fun. The Leisure Recreation program provides a graduated activity approach to meet and further promote client safety, ability and comfort. Levels for various activities include starter, mid-range, and experienced and all activities are facilitated in a group format. Movement between these groups is fluid and is based on goals set by the individuals and based on the evaluation of the Leisure Recreation Coordinators. Stages are not time limited.
Report to the Community
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BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 46
clients served
134
group sessions and activities
CONTINUING CONNECTIONS The Continuing Connections Program assists individuals between 18 and 65 years of age who are residing in a long-term care centre and who have complex care needs since they are dealing with both long-term physical health issues and mental health issues. The objectives of the program are to increase their confidence and to facilitate healthy living while restoring hope because these individuals may be experiencing hopelessness, isolation, or boredom. Individuals participate in therapeutic recreation activities and outings offered by the program, are linked and accompanied to programs in the community, and receive regular social visits from volunteers.
266
volunteer hours
90%
reported improvements in their wellness
79%
reported groups helped decrease their isolation
FAMILY SUPPORT The Family Support Program provides counselling, drop-in peer support group, Capable Carers psycho-educational group and telephone/e-mail support and referrals to family members of those with a mental disorder. This variety in approach and service delivery allows us to reach the largest audience, matching the programming to various comfort levels and needs for those seeking support.
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 197
callers received support and referrals
20
Capable Carers group sessions held
599
total participants in drop-in peer support groups
96%
of participants reported they cope with issues better
“We learned so much about ourselves and also learned about the coping mechanisms others have in place and that we also want to have in place during times of great stress and demand on our lives.� Capable Carers Group Participant cmha.calgary.ab.ca
M
ary started out her adult life with hopes of teaching English overseas. Things were going great – she left her nine siblings and mother Charlotte for Seoul, South Korea, with excitement for a new career that would let her travel and teach. But then while she was there, she started to experience what she later found to be symptoms of schizophrenia. “I was teaching ESL in Seoul, South Korea when things started happening in my mind – and I thought they were outside of me. I thought they were real. I thought people were going to torture me, I thought people were trying to put me into a love triangle,” remembers Mary of the time before she received her diagnosis. She was experiencing extreme paranoia, severe depression, situations that left her with physical cuts on herself, and after 28 hospitalizations, was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was 35 years old. After many years of struggling with different treatments and programs, and Charlotte trying so hard to support her daughter where she needed it; the pair found Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region’s Family Support program. “It was very helpful,” Charlotte said. “It helped me to give back control to Mary. I realized I couldn’t control what she would do. Only she could do that. many other parents going through the same chalI learned to accept the fact that I couldn’t do very lenges as me and my family, and that was a great much except support her during whatever she did relief. I was now able to share my experiences, right.” gain resources, and most importantly, support my After joining the group, and speaking to others daughter when she needs me the most.” in similar situations, sharing her experiences with Mary is currently doing very well; in fact she hasn’t her daughter, Charlotte began to co-facilitate the been in the hospital for at least six years. groups. “I can’t make Mary go all the way back 15 years to “As Mary got better, she came to speak to the where she was,” Charlotte says, “but now she has groups a number of times,” Charlotte said. “They lost 40 pounds, and she’s teaching again – she’s are always so appreciative of her. And because teaching a writing program. she was a teacher, she can address a group very “I’m going to say with certainty that our family well.” is doing well because of CMHA – Calgary Region Charlotte is now one of Canadian Mental Health and the Family Support program, as well as other Association – Calgary Region’s most dedicated important agencies within our community.” volunteers, providing countless hours of facilitation to the peer support meetings. And when Mary gets to share her story with the group, she describes it as “very therapeutic.” “It’s amazing for people to be able to come and get the support of others who have similar issues. You’re not unique, you’re not alone. You can come and share ideas, and no, you can’t bring the ill person back to where they were,” Charlotte notes, adding that knowing and accepting that is what is needed to be able to support your loved one. “When Mary was diagnosed it was very hard on her and our family. We didn’t know where to go to find the help we all needed. After I joined the Family Support program I was able -tocalgary connect with so cmha region | Report to the Community 17
Charlotte and Mary
B
ill is a Calgary lawyer who has three sons. His family was devastated when his only daughter was lost to suicide several years ago. That’s when Bill became familiar with the services of Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region. He sought help for his grief through the Suicide Bereavement Services program.
