“Not every person diagnosed with a mental illness is going to do those things — the chance that will happen is incredibly minute.”
Most people don’t understand how many of their neighbours, coworkers, community leaders, family members and friends have been impacted by some kind of mental illness. In fact, Hayward says one in every five individuals has been impacted by mental illness which ranges from mild to severe, from Acute Stress Disorder to Depression and Schizophrenia.
Through a wide variety of creative programing the organization teaches individuals and community groups how to support those with mental illness, at home and in the community.
“When we do all of that work upstream we prevent a lot of people from ever going over the brink — from taking their own lives,” Hayward says.
The work done by the staff of five is valuable in more than one sense. The results reduce the rate of hospitalization and the costs associated with that, the cost of special services and one-on-one counselling. Hayward says Hatters get to live in a healthier accepting community which accepts diversity.
By ensuring those with mental health concerns have full access to employment and recreation they become meaningful members of a community.
Getting the job done takes an incredible amount of
personal commitment and passion. Hayward loves the job but admits it isn’t always easy to keep her personal and professional lives separate.
“This is not a job that ends when the office closes,” says Hayward. “I have to be careful not to be an executive director at home. For example, I am working on our major fundraiser right now so if you are a friend you’ve already been hit up to buy a ticket or donate something to the silent auction.”
As demand for outreach services, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and the volunteer driven income tax program continues to increase so does the amount of time Hayward invests.
“In the non-profit sector it is easier to have a higher level of personal commitment because you can see the impact of the work you are doing. We are all very deeply invested in what we do — have a personal commitment to this community.”
To supplement the costs of providing the programs it offers, Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta Southeast operates The Post Thrift Store in historic downtown Medicine Hat.
“It is a social enterprise for us,” Hayward says. “We provide a supportive work environment for people who do have mental health issues, many of whom are paid. We also have an exceptional volunteer force at work down there. In running the store we are maximizing our revenue to fund our operations.”
The 15 employees of The Post enjoy their jobs and 125 families, affected in some way by mental illness, received clothing or household items worth more than $6,500 last year alone.
Hayward admits the store’s revenues mean staff spend less time fundraising and more time working toward their goal. A total of 98 volunteers donated nearly 13,500 hours to the organization — either at The Post, in the community or in the office.
In 2012, Hayward and her staff offered 279 presentations and workshops to 6,527 people of all ages, offered 13 specialized courses to another 249, identified an additional 139 natural helpers to receive training and hosted a local conference.
Seventy-seven individuals received direct client services last year. More than 300 participated in organized support groups and 40 took advantage of the Financial Administration program. Eight hundred and sixty-seven people attended the Mental Health Drop-in Centre offered through a partnership with Alberta Health Services. Fifty more were served by the Community Volunteer Income Tax program.
“If someone has ever had suicidal thoughts or know someone else who has and we’ve helped prevent that we consider that success,” Hayward says. “We strive to make sure those with mental illness are not discriminated against, still have equitable access to employment, access to their community and the health care they need." ■
Crea ng a Be er Community “Today, Tomorrow, Forever...”
“Where Kids Count!”
We nurture and encourage about 6,700 students
S t a
During 2012 The Community Founda on made
charitable grants to many diff erent organiza ons for a total of $194,032. The CFSEA ended the 2011/2012 year with $7,254,465 in endowment funds.
104, 430 6th Ave. S.E. Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2S8 403-527-9038 •
www.cfsea.ca •
info@cfsea.ca
at eleven elementary schools, one middle school, one K-9 Christian school, one senior high school, one 7-12 school and outreach programs designed to meet a multitude of learning needs.
Our ongoing vision: “Developing tomorrow’s citizens through improved learning, living and relationships.”
Medicine Hat School District No. 76 “Where Kids Count!”
www.sd76.ab.ca
41137870•03/26/13 OUR COMMUNITIES ■ OUR REGION ■ OUR PEOPLE | 69
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