Annual Report 2013-2014 - Schizophrenia Society of Ontario

Strengthening Individuals,
Families & Communities
2013/2014 Annual Report
Table of Contents
Message from the Board Chair and CEO . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Providing a Lifeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Reaching New Communities: Lawrence’s Story . . . . . 3
Supporting Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Scholarship Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Building Bridges Through Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Discovery Through Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Supporting Innovation in Women’s Mental Health . . 9
Heightening Public Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Leading System Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Bringing Communities Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Thank you to Donors, Funders and Sponsors . . . . . . . . 17
Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chris Damaren
SSO Board Chair
Mary Alberti
Chief Executive Officer
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
Message from the Board Chair and CEO
Looking back at the past year at SSO, we are struck by the breadth and diversity of all that
we’ve accomplished. Since 1979 we have made positive changes in the lives of people
affected by schizophrenia and this year we strengthened our commitment. Through support
programs, advocating for system improvement and researching the social factors that
impact mental illness, we are a lifeline providing help and guidance to the over 135,000
Ontarians in need of support.
Over the last five years the Canadian landscape has seen increased public discussion and
acceptance of mental illness yet severe and persistent mental illnesses like schizophrenia and
psychosis continue to be left in the shadows. Without widespread education and awareness
schizophrenia continues to be misunderstood and highly stigmatized. Along with the reluctance to address schizophrenia in an open and honest way comes a lack in
resources and supports available to those who need them. It was this need that inspired us to
diversify the work we do. This year we made great efforts to reach out to new communities to
offer support services, and educ ation by partnering with comm unity agencies,
government and hospitals. We adapted our Strengthening Families Together program
for delivery in Cantonese and Spanish-speaking communities and also offered a specialized
module for university students.
We held numerous consultations and workshops to bring resources and information to
communities across the province covering a wide range of topics including metabolic
syndrome, the justice system and family-centred care. Our research department also built
bridges into diverse communities this year by spearheading novel research examining the
mental health service experiences of racialized youth and people in the LGBT community
to gain insight on how accessibility and treatment experiences can be improved.
We are one step closer to launching our national Research Institute which will bring leading
scientists from across Canada together to find new approaches to care, treatment and
mental health policy. The institute will be dedicated to the exploration of social factors that
impact mental illness and to the development of solutions that will change the way people
with mental illness are supported in all aspects of daily life. The institute will also link
biomedical and social scientists, closing the gap between the two fields of research,
enabling scientific collaboration and innovation from both spheres.
Our focus on supporting youth continued with the official launch of Sound OFF, a program
designed to put the needs of young people at the centre of the discussion. We continued our
partnerships with youth service agencies across Ontario to offer our expertise in early intervention
screening for psychosis. The common thread that runs through all that we do is improving
the lives of people, families and communities living with schizophrenia and psychosis.
We are proud to have served Ontario for over 30 years and remain dedicated to furthering our
mission of hope.
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
1
Providing a Lifeline
SSO’s commitment to delivering programs and services to improve the lives of individuals,
families and communities living with schizophrenia and psychosis remains at the centre of
all that we do. This year we made great strides in expanding our reach to diverse populations.
Individual support
Navigating the mental health system can be one of the most challenging aspects of seeking
out treatment. From families seeking help for a family member to health care professionals
looking for insight into available services across Ontario, we are here to help. Ask the Expert
(ATE) is a province-wide support program and offers telephone, online and in-person support
to anyone seeking help, including families, individuals living with mental illness and health care
professionals. More than just an information or referral service, ATE is staffed by counselors and
trained crisis intervention workers who provide counseling, advice on system navigation and
connect clients to the right treatment and services in their local area. Last year ATE had 1,740
interactions with people in 63 communities across Ontario, nationally – and internationally –
and is a lifeline of support, especially for those in rural communities where access to customized
services does not exist.
Group support
Schizophrenia and psychosis not only affect the individuals living with mental illness day to day,
but also family and friends. It is estimated that almost 50 per cent of people with schizophrenia
live with their families, making the immediate family the primary caregivers and advocates for
their health and safety. Caring for someone living with schizophrenia can take a toll which is why
caring for the caregiver is crucial.
Strengthening Families Together (SFT) is a program designed to assist families and caregivers
address issues that arise while supporting someone with schizophrenia or related illness.
Through group discussion, guest speakers, facilitator education and education led by family
members with lived experience, the four-week group program provides families and caregivers
with the skills required to help their loved one while also taking care of themselves. To respond
to the growing demand for this vital support program we were able to extend this service to 216
more people in diverse communities last year.
This year, we held 22 SFT sessions in 13 communities across the province and have expanded the
program to the communities of St. Catharine’s, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Kanata, student groups
at the University of Toronto, faith communities and developed an online version for people
who were unable to attend sessions in-person. We also developed the program in different
languages to serve Spanish and Cantonese-speaking communities. 183 people graduated from
the program this year and we trained 33 new volunteer facilitators in order to expand the reach
of the program moving forward.
Purple Yip, Family Support Worker
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“Last year ATE had 1,740 interactions with people
in 63 communities across Ontario...”