Bill cmha.calgary.ab.ca
As he was beginning to heal from his own grief and tragedy, Bill decided it was time to give back to the community that helped him. Bill began volunteering with CMHA – Calgary Region’s annual Survivors of Suicide Day eight years ago. This annual CMHA – Calgary Region event provides connection and support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Without the dedicated volunteers – Bill and other key contributors – this day would not impact hundreds of Calgarians each year. “SOS Day is an example of what fellowship can do to restore people with the kind assistance of charities including the CMHA in Calgary as well as the diligence and care and compassion of the people who have no other connection except for the devastation and pain they endured when a family member or friend lost their way and eventually took their own lives,” Bill says about SOS Day. In addition, Bill has acted as a courageous spokesperson for CMHA in the media and has told his story of personal loss many times to help educate Calgarians on suicide. His goodwill and passion for community does not stop there. Bill also attends local schools with the CMHA – Calgary Region’s Education Program to talk about suicide awareness, hoping to prevent the circumstances that struck his own family. He volunteers with CMHA – Calgary Region’s Suicide Bereavement Services program — the program that helped him with his own grief journey — facilitating drop in groups and acting as a peer mentor. He has served as a volunteer board member on the CMHA – Calgary Region Board for six years. In October 2011 he was elected as Chairperson for the CMHA - Alberta Division Board. He has volunteered as a director on the Centre for Suicide Prevention Board since 2008. Through this organization, he was the Master of Ceremonies for the ‘It’s Everybody’s Business: Alberta Communities Take Action to Reduce Suicide’ learning symposium held in March 2012. His dedication has earned him the First Calgary Financial Community Vision Award this year, presented at First Calgary’s AGM in March. If you met Bill, you would see a passionate, friendly and dedicated individual. Once you got to know him, his passion to tell his story, provide other surviving families with support, and contribute to the reduction of stigma around a most pressing issue — suicide — would show through. Without Bill, the volunteer sector and specifically, CMHA’s suicide awareness and prevention programs, would not be what they are today.
SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT The Suicide Bereavement program reaches out to individuals who have experienced a loss by suicide, and need support with their grief. The program offers counselling for individuals and families, psychoeducational support groups and individual and group peer support that assist clients in their grief journey. Educational presentations and debriefings are also available to professionals and community groups. Survivors of Suicide Day is an annual event hosted by CMHA – Calgary Region and provides support, healing, information and empowerment to the community of survivors of suicide in Calgary and surrounding area and raises awareness of suicide.
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 47
clients served through one-on-one counselling
222
calls responded to with support and resources
58
“I am so grateful that this group is available and for the facilitators who run it/volunteer their time. It has helped me a lot. Very very thankful that the Suicide Bereavement Services exists.” Suicide Bereavement Support Group Participant
group sessions (bereavement support and peer support)
100%
of participants in the bereavement support group felt they had a better understanding of the effects of suicide
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H
amilton + Partners has deep roots in building mental heath awareness and wellness programs in Calgary. Dating back to the 1970s, founder Darol Hamilton, now retired, has been integral to the development and success of both the CMHA - Calgary Region and Horizon Housing Society. Since then, the financial organization has stood by Calgary families and has been the very definition of community builders and leaders.
Hamilton + Partners cmha.calgary.ab.ca
“We believe that everyone has a right to joy and happiness,” said Rick Green, Principal with Hamilton + Partners. “We accept it as our responsibility to help build understanding and acceptance towards the issues faced by many of our citizens and do what we can to help put them in a position to overcome those issues and thrive.” Hamilton + Partners contributions to CMHA - Calgary Region and Horizon Housing Society consist of not only substantial financial support, but also include over 1,000 volunteer hours donated, the recruitment of dozens of new donors, and consistent advocacy of issues surrounding mental illness. These efforts have helped to make a difference in the lives of many of the over 21,000 people CMHA - Calgary Region reaches each year. Founding partner Darol Hamilton is the reason for Hamilton + Partners’ culture of community responsibility. Hamilton sat as a board member of the CMHA - Calgary Region 36 years ago, and during that time he started the Horizon Housing Society, along with Jim Rice. HaRi Housing, as it was known then, would flourish into the organization it is today, which currently owns and manages over 600 affordable housing units in Calgary, serving tenants with mental illness, physical disability, families and seniors. The bond Hamilton formed between Horizon Housing Society and CMHA - Calgary Region is going strong to this day, as the two organizations continue to work closely together to provide support for programs promoting independent living to individuals living with mental disorders. This relationship is perhaps most visible at the Fish & Chips Golf Tournament and Fly-Fishing Derby, which is presented annually by Hamilton + Partners. Since the inception of this event more than seven years ago, Fish & Chips has raised over $800,000 in support of the two charities. Decades after Darol Hamilton’s initial contributions to the mental health sector, Hamilton + Partners dedication to the mental wellbeing of all Calgarians shows no sign of waning with their continued support as the largest sponsor of the upcoming Eighth Annual Fish & Chips coming up on Sept. 13, 2012.
