A New Era of Impact.
We're harnessing our diverse network and sharpening our focus to empower rising leaders. Together, we're creating an equitable economy as we build a better, more inclusive future for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
CIVfC ACT.ON
Visit civicaction.ca to learn more.
globalheroes.com
October • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.
ADVERTORIAL
When Dreams Become Reality: Maïka’s Journey
©SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN—CANADA
Maïka is a bright 13-year-old girl, an exceptionally talented dancer, and a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada. At only two years old, inspired by a dancing show on TV, Maïka asked her parents to sign her up for dance lessons. From her first moments on the dance floor, she was overwhelmed by a passion for the art
MAÏKA FORGET
of dancing. She enjoyed dancing with her peers, but she truly loved taking the stage as a soloist. It was through an observation made by one of her dance teachers that Maïka and her family discovered that she had juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. This was when she began her journey at Canada Shriners Hospital. The Shriners Hospital team supported Maïka and her family, educating them about her diagnosis and what this would mean as her body developed. When dancing, Maïka had noticed that one side of her body had always been stronger, and now she was finally able to make sense of it all. With big plans for her future in dance, it was inconceivable for her to imagine doing anything else! Luckily, with the amazing team at Canada Shriners Hospital and their unconditional support, care, and advice, Maïka never lost hope. In fact, every visit with her medical team left her feeling more optimistic. She got straight to work and was fully committed to her physiotherapy, working hard to correct her pathology and impressing her doctors at every visit. “Don’t count the days, make the
days count,” says Maïka—words she certainly lives by. Maïka is clearly passionate about dance, and her choreographies are limitless, but dance is not her only passion; she loves to play soccer, and she loves doing acrobatics, too! She is actively pursuing her dancing career not only on the stage but also on the big screen. She has performed on stages throughout Quebec and internationally in the Walt Disney Christmas Parade at Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida and in a video filmed in France called “Collective Music Charity.” Maïka will always be grateful to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada, who have allowed her to continue to pursue her dreams, and she is determined to show the world that nothing should stop you from chasing your dreams. Maïka is proud to be a Patient Ambassador for her Hospital to share her story with kids worldwide who are faced with challenges as she was. Thanks to her team at Canada Shriners Hospital and her hard work and determination, Maïka will continue to dance and spread her message of inspiration all over the world.
At Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada, our mission is centered around one goal: to change and improve the lives of children. By providing innovative pediatric specialty care and conducting worldclass research, we can ensure that every patient that comes through our doors has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Learn more at shrinerschildrens.org/canada
The Future is Now: Toronto Youth Are Revolutionizing Mental Health GlobalHeros_2021-09_Final.indd 1
mindfulness workshops in shelters, started offering workshops in schools, and more. Understanding the power With their partnership with our mental well-being has on Jack.org, CCP plans to expand our overall health, Toronto its workshops and education-fosisters Anya and Shania Bhopa joined forces to create a noncused programs in shelters and schools, focusing on mental profit organization, called The Canadian Courage Project health and well-being. “The peer to peer connection (CCP), to support homeless that we will be able to foster youth across Canada. through our workshops will allow In hopes to reach even more youth nationwide, CCP has part- us to fight against the mental nered with Jack.org, Canada’s only health stigma that often circulates and hopefully inspire young peocharity dedicated to empowering ple to take charge of their health,” young leaders to revolutionize the sisters said. mental health. “No child’s health should be left Fostering positive mental up to chance, as we know there is well-being is at the heart of no health without mental health,” everything CCP does. Amid the Shania and Anya explained. “Our COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters community’s prosperity is depen- saw a gap in support for homeless dent on how we treat our youth.” youth, ultimately harming youths’ mental health. This, and the lack Since beginning their passion of education and resources for project, the sisters have worked homeless youth, inspired them to alongside homeless shelters in Toronto, Hamilton, London, and create positive change. across Ontario to craft specialized “We wanted to support the mental wellness of youth facing wellness departure kits for youth homelessness, specifically those transitioning out of shelters. who own animal companions,” Similarly, they have held art and
ALL PHOTOS © SHANIA BHOPA
ALLIE MURRAY
2021-09-15 12:57
they said. “Homeless youth who own animals often have reduced access to shelter and support services, and we decided to fill the gap in the system.” Their plans don’t end there: Shania and Anya have their sights set on making an impact for youth across the country. Expanding nationally will allow CCP to make a difference for youth entering the next stage of their life with the knowledge and confidence to do so successfully. Together, CCP hopes to build an army of changemakers.
ADVERTORIAL
Make Hope Happen with Youth Mental Health Canada based skills development. Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group. As Canada’s largest online mental health platform, YMHC has played a significant role in providing top-quality resources and advocating for the needs of students with mental health disabilities. YMHC fo-
© YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CANADA
An estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness—yet, less than 20 percent will receive appropriate treatment. This is the driving force behind Youth Mental Health Canada. This community-based nonprofit organization aims to ensure that every young person has a path to success through support, mental health education, and strength-
YMHC DIRECTOR WITH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE AND OLYMPIAN, CLARA HUGHES
cuses on providing information, resources, peer support services, research, and programs based on international best practices in mental health and suicide prevention. Led by Sheryl Boswell, an educator who has taught elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and adult education in Canada and Africa, YMHC works to build an inclusive space for all, while at the same time developing the leadership skills of youth. With a youth-led board of directors and a youth advisory group made up of volunteers, secondary and post-secondary placement students, YMHC is committed to providing accessible, inclusive, needs-based, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed tools for wellness and support. BUILDING A LIFE WORTH LIVING YMHC has produced five mental wellness resources: Sources of Support, Sources of Strength, Beneath the Surface Creative Journal Workbook, Mental Wellness Workbook, and In This Together Creative Journal Workbook.
“The mental wellness series from Youth Mental Health Canada is something every young person should have. Like a daily fitness routine, the workbooks provide practices and action steps that can help build the mental muscle of resilience for when hard times hit. They also help youth focus on building a life worth living while also putting a personal safety plan in place for when they are challenged by what life throws their way. The tools and resources embodied in these workbooks are best practices in helping youth build the emotional intelligence they will need to survive and thrive now and in the years ahead,” Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, President of United Suicide Survivors International and Board Member of American Association of Suicidology.
students who are struggling. YMHC will work with schools to create systems to support students in a variety of ways. The peer support program will complement the services YMHC offers: Compassionate Card Service, Indigenous Compassionate Card Service, and the Daily Message of Support. YMHC will provide free downloads of their greeting cards for school peer support teams at registered schools to use. Driving real and lasting change requires a commitment from all Canadians. We need positive and proactive action that demonstrates the value we place on the lives, health, education, and future of young people. Let’s work with YMHC to make HOPE happen.
You can help Make Hope Happen. Learn more and FUTURE PLANS donate to send mental wellness In September, YMHC launched workbooks to struggling students an exciting new program, a and communities: ymhc.ngo/mhr School and Community Peer Support Program. Schools will @YMHCanada work with YMHC to provide @youth_mental_health compassionate wraparound Youth Mental Health Canada supports and resources to @ymhchope2013
Putting the tools for mental wellness into the hands of the people who need them. Support, strength, and action steps to help build resilience, so you’re ready when hard times hit.
LEARN MORE AT EDU.YMHC.NGO/RESOURCES-AND-TOOLS