Reaching New Communities: Lawrence’s Story
Lawrence Tsui felt helpless and didn’t know where to turn. “My brother-in-law was struggling
with symptoms, living alone and wasn’t receiving the medical attention he needed. His only
caregivers were his elderly parents. My family was in a desperate situation and I wanted to do
anything I could to help,” he said.
Not knowing anything about schizophrenia or how to care for a family member with the
illness, he felt like he was on his own. While searching for information about treatment and
support, a social worker suggested he contact SSO for help.
He enrolled in the SFT program not knowing what to expect. “SFT was exactly what I was
looking for. I learned how to cope in a crisis, navigate the mental health system and most
importantly, how to create a home environment conductive to recovery,” said Lawrence. The experience had such an impact on Lawrence and his family, he decided to volunteer his
time and become a facilitator for the program. “I remembered what it was like to be where these
families are now,” he said. “Every time I facilitate a group, I know I’m helping people by giving
them the knowledge and tools to improve the lives of their family members.”
With Lawrence’s help and guidance as a lead trainer in Cantonese, we have been able to expand
the reach of our programming and deliver additional SFT’s to the Chinese community.
Lawrence has trained two additional Cantonese-speaking facilitators and continues to do the
work to assist families in need of help.
The lack of support services for people with schizophrenia leaves family caregivers to pick up
the slack, caring for loved ones on their own with very little assistance. “Families can play a vital
role in the wellness of a loved one but they need the skills – SFT provides this,” said Lawrence.
“I want to let people know there are ways to move forward with mental illness. The more I learn,
the more I’m motivated to share.” “... I know I’m helping people
by giving them the knowledge
and tools to improve the lives
of their family members.”
Lawrence Tsui
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
3
Supporting Youth
Early intervention
Schizophrenia and psychosis can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. The impact
mental illness has on education, employment and meaningful relationships can have devastating
effects. Half of all mental disorders begin by 14 and over 75 per cent by age 24. Early detection
and intervention for schizophrenia is key to keeping young people on track. SSO developed
and maintained partnerships with several community agencies and embedded family workers
in their intervention programs to bring added expertise and build the capacity to offer education
and support to families. Our family workers conducted assessments and gave referrals to service
and though education, gave families the tools they need to support each other at home.
Partnerships this year included the Lynx Program in Peterborough, Phoenix program in Oakville
and On Track in Ottawa.
Sound OFF
Under the leadership of our Youth Advisory Council, SSO’s youth engagement initiative,
SOUND OFF, officially launched this year with an event at the University of Toronto. Over
100 students, youth workers and advocates gathered as SSO unveiled a website, social media
channel and a series of PSA’s aimed at helping young people play a more active role in the
mental health system. Through youth outreach we engaged 2,000 young people across the
province and collected their perspectives on what is working well and what can be improved
to support their mental health in their schools, communities, and media. A full report and
recommendations on how to improve the mental health landscape for youth will be released
later this year.
Youth Advisory Council:
Ayesha Jabbar
Chelsea Meldrum
Lester De Luna
Renee Wilkinson
Alicia Raimundo, – Youth Advisory Council member
interviewed by CTV at the SOUND OFF launch
Mona Balesh Abadi
Alicia Raimundo
Youth participated in a panel discussion at the SOUND
OFF launch. L to R: Trevain Britton, Ron Mustafaa,
Ayesha Jabbar and Alicia Raimundo
“Half of all
mental disorders begin
by age 14 and over
75 per cent by age 24.”
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Youth Advisory Council President,
Mona Abadi and CEO of SSO, Mary Alberti
Scholarship Program
We offer Canada’s only scholarship dedicated to supporting the education of people affected
by schizophrenia and psychosis.
Reaching New Heights: Luwam’s Story
Luwam Ghide’s dream is to graduate university and become a chemist. Currently studying
pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of Toronto, she is working towards that dream
with the help of SSO.
Mental illness can be a barrier to education for students and can make them feel like their
goals are out of reach. “Having a mental illness makes it difficult to work consistently to pay
for school,” Luwam said. “When I was in recovery, I couldn’t work so I couldn’t save as much as
I wanted. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to continue with my education.”
Diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 20, it took her a while to come to terms with her illness. “I
was scared and shocked. I didn’t know what to do. The word schizophrenia was so intimidating,
I couldn’t face it,” she said. “I avoided getting treatment for a year because I was so afraid. I’m
so thankful I got the help to manage my illness because now I can focus on school and my
future.”
She heard about SSO’s scholarship program from her doctor and decided to submit her application.
It created a significant change in her life knowing that she could pursue her education to make
her dreams come true. “I wouldn’t be able to continue my education if it wasn’t for this scholarship,”
she said. “It helped me pay my tuition and ease stress so I could focus on my studies instead
of worrying about money.”
