Reports - Regional: Yorkton

2008-2009 has been a very busy year for CMHA Yorkton Branch!

Administration and Resource Development:
Hoperation Hope was a draw that took place on Dec. 22 , 2008 at the Gallagher Centre. At least 23 businesses were approached for their support. Proceeds from the draw were over $2000 (including matching funds from Mosaic Potash). The event was coordinated by CMHA Yorkton Branch and “Our House”. Proceeds were shared equally between the two organizations.

Flake Company Popowich Inc. has offered an office at their facility for 2009 at no cost. The Branch continues operating on a part-time basis so a decision has not been made to date whether or not to accept their offer.

This year, for the first time in the last two years, CMHA Yorkton Branch has been the recipient of donations in memory of individuals whose families chose our organization.

Over the last 18 months, the Parkland Regional College has kindly provided a room at their facility for our use when required for meetings or for interviews with our clients.

The Yorkton Sunshine Club Drop-In Centre has also allowed us the use of their facility for our potluck dinners held this past year for the “Let’s Talk Program” (immigrant family participants only).

CMHA Yorkton Branch also participated in the Melville Donor’s Choice residential campaign in September last year thanks to the cooperation of local volunteers.

Public Awareness and Education:
A Multicultural Dinner is scheduled for June 11 , 2009. It will take place at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre in Yorkton. This event is designed to create awareness of the importance of involvement of Yorkton’s citizens in the integration of the immigrant community in all aspects of life. Donna Bowyer, Program Director of CMHA Moose Jaw Branch will be giving a presentation “Speaking of Suicide”. 36 businesses have been approached to support this event.

Many suicide alertness presentations have been given this year, as well as supplying educational materials not only in Yorkton but also in Melville, Canora and Esterhazy. The population targeted includes high schools, community-based organizations, RCMP, English as a Second Language classes and others.

Programming and Advocacy:
“Let’s Talk”, a program for new immigrants, continues to run well. Participants enjoy the potluck dinners as a recreational activity. The program still has a long way to go and in spite of efforts to get government funding, we have been unable to get support for any of our proposals. The following are some of the services offered to individuals involved in the “Let’s Talk” program:
     • assistance completing the forms for permanent residence
     • taking patients to hospital and assisting with translation
     • assistance in making application for Sask. Health Cards and Social Insurance Numbers
     • meeting with clients and employers to work on work permit extensions
     • assisting in the search for employment
     • peer support
     • orientation to community services and resources . . . and much more.

In cooperation with Saskatchewan Division Office, CMHA Yorkton Branch supported four dances for clients of the Mental Health Drop-In Centre in June last year. $600 was donated to be used towards this recreational activity, as requested

Reach us at:

Yorkton Branch
Dr. Donia Alvarado, Acting Program Director
83 North Street
Yorkton, SK S3N 0G9
Phone 306 621-5925, Fax 306 783-8113
e-mail ybranch@cmhask.com