Reports - Regional: Saskatoon |
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2008/09 Submitted By Gayle Mast, Executive Director
Now, more than ever, there is a clear direction as to where CMHA Saskatoon Branch is going and there is the skill, energy, passion and talent of staff, clients and volunteers to get there. This is primarily due to a two-year process of strategic planning and development. The Board has very clearly stated why we’re here and the difference we hope to make. This report will focus on how we’ve worked to accomplish these goals in 2008-2009.
CMHA Saskatoon Branch exists so that:
• people have improved mental health with the primary focus on people in the Saskatoon and District community.
• people in Saskatoon have an understanding that mental illness is a medical concern with no stigma attached.
Staff have been delivering a variety of presentations, workshops and displays so that people understand mental health, mental illness, and the work of CMHA. We have reached more than 1400 people this year. The goal of this activity is to enable people to improve their mental health, to detect mental illness and improve access to services that will improve mental well being and to reduce stigma.
• The majority of resources will be devoted to advancing the mental health of people whose mental health is at risk.
• CMHA Saskatoon Branch is a competent, reliable resource to the public, to those individuals identified as being at risk, and to other agencies.
Approximately 800 direct services were provided to 400 individuals with mental illness during this year. CMHA continues to respond to people’s inquiries about where to find mental health help on a daily basis – brochures, pamphlets, helpful web sites and phone numbers. Support and assistance is provided to other agencies, care providers, and professionals through involvement on committees such as the Approved Home Review Panel, Mental Health Week events, Mental Health Camp Committee, joint recreation planning, conference planning committees and the United Way Campaign. CMHA also provides learning opportunities to students such as nursing or social work students.
People with mental illness will have a personally satisfying quality of life by having
• meaningful work
• adequate financial resources
Vocational staff worked with 170 individuals, and 116 of these remain active clients. Of these, 47% were competitively employed, 10% provided volunteer services in the community and 20% are being supported to go to school. The remainder are actively looking for work or are just beginning to develop their own individual vocational plans with their workers. Having a job not only provides purpose, but increased income so that our clients can choose where they want to live and what they want to do in their lives. It can even mean regular coffee with a friend or attending an event.
This would not happen for as many people without the committed staff of CMHA or without so many willing employers. Our staff made 1000 contacts with employers on behalf of these clients. Each provides an opportunity to educate and dispel stigma.
• supportive relationships
• recreation and leisure opportunities
As many as 375 people were able to enjoy recreation and leisure activities at CMHA thanks to our Volunteer Coordinator and the volunteers who facilitate these events. This is an opportunity to meet new people, practice new skills and have some fun. It has always been rewarding to watch people get to know and enjoy one another and to develop lasting and meaningful friendships.
Reach us at:
Saskatoon Branch
Carole Duhaime, Executive Director (effective June 1, 2009)
1301 Avenue P North
Saskatoon, SK S7L 2X1
Phone 306 384-9333, Fax 306 978-5777
e-mail info@cmhasaskatoon.ca
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