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2015, Luwam hopes to continue her education
and complete a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences. We were able to raise a total of $23,483
for this program and this amount was awarded to the following individuals:
Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients:
Luwam Ghide (Toronto, Ontario)
Ryan Eric Thorne (Toronto, Ontario)
Dimitrios Kallikragas (Bowmanville, Ontario)
Tobin Kyle McPherson (Toronto, Ontario)
Chelsea Meldrum (Ottawa, Ontario)
Nicole Dawn Parker (Midland, Ontario)
Cynthia Meekins (Ottawa, Ontario)
Clayo Laanemets (Thornhill, Ontario)
Imade Ernwindaru (Toronto, Ontario)
Jessica Brasil (Oakville, Ontario)
Mariette Lee (Hamilton, Ontario)
Shaezeen Syed (Kanata, Ontario)
Lindsay Wetmore (Georgetown, Ontario)
Adam Grearson (Peterborough, Ontario)
“I wouldn’t be able to continue my education
if it wasn’t for this scholarship.”
Luwam Ghide
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
5
Building Bridges Through Research
We believe research is one of the keys to improving the lives of people living with schizophrenia
and psychosis. Research can inform treatment, services and policy to create strategies that
really work. Over the past year, we have developed projects that examine the social factors
that impact people’s lives.
When it comes to mental health, an individual’s environment can be just as influential as genetics.
We are interested in studying outside influences and outcomes and using that information to
make real world changes to the way people with mental illness experience everything from
treatment and support to housing and employment.
SSO initiated The Canadian Institute for Psychosocial Research in Mental Illness in 2013 to
develop, fund, and expedite the process of moving psychosocial research into innovative
products, services and system change. The first of its kind in Canada, The Institute will shift the
way mental illness is studied and treated and will bridge the gap between psychosocial and
biomedical research. The Institute will officially launch in March 2015 and is being
established with the help of a development team comprised of a diverse group of renowned
mental health experts.
Institute Development team:
Mary Alberti CEO, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario
Angela Cerovic (Account Director, Public and Corporate Affairs, Hill & Knowlton
Dr. Howard Chodos
Director, Mental Health Strategy, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Dr. Bruce Christensen
Vice-Chair, Professional Advisory Board, Healthy Minds Canada, Associate Professor,
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University
Dr. Chris Damaren
SSO Board Member, Professor, Institute for Aerospace Studies, University of Toronto
Dr. Nathalie Gendron
Assistant Director, Institute of Neurosciences,
Mental Health and Addiction Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Dr. John Higenbottam
Associate Dean, Douglas College, Co-Chair, Canadian Alliance Mental Illness and Mental Health,
Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia
Vicky Huehn
President, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Canada, Executive Director,
Frontenac Community Mental Health & Addiction Services
Dr. Paul Janssen Chair in Psychotic Disorders, Director,
Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University
Ahmed Ktaech Managing Director, K+CO
Dr. Kwame McKenzie CAMH
Jacquie Micallef Manager, Member Relations, Policy & Partnerships, Neurological Health Charities of Canada
Dr. Heather Stuart Bell Canada Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Research Chair,
Professor, Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen’s University
Dr. Taryn Tang Manager, Research, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario,
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Norm Tasevski SSO Board Chair
Dr. Philip Tibbo Chair, Schizophrenia Society of Canada Foundation
Phil Upshall National Executive Director, Mood Disorders Society of Canada
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Improving What We Do
We are committed to providing effective programs and services for individuals living with
schizophrenia and their families, which is why we have been evaluating the outcomes of what
we do. We have spent the year collecting baseline information on our police training, scholarship
program, community forums, and family support service so that we can track the impact of our work.
What these evaluations tell us is that we are making a difference in increasing knowledge and
understanding, helping people move forward with their lives, and improving coping and
communication skills amongst individuals, family members, and the larger community. We have
also garnered valuable input about what has and has not worked and will use this feedback to
continually improve our programs and services.
“When it comes to mental health,
an individual’s environment can
be just as influential as genetics.”
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
7
Discovery Through Partnership
Innovative partnerships to further the breadth and impact of research are central to our mission.
Partnerships with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Across Boundaries, the Centre for
Addiction and Mental Health, Hispanic Development Council, York University and Rainbow
Health Ontario allowed us to access diverse populations and create lasting relationships with
community organizations.
Data collection has been completed on a project investigating mental health stigma experiences
of youth from Latino Hispanic, South Asian, Black/African/Afro-Caribbean and white European
communities, as well as a study focusing on the service and supportive experiences of LGBTQ
individuals living with schizophrenia and psychosis.
Since 1993 we have invested over $2 million in funding innovative research projects from leading
scientists, two of which were completed this year. Dr. Simone Vigod investigated pregnancy-related
health outcomes among women with schizophrenia that found that these women had higher
rates of health problems and needed more hospital related care and C-sections. This information is vital for women who are deciding to get pregnant and for healthcare workers who care
for women with schizophrenia.
Dr. Sean Kidd looked at cognitive remediation’s effectiveness when integrated into
a supported education system and found that cognitive remediation enhanced improvements
in self-esteem and improved academic retention.
“Psychosocial research relating to schizophrenia (and other mental illnesses) has
been under-appreciated and underfunded. Yet, it is precisely the psychosocial
aspects of having a mental illness, stigma among them, that are so life-limiting and
long lasting. A psychosocial research institute is important because the results of
this research have the capacity to improve the quality of life of those with
schizophrenia as well as their family and friends.”