Thank you to our Volunteers Volunteers are an essential part of providing support to those affected by a mental disorder. At CMHA, we rely on our dedicated volunteers to make all of our programs, services and activities possible. The Volunteer Services Program at CMHA-Calgary Region provides strategic and administrative supports to other CMHA programs in order to assist CMHA in addressing community needs and promote volunteerism as a needed support for CMHA clients. The Volunteer Services Program is responsible for supporting Staff who supervise agency volunteers to ensure volunteers remain engaged and have meaningful opportunities to help the community. Areas of focus in this Program include: training of volunteers and volunteer supervisors, recruitment (promotion, screening, interviewing, etc.), recognition, communication and standards. Volunteers support the CMHA-Calgary Region to provide an expanded range of supports, by volunteering as ongoing peer matches, volunteering at peer support groups, or volunteering delivering mental health presentations at schools. Without the current dedicated base of exceptional volunteers, the CMHA-Calgary Region would not be able to provide the breadth and depth of services to clients in need. From the volunteer expertise that is given at the Board level to the volunteers who socialize with clients and model interpersonal, social, and problem-solving skills and to the volunteers who facilitate groups, the CMHA-Calgary Region is greatly supported by knowledgeable, committed community members who want to make a difference – and they do.
BY THE NUMBERS 2011-2012 200
volunteer participated in CMHA - Calgary Region programs
7,270
hours of volunteer work
11
programs utilized volunteers
92%
of volunteers surveyed reported a meaningful experience
88%
reported they feel they are making a meaningful contribution to their community
“It has meant a lot to me to be able to be a volunteer. Because of this, I’ve become so much more comfortable and confident in my own life and it has helped me excel on a personal level and in achieving other goals.” CMHA - Calgary Region Volunteer
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Thank you to our donors Thank you to all our donors who further our mission through their philanthropic contributions including:
Organizations Alberta 1595590 INC. Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Alberta Health Services Alberta Lottery Fund Alberta Tubular Products Ltd Andrew J. Graham Professional Corporation ARC Resources Ltd. ATB Financial ATCO Gas Atco Structures & Logistics Bellatrix Exploration Ltd. BFL Canada Bouvry Exports Calgary Ltd. Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Fund at The Calgary Foundation Calgary Heavy Truck Centre Calgary Learns Calgary Public Teachers Calgary Stampede Calgary Stampede Downtown Attractions Breakfast Committee Cambium Woodwork (2005) Ltd Canada Safeway Limited Canadian Tire, Richmond Road Canadian Traffic Network Carstairs & District Community Chest CEDA International Corporation Cenovus Employee Foundation Cenovus Energy Inc. City of Calgary COI - Contemporary Office Interiors Ltd Collins Barrow Calgary LLP Cordell’s Design CORK, Fine Wine, Liquor and Ale Country Pleasures Fly Shop CTV Television Inc. Desjardins Financial Security
Disability Advocates Dr. Larry Stanleigh Dr. Lefebre MD & Associates Medical Weight Control Earl Grey Golf Club Element Integrated Workplace Solutions Ltd. EnCana Cares Foundation EnCana Corporation Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Family & Community Support Services Fedmet Tubulars First Calgary Financial FirstEnergy Capital Corp Fluor United Way Campaign Friday Professional Group Inc. GLJ Petroleum Consultants Great West Life Assurance Company Greig and Brenda Nicholls Fund at The Calgary Foundation HAB Family Foundation Halliburton - Giving Choices Hamilton + Partners Inc. Haskayne and Partners Hillhurst Rebekah Lodge #116 Imperial Oil Limited Intact Insurance Inter Pipeline Fund Invesco Canada Ltd. J. K. Esler and Annemarie Schmid Esler Family Trust at The Calgary Foundaton Jack C. Lawson Associates Inc. Josh’s Footprint Kayak Foundation at The Calgary Foundation Keith Werry Memorial at The Calgary Foundation LGM Resource Management Ltd. Lupi Custom Development Inc. Mackenzie Financial Services Inc. Marshman Enterprises Mat’s Ride