Heather Stuart, PhD
Professor Community Health & Epidemiology, Queen’s University
Bell Mental Health and Anti-Stigma Research Chair
“Since 1993 we have invested over
$2 million in funding innovative research
projects from leading scientists...”
Heather Stuart
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Supporting Innovation in Women’s Mental Health:
Meet Dr. Simone Vigod
In 2011, Dr. Simone Vigod, a scientist at Women’s College Research Institute and a psychiatrist
at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, submitted a proposal to SSO to fund her research on
pregnancy-related health outcomes among women with schizophrenia. Her research is now
complete with results published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“SSO saw the potential in my proposal and provided me with the seed money to start my
research,” said Dr. Vigod. “More than 50 per cent of women with schizophrenia are also mothers
but there is very little research done on how to improve care during pregnancy. This research is
important and SSO allowed me to investigate it further.”
Dr. Vigod believes it is significant to do research that can impact the health of individuals and
communities, offering solutions that can be applied in everyday life. SSO helped Dr. Vigod with
funding and also served as a bridge to the community, “I had the opportunity to speak to people
and families affected by schizophrenia which helped guide and inform my research,” she said. “SSO
connected me to people with lived experience which optimized the outcomes of my research.”
The importance of connecting with community organizations like SSO and the impact it can
have on research is evident when speaking to Dr. Vigod. “Working with stakeholders is key for
asking the right questions and making sure the research is relevant to the community,” she said.
“It’s crucial to connect to the people our work is geared towards helping – without it research
won’t be as impactful.”
Dr. Vigod is continuing to work on more research projects on the health of women with serious
mental illness.
“More than 50 per cent of
women with schizophrenia
are also mothers.”
Dr. Simone Vigod
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
9
Heightening Public Awareness
Understanding mental illness though the experiences of individuals and families who live
with schizophrenia is integral to our work. We regularly share the stories of people living
with schizophrenia and psychosis and though great strides have been made in the
representation and discussion of mental illness, there are still significant challenges ahead.
According to the Canadian Medic al Association, over 27 per cent of people said
they would be fearful of someone living with a serious mental illness. This makes sharing
positive, truthful, and engaging stories about people living with schizophrenia and psychosis
extremely important.
Speaker’s Bureau
Through our Speaker’s Bureau we delivered over 62 talks sharing stories of recovery and hope
to diverse audiences including mental health care professionals, police officers, youth groups,
and schools. These presentations not only discussed the speaker’s past experiences with
psychosis, but also their challenges, personal triumphs, and the progress of their recovery journey.
Meet Christine
Christine Walter is a writer, comedian, and mental health advocate. She also lives with schizoaffective disorder, and knows what
it means to triumph over adversity. Although a bright and precocious
child, Christine struggled with mental illness from an early age.
Christine Walter
“I remember writing in my diary: “’I hope I never feel this awful again
in my life,’” Christine says about her early struggles with depression. Throughout her difficult experiences, Christine was always writing —
finding it to be the best outlet for the feelings and experiences she
couldn’t always express to others.
Christine went to university, and held numerous jobs after high school, but nothing ever stuck.
For years, Christine ran from family and friends, turning to drugs and alcohol to deal with her
experiences of mental illness. She also dealt with an abusive relationship, and the traumatic
experience of interactions with police.
However, in the last three years Christine has turned everything around. She has completed her
Bachelor of Social Work and participates in a number of peer support groups, one of which she
co-facilitates. She also has the support of a tight knit group friends and family. In the next few
months a collection of her artwork and writing will be published, The Works of A Schizophrenic:
Illness or A Gift? “Self-advocacy I have learned is really important. It’s important not to settle. The most
important part is not letting people treat you like you’re sick,” Christine says. As a member of
SSO’s Speakers’ Bureau, Christine shares her experiences, hoping she can help others in similar
circumstances.
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This Is Why
SSO took the lead on National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day across Canada
taking to social media to launch our This is Why initiative. This Is Why incorporated the faces
and stories of individuals, families and communities affected by schizophrenia.
Throughout the month of May, our website, Twitter and Facebook feeds featured stories about
people living with schizophrenia and provincial Schizophrenia Societies across the country added
to the initiative by sharing the stories of people in their own communities.
Among those who shared their experiences as part of the campaign were Marie Asuncion, a
musician, language teacher, and member of SSO’s Speaker’s Bureau, Jesse Bigelow, a long-time
supporter and SSO volunteer, Christine Walter, a mental health writer and advocate also part
of SSO’s Speaker’s Bureau, and Chris Whittaker, who has long served on SSO’s Peace of Minds
Walk Committee.
The campaign received a significant and enthusiastic response from the public with 800+ page
views on our website and nearly 2000 views on Facebook.
Chris Whittaker
Marie Asuncion
Jesse Bigelow
“800+ page views on our website and
nearly 2000 views on Facebook.”
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
11
Leading system change
SSO knows that improving the mental health system for individuals and families living with
schizophrenia and psychosis requires building a better policy framework reflective of the
diverse needs and experiences of people in Ontario. It also means working alongside diverse
groups of partners across many sectors, including health care, advocacy, government
and criminal justice.
These collaborations ensure that our work addresses the gaps within current social, legal,
economic and political spheres. Through workshops, community forums, training sessions and
numerous consultations we have been able to move a number of initiatives forward to enhance
the lives of those affected by schizophrenia.
Building Capacity workshops
With support from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation we hosted seven “Building Capacity”
workshops in Toronto, Sudbury, Peterborough and Hamilton. Seventy-two health care
professionals participated in workshops focussed on building skills to increase competence in
delivering family-centred care, enhancing existing family support and effective strategies for
self-care to prevent worker burnout.
Community forums
Our series of “Strategies that Work” community forums, held in Toronto, Sudbury and Welland,
provided a platform for individuals and families to share experiences, hear from a panel of
mental health experts and develop strategies to effectively cope with mental illness. Working
in partnership with CMHA Sudbury-Manitoulin and the Oak Centre, these forums brought
together 68 individuals, families and healthcare professionals, breaking the walls of isolation
and fostering better knowledge of available solutions and resources.
This spring, nearly 100 people attended Meeting of the Minds/Encuentro De las Mentes our
educational forum for Spanish-speaking communities, connecting families and individuals with
mental health service providers to share information and facilitate early intervention.
The annual event was initiated by SSO in partnership with the Hispanic Development Council.
Tatiana Wyse, SSO Family Support Worker
and Duberlis Ramos, Executive Director
of the Hispanic Development Council
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Christine Walter, mental health advocate
and member of SSO Speakers Bureau;
Ryan Fritsch, Policy Counsel for Legal Aid Ontario
and lead for LAO’s Mental Health Strategy;
Irina Sytcheva, SSO Manager of Policy and Community Relations;
Kayla Nicholls, SSO Regional Coordinator, Toronto/York;
Nathan Roder, member of SSO Speaker’s Bureau;
Anthony Prussky, mental health advocate and SSO volunteer;
Nick Christoforou, mental health advocate
Consultations
Justice and mental health was a major priority for us this year. We were integral in the development
of a Mental Health Strategy for Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) by co-hosting two community
consultations, in Toronto and in Sudbury. The consultations brought individuals and families
affected by mental illness together with criminal justice professionals and community service
providers to discuss barriers, but more importantly, to identify common issues and find
solutions to how the LAO can better support clients with mental illness.
As a co-chair of the Police Records Check Coalition, we also worked to change the discriminatory
and stigmatizing practice of collecting and releasing non-conviction information on police
record checks which significantly limits educational and employment opportunities, and even
travel, for people with mental illness. To this end, we participated in consultation with the
Ontario Association of the Chiefs of Police on police record checks guidelines, pushing for
the non-disclosure of non-conviction information and mobilized others to advocate for this
change, with our efforts leading to changes to current police guidelines.
Bringing the issues of individuals and families directly affected by schizophrenia and psychosis
to the attention of decision makers, we participated in other policy consultations on a wide
variety of issues ranging from employment for people with episodic disabilities to the Provincial
Caregiver Strategy consultation and the national Forum on Schizophrenia in Canada.
Policy and Advocacy Committees
We continue our commitment to system improvement through sector partnerships with our
work on the Toronto Justice Service Collaborative, Law Commission of Ontario’s Advisory
Committee for their project on Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and adults
with mental disabilities; and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH) Advisory
Committee for their Informal Caregiver research project.
Sharing our expertise to give community partners a comprehensive perspective on the mental
health landscape in Ontario remains a priority for us. Our committee work also ensures that the
interests of people living with schizophrenia are heard and are reflected in policy. This year we
collaborated with the following organizations:
Ontario Disability Support Program Action Coalition,
Toronto Police Services Board Mental Health Subcommittee,
Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Alliance,
Local Immigration Partnership,
Ontario Caregiver Coalition,
Human Service and Justice Coordinating Committees
Education
We believe that education is one of the building blocks of system improvement and have
worked with various agencies and professionals to increase their knowledge and capacity to
effectively respond to the needs of individuals and families with schizophrenia and psychosis.
We delivered 64 professional training workshops across Ontario and 16 two-day Mental Health
First Aid (MHFA) workshops reaching a total of 1837 people, including police officers,
immigration adjudicators, occupational therapists and social service workers. We also provided
58 educational presentations reaching 2775 people and professionals across Ontario, ranging
from long term care workers to settlement workers to government officials.
“58 educational presentations
reaching 2775 people and professionals across Ontario...”
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
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Bringing communities together
Community is at the heart of everything we do and each year we bring together communities
across Ontario while raising funds for programs and services. We depend largely on the support
of volunteers, donors and sponsors to make our events a success – and this year was no exception.
Our annual Walk for Schizophrenia celebrated its twentieth year and saw great support raising
over $115,000 with 468 people participating in eight walks across Ontario. Our ninth annual
Peace of Minds Yogathon held in Toronto and Oakville was attended by over 171 people,
raising over $33,000 for programs and services.
The first annual Hole Out for Hope Golf Tournament was attended by more than 160 golfers
and was largely organized by a pair of long time dedicated and passionate volunteers. Through
this tournament over $72,000 was raised. LIFT, the annual gala in support of SSO’s scholarship
program raised over $20,000.