Movac Mobile Vacuum Services Ltd. Newpark Drilling Fluids Nexen Inc. Nortrux Inc. Painted Pony Petroleum Ltd. Pfizer Canada Inc. Phase One Design Pipella Law Pyramus Consulting Inc. RBC Foundation RBC Royal Bank Reggin Technical Services Ltd. Shell Canada Limited Sounds of Music Spolumbo’s Fine Foods and Deli Standard Community Chest Students Union University of Calgary Sun Life Financial Sutton - Partners Realty Group TELUS Trotter & Morton Ltd. Twigs & Company United Way of Calgary and Area United Way of Calgary, Donor Choice Program United Way of Regina Vantage Point Investment Management Inc. Vintage Group W 4 Development Group Ltd. West Canadian Digital Imaging Inc. Westjet Yoga and The Freedom To Be 2012 Calendar -Stephanie Babcock Zumba Fitness Fundraiser - Allison Kiss - Jocelyn Hebert - Michelle Neufeldt
Handel, Shirley Hanna, Murray Hannam, Chris & Melissa Haskell, Merril & Dianne Huber, Ervin & Laura Hult, Vern & Lynn Hunt, David & Dianne Irvine, Duncan Kenyon, Sr. John & Ordella Klause, Elrose Kuwahara, Brian & Judy Larsen, Dawn Lis, Leslie & Cathy Liviniuk, Vi Mannas, Michael & Carol Markin, Allan Martin, W. Earl Martini, Nic Mathison, Ronald McCowan, Duncan McKenzie, Donald & Jean Moore, Ronald Pachkowski, Bruce & Branca
Phillips, Douglas & Margo Pinckston, Robert & Elizabeth Poelzer, Louise & Ron Potter, Andrew & Jennifer Raedler, Thomas Reed, Brian Rempel, Doreen Roen, Sherry Scheibel, Phil Smyth, R. & Ann Spivak, Mitchell & Ruth Stewart, Mary Lynn Tate, Barbara Toews, Chris Trotter, Martin & Theresa Tye, Bill & June Vandenbrink, Antonie & Kathleen Watson, Mike & Pat Wenzel, Cal Westcott, Ronald & Norma Yager, Ronald Young, Kelly & Dianne
Individuals Alger, Lois Andrew, Darren Androsoff, Stephen & Heather Ariss, Mark & Anne Benjamin, Ronald Bogle, Edward & Nancy Booth, Robert & Kathleen Brethour, Annabelle Burzminski, Denise Clark, Stephen M Crawford, Curtis Cullen, Malcolm P Delaloye, Dan Davidson, Gerald & Barbara Down, Gary Dranse, Phil Eden, Martin & Sally A Engman, Alwon & Joan Estate of William Randall Filipski, William & Shelley Findlay, Randy & Claudia Froese, Robert & Dianne Fulbrook, Nikki
cmha.calgary.ab.ca
Financial Statement for 2011-2012 Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region Condensed Statement of Operations, Year Ended March 31, 2012 2012
2011
$3,265,292
$3,179,629
315,822
807,211
Public Support
1,124,767
1,247,035
Other Revenue
220,123
191,358
4,926,004
5,425,233
3,988,595
4,178,093
Building Occupancy
429,965
469,268
Operating Expenses
644,650
594,270
How we used our funds:
Program delivery General admin and support
Revenue
Fund Development
Alberta Health Services Government Support
Funding sources:
Expenditures Salaries & Benefits
Alberta Health Services City of Calgary Other Government United Way
Excess of revenue over expenses before depreciation Depreciation
5,063,210
5,241,631
(137,206)
183,602
(47,653)
(17,061)
$(184,859)
$166,541
Fundraising Other Revenue
A complete set of audited statements is available upon request.
Special thanks to our community funding partners:
cmha - calgary region | Report to the Community
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Contact Us Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region #400, 105 - 12th Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 | p: 403.297.1700 | f: 403.270.3066 | e: info@cmha.calgary.ab.ca | cmha.calgary.ab.ca
“
Every day I come to work and I know that what I do is meaningful. To see the impact the agency makes in the community is inspiring. They say when your personal values match your work, that is when you are truly happy and that’s how I feel about my job at CMHA.” CMHA – Calgary Region Staff Member
Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary
Mental health for all cmha.calgary.ab.ca ©2012 by the Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region. Reproduction prohibited in whole or in part without expressed written permission. Contact the organization for more information or additional copies by calling (403) 297-1700 or via e-mail at info@cmha.calgary.ab.ca