These events wouldn’t be possible without the support, enthusiasm and hard work of many
long time and passionate volunteers and community members. There is nothing stronger than
communities rallying around a cause; and it is with this unified voice that we continue to thrive.
We would like to thank all our volunteers and sponsors who made our events possible this year
Peace of Minds WALK for Schizophrenia and Psychosis
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Committee members:
Sponsors:
Volunteers:
Sue Konsztowicz
Allison Lynch
Bonnie Esson
CMHA Hamilton
Jody Brown
Rick and Agnes David
Carla Di Domenicantonio
Bill Ferguson
Cindy Moir
Stan and Jan Pearce
Glen Storey
Andreas Buchholz
Helen & George Tucker
Jackie Najvar
Carol Timusk
Ellen Pronovost
Shirley & Anson Long
James Weber
Marielisa Colicchio
Chris Whittaker
James Organ
Laura Rauthmell
Howard Arcand
Cheryl McLean
Royal Containers Ltd.
Reveal Marketing Group Inc.
Paul King-Fisher
Gen Smith
Mary Reader
Art Holder
Carol Holder
Jessica Buckham
Victoria Kynigos
Anthony Prussky
Kendra Chan
In-kind sponsors:
Debbie & Kevin Glenn
Chris McAlpine
Malivoire Winery
Karim Gilliland
Glen Storey
Ruth Miller
Julie Millington
Marina Sue-Ping
Etobicoke Queensway Lions Club
Tim Hortons (Corporate)
Fortinos
Voortman Cookies
Fortinos
Foodland
Costco Peterborough
Moncion Grocers Riverside
Market
Boston Pizza
Canada Games Complex
No Frills
Metro
Shoppers
Freshco
Hole Out For Hope Golf Tournament
Committee members:
Fred Howe (co-chair)
Craig Sindrey (co-chair)
Mat Israelson
David Skelly
Lesley Skelly
Holmes, the Finishing House
Lopez Senathi & Associates LLP
Shendy’s Swim School
The Singer Family
Top Press Co. Ltd.
WillowWood Athletics
WillowWood School
Sponsors:
In-kind sponsors:
Ernst & Young
Maple-Crete
Trisan Construction
Xerox Canada
York Curling Club
Avant Imaging and Information
Management
ASL Print FX
DWM Securities Inc.
Excel Insurance Agency
Gazzola Paving Ltd.
A.S. MayPowell Corporation
Caulfield (Mike Purkis)
County Cider Company
Mike Denney
GlaxoSmithKline
Lindt Chocolate
Profile Wine
Shikatani Creative
The Skelly Family
Wellington Brewery
Volunteers:
Barry Vesh
Caterina Bulat
Michelle McDonald
Karen Ducksbury
Ian Kearns
Craig Keys
Bob Chong
Becki Sindrey
Kit’s Krew volunteers
Scholarship Awards
Committee:
Michael Alzamora
Kirsten Gold
Bridget Hough
Dr. Sean Kidd
James Weber
Peace of Minds WALK for Schizophrenia and Psychosis
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
15
LIFT Gala
Committee members:
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Mary-Lou Roder
Carson Arthur
Black Tie Accessories
Lord Elgin
National Gallery of Canada
D’Arcy McGee’s
The Chef Upstairs
The Doctor’s House
McMichael Canadian Art Collection Desirée
China & Gifts
Treetop Trekking by Arbraska
Finch Centre Jewelers
SPiN Toronto
Harbourfront Canoe Kayak Centre
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Feel Good Guru
Denny Morrison (chair)
Lauren Dickler
Sarah Dominguez
Stephanie Morrison
Cheryl Wiles Pooran
Randi Sutton
Michaele Sinko
Sponsors:
Moosehead
Lilly
Novartis
In-kind sponsors:
Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment
The Brimell Group
The Fairmont Royal York, CN Tower,
Wind Up Bird Café
Damiani Jewelers
Stratford Festival
Art Gallery of Ontario
Ontario Science Centre
Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
National Hockey League Players Association
Medieval Times
Anthony’s Espresso Equipment Inc.
Via Rail
Best Western Plus Macies Hotel
Canadian War Museum,
Volunteers:
Richard Mercado
Conway Keele
Jelena Glisic
Amber Hartog
Charles Keele
Carla Rivest
Dom Brennan
Denny Morrison
Guests at the LIFT Gala, LtoR:
Joanna Wilson Loudon, past SSO board member; Norm Tasevski,
SSO board member; and James Weber, past SSO board member and volunteer
Peace of Minds YOGATHON
16
Studio Partners:
Karma Class Partners:
In-kind sponsors:
The Big Stretch Yoga Centre
Be Yoga & Wellness
de la sol Yoga Studios
Free Spirit Yoga
iGita Hot Yoga Club
kula Oakville
Moksha Yoga Uptown
Moksha Yoga Aurora
Moksha Yoga Brampton
Power Yoga Canada Etobicoke
Power Yoga Canada Oshawa
Power Yoga Canada Mississauga
Shunyata Yoga
Sun Yoga
Tru Hot Yoga Oakville
Moksha Yoga Aurora
Tru Hot Yoga St. Thomas
Moksha Yoga Brampton
Power Yoga Canada Mississauga
Vega
KIND Snacks
Sweat Equity Magazine
Whole Foods Market
Lotus Palm
Elizabeth Grant
Lululemon Athletica Inc
Yoga Conference & Show Toronto
Lole Toronto
David’s Tea – Queen Street Store
Windup Bird Café
Segway of Ontario
Volunteers:
Jesse Bigelow
Chris Whitaker
Aminta Vidi
Mary Ellen Fredrick
Thank you to all our Donors, Funders and Sponsors
Over $200,000:
$2,500 +
Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care
Toronto Central LHIN
Federated Health Charities Corporation
Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant LHIN
Ontario Trillium Foundation
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
City of Hamilton
Donald M. Douglas
The Graham Boeckh Foundation
Frank Iocolano
Mental Health Commission of Canada
James G. Weber
Anonymous
$50,000 +
$1,000+
Canadian Mental Health Association, ON
Halton Healthcare Services
Ministry of the Attorney General – OVSS
The Royal Ottawa Hospital
Hoffmann- La Roche Canada Ltd.
Donald D. Banks
Richard Boadway & Debra Cole
The Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company of Canada
Andreas & Janell Buchholz
Gary Chaimowitz
Alexander & Saralee Christ
John Chrobak
Leslie Church
City of Peterborough - Social Services Division
Community Foundation of Ottawa
Frances Connelly
Cathy Cooper
David & Janet Cunningham
Carole Simone Dahan
Tamison M. Doey
David W. Drinkwater
DUCA Financial Services Credit Union Ltd.
Ernst & Young LLP
James P. Evershed
Carmine Forgione
Mario Giorgio
Harry Goulet
Grand Plan Management Innovations Inc
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
Fred & Christine Howe
Patrick & M. Jill Ivay
Michelle Korson
Kotyck Bros. Limited
Thomas & Ruth Kritsch
Rick Matheson
Marc Santi Foundation
Maple-Crete Inc
Aamir Mian
Denney Morrison
OPG Employees & Pensioners’ Charity Trust
The Philip Smith Foundation
Kris & Madhuri Ramakrishnan
RBC Dominion Securities
Reveal Marketing Group Inc.
Mary-Lou & John Roder
Scotiabank
Diane Sinhuber
Aaron Stevenson
$100,000 +
$30,000 +
Daniel J. Armstrong
Echo Foundation
Janssen Inc.
United Way of Peterborough & District
$20,000 +
Bell Canada
Harry and Shirley Young Charitable Foundation
Lundbeck Canada Inc.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
The Tom and Ruth Kritsch Family Foundation
$10,000 +
The Harold Crabtree Foundation
Eli Lilly Canada Inc.
Estate of Grace Limbert
Liquor Control Board of Ontario
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
$5,000 +
136 Cross Ave Holdings Ltd.
A.W.B. Charitable Foundation
Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Inc.
Estate of Frieda Hayter
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
United Way of Greater Toronto
United Way/Centraide Ottawa
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
17
$1,000+
continued
Sunrise Contracting Inc.
Teachers Life Insurance Society (Fraternal)
TELUS
Trisan Construction
United Way of Peel Region
Frank & Ineke VanBruinessen
Deborah L. Vesely
John & Josie Watson
Xerox Canada Ltd.
Anonymous
$500 +
A Right to Learn Inc.
Babak Abadi
Donald Adamson
Mary T. Alberti
Neil Anderson
ASL Print FX
Ass’n of Bridge/Structural/Iron Workers Local 721
Frank Attaie
Avant Imaging & Information Management Inc.
Robert G. Baker
Marion Gail Barker
Paul & Kaye Beeston
Aline A. Belzile
Chris Bielecki
Bloor Street Fitness and Boxing
Beverly Bly
L. Brown
Michael Brown
Gary Budjak
Marg Burkholder
Wayne Burtnyk
Doug Brady
Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc.
Germain Carle
CMHA - Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Branch
Community Living Welland Pelham
Richard & Joyce Coombs
Natalie Davidson
Nancy Nash Day & Philip Q. Day
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region
Energy Scope Home Inspection Inc.
Bill Ferguson
Paul Franceschini
Greg Frenette
Richard N. & Cynthia C. Gedye
Darren Gerson
Barbara Goldring
Gail Gorman
Michael C. Grenon
Lois M. Hardy
Gerry Hawkins
18
Robert V. Hicks
Peter Hogg
Holmes, The Finishing House
W. Edward Hellyer
The Ingalls Family Trust
Matthew Israelson
Lylia Jones
Don Kenna
John J. Kollar
Rona Kosansky
Brian Lang
Gavin Laws
Keith Lawton
George & Georgia Leon
Donald V. Macdougall
Mar Group Ltd.
Gary & Joyce McMurray
Peter Chauvin & Shelagh McPherson
Judy Meldrum
Darrell F. Morrison
Heather Morrison
Michael Muszynski
Linda Nagle
Ontario Nurses Association
Magdalen H. O’Rourke
Rose Owen
Denis Paganelli
Brian & Rhonda Ramsay
RBC Royal Bank
Bruce & Marlene Robertson
Rhonda Ross
Royal Containers Ltd.
Michael K. & Marilyn E. Sarin
Heather Sheehan
Craig J. & Sandra Sindrey
Cathie & Peter Singer
Elizabeth M. Taylor
Mary Ellen Trimble
Michel Quintas
Anna Skorzewska
TD Bank Group - Community Relations
The Fashion Building
Top Press Co. Ltd.
Tremblett’s Valu-Mart
Ernest & Margaret Vanderschot
Willowwood School
Michelle Yogarajah
York Curling Club
Anonymous (5)
Event Champions:
Peace of Minds Walk:
Howard P. Arcand
Colin Asuncion
Denise Asuncion
Marie Asuncion
Melissa Athaide
Rosemary B. Bass
Alison Battistuzzi
Beverly Biderman
Sarah Bromley
Laura Casuccio
Patricia Cavanagh
Jillian Chandler
Monica Choi
Marielisa Colicchio
Marilyn Craig
Isabel Cumming
Roseanne DeGrechie
Faye Doell
Aileen Dolan
Jo Ann D’Souza
Mishell Emmanuele
Bill Ferguson
Cheryl Gibson
Douglas Gilmour
Dane Grenon
Janna Harkema
Bridget Hough
Michael Jackson
Marissa Jarvie
Jackie Kalia
Anne Kelly
Sue Konsztowicz
Shirley Lentinello
Shirley E. Long
Gordon MacGregor
Lynn Morra
Jackie Najvar
Rachna Patel
Stan J. Pearce
Ruth Penner
Ellen Pronovost
Vivek Ramakrishnan
Ann Regier
Mary-Lou Roder
Joan Rosenfield
Jacqueline Schroeder
Robert K. Schumacher
Kiran Sharma
Shivani Sharma
Vishal Sharma
Rob Silverthorne
Anna Skorzewska
Glen Storey
Adriana Tattoni
Philip R. Thompson
Joan Treacy
George Tucker
L. Voruganti
Andrea Waddell
James G. Weber
Purple Yip
Eugene Yogarajah
Anonymous
Peace of Minds Yogathon:
Jeanne Armstrong
Denise Asuncion
Mary Frederick
Kelly Grover
Iris Kolenski
Brian Lang
Joanne Lowe
Jennifer Mercanti
Samantha Mercanti
Lauren M. Milchman
Sarah Reynolds
Suzanne Soroka
Eugene Yogarajah
Hole Out For Hope Golf Tournament:
Donald Adamson
ASL Print FX
Frank Attaie
Avant Imaging & Information Management Inc.
Chris Bielecki
Bloor Street Fitness and Boxing
Michael Brown
Gary Budjak
Wayne Burtnyk
Canada Brokerlink (Ontario) Inc.
Germain Carle
John Chrobak
Cathy Cooper
David Cunningham
Energy Scope Home Inspection Inc.
Ernst & Young LLP
Excel Insurance Agency Inc.
Darren Gerson
Lisa Gillespie
Mario Giorgio
Robert Harrison
Les Hart
Gerry Hawkins
W. Hellyer
Holmes, The Finishing House
Fred Howe
Frank Iocolano
Janssen Inc.
Don Kenna
Kotyck Bros. Limited
Gavin Laws
Keith Lawton
Maple-Crete Inc
Mar Group Ltd.
Rick Matheson
Denis Paganelli
Brian Ramsay
Scotiabank
Craig Sindrey
Diane Sinhuber
David Skelly
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
19
Hole Out For Hope Golf Tournament:
Scholarship Award Donors:
continued
Glen Taylor
Top Press Co. Ltd.
Tremblett’s Valu-Mart
Mary Trimble
Trisan Construction
WillowWood Limitless Athletics
Willowwood School
Xerox Canada Ltd.
York Curling Club
20
Richard Boadway & Debra Cole
Frances Connelly
Richard & Joyce Coombs
Eli Lilly Canada Inc.
James Evershed
Carlo D. Fidani
Bridget Hough
Aamir Mian
Darrell F. Morrison
Denney Morrison
Kris & Madhuri Ramakrishnan
RBC Dominion Securities
Mary-Lou & John Roder
The Fashion Building
James G. Weber
Where our money comes from:
Donations
$402,02518%
Events and Gaming
$455,791
21%
Investment Income
$30,777
1%
Government Grants
$636,356
29%
Corporate Foundations and Other Agencies
$664,062
30%
$29,131
1%
Fee for Service
Sundry
$2440%
TOTAL
$2,218,386
100%
Where our money goes:
Programs
$1,141,17945%
Research
$378,57215%
Fundraising
$570,27222%
Administration
$469,06418%
TOTAL
$2,559,087100%
Full financial statements available on our website or by request
Strengthening Individuals, Families & Communities:
Annual Report for the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2013-2014
21
130 Spadina Avenue, Suite 302
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 2L4 Canada
info@schizophrenia.on.ca
/SchizophreniaSocietyON
@peace_of_minds
Telephone: 1 (800) 449-6367
Fax: (416) 449-8434
www.schizophrenia.on.ca