July 2016 - Potential Place

The Challenger
July 2016
Potential Place
110, 999-8th Street SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 1J5
www.potentialplace.org
T: 403-216-9250
Frank's Blog
askfrank@potentialplace.org
Research has shown that most people with
serious mental disorders are willing and
able to work.
Yet, their unemployment
rates
remain
inordinately
high.
For
example, large-scale population surveys
have
consistently
estimated
the
unemployment rate among people with
mental disorders to be three to five times
higher than their nondisabled counterparts.
Sixty-one percent of working age adults with mental health
disabilities are outside of the labour force, compared with only 20%
of working-age adults in the general population. Employment rates
also vary by diagnostic group from 40 to 60% for people reporting
a major depressive disorder to 20-35% for those reporting an
anxiety disorder. Unemployment rates for people with serious and
persistent psychiatric disabilities (such as schizophrenia) are the
highest, typically 80-90%.
Stigmatizing views held by employers make it difficult for people
with mental disabilities to enter the competitive workforce.
Employers are more likely to hire someone with a physical
disability, raising doubts about the effectiveness of disability quotas
as a method of affirmative action for people with mental disorders.
People with mental disorders identify employment discrimination as
one of their most frequent stigma experiences. Compared with
individuals with physical disabilities, twice as many people with
mental disabilities (the majority)
expect to experience
employment-related stigma. In Canada, 78% of consumers
participating in a membership survey conducted by the Canadian
Upcoming Events
July 1
CANADA DAY
OPEN
10:00am to 3:00pm
July 2
First Saturday
OPEN
10:00am to 3:00pm
July 8
Stampede Parade
7am to 11:30
Clubhouse Open
8:00am to 4:00pm
Stampede Grounds
1:00pm to 8:30pm
July 13
Career Dinner
COST - $4
4:30pm to 6:30pm
July 15
Going to the Zoo
$10
3:15pm to 8:30pm
July 22
Princess Island
Folk Festival
6:00pm to 8:30pm
July 29
PPS BBQ
FREE
9:00am to 3:00pm
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Mental Health Association identified employment as one of the areas most affected by stigma.
Fear of stigma and rejection by prospective employers may undermine confidence and result in a
poorer showing on job interviews. Over time, people with mental disorders may come to view
themselves as unemployable and stop seeking work altogether.
Employees with mental health problems may also experience stigma and discrimination from
coworkers once their mental illness becomes known. Workers who return to their jobs after an
illness report returning to positions of reduced responsibility with enhanced supervision where
they are socially marginalized and become targets for mean-spirited or negative comments from
workmates who had previously been supportive and friendly. In order to avoid workplace stigma
and discrimination, employees with mental health problems will usually go to great lengths to
ensure that coworkers and managers do not find out about their illness, including avoiding
employee assistance programs and shunning effective treatment options. Indeed, the majority
of employees who have mental health problems will fail to receive appropriate treatment. For
example, only about a third of employees with depression will consult a mental health
professional, physician or employee assistance programs and as few as one in 10 of those who
report occupational impairment will take medication to address this problem. Yet, the majority of
those who are appropriately treated for depression will manifest improved work performance
and reduced disability days sufficient to offset employer costs for treatment. Compounding this
problem is the fact that few managers have sufficient knowledge to recognize or skills to
effectively manage mental health problems at the workplace. Similarly, few organizations have
corporate plans to address workplace mental health and employment equity for people with
mental disabilities. To reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental disorders and
promote employment equity for people with mental disabilities, organizations will need to be
proactive in identifying and managing mental health problems among their workers and in
fostering an organizational culture that is supportive of mental health and psychosocial recovery.
Potential Place has developed employment opportunities at organizations and businesses in
Calgary. Positions are usually 20 hours a week or less. The intention of Transitional
Employment is to gain confidence as an employee. Placements are limited to between 6 and 9
months and then turned over to another member. Coverage of the position is guaranteed by
Potential Place. Employers can benefit from having Potential Place members as employees.
They have the satisfaction of bringing specific members of the community back into productive
society plus having quality workmanship contributing to their work place. The benefits to
Potential Place members is having the opportunity to reach beyond their own personal short
term and long term limitations. Potential Place encourages members back into the workforce at
a pace that is within their comfort level, while being financially beneficial to an employee.
Potential Place can help fill entry-level positions, complete high-volume repetitive tasks, and
meet the demands of peak time work flow. We can fill typical entry-level jobs with two to four
main job duties that can be learned in one week or less, such as Garden Centre Support but
not limited to Office Assistant, Cleaner/Dish Washer / Furniture Building. All the Transitional
Employment positions we offer our members are part-time, from as little as 3 hours per day, a
few days per week, up to 20 hours per week. Often one full-time position is divided into
morning and afternoon shifts to create two jobs. We have relationships with employers in a
variety of sectors but need to develop more.
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Our commitment begins with a consultation to make sure that the job is suitable for our
membership. This includes sending one of our staff to the employer’s work site to learn the job
and ensure that our members can perform the duties consistently and accurately.
Members are paid directly by the employer at the prevailing hourly rate for the job. Should a
member be absent for any reason whatsoever, a staff member will cover the job at no cost to
the employer.
With substantial assistance from the Calgary Foundation, Potential Place will be expanding its
Transitional, Supported and Independent Employment programs over the next three years.
The impact of our employment program will be excellent for the economy as most of our
clients/members want to contribute to the community by completing meaningful work. In
some cases employers have a high volume of turnover due to workers gaining experience and
moving on. Each of our member’s main goal is to be able to work and feel a sense of
normality. They want to get up, go to work and get back to some kind of regimen that was
interrupted by their mental illness. If the employers understand mental illness and
acknowledge that the position held by one of our members will be covered by staff for any
reason, they will not lose productivity and will have free labour for that day. People with
mental illness often suffer from isolation and need a routine. We will be able to reach out and
help develop a better routine for those that suffer with their mental illness - and integrating
them back into society is the first step. Despite the sharp turn down in the Calgary economy
we are cautiously optimistic that our programs to get members jobs will bear fruit. More on
this in future blogs.
We would like to say thank you to The Calgary
Foundation! We have been awarded a grant that
is going to assist Potential Place’s Transitional,
Supported and Independent Employment Unit.
We will be hosting monthly meetings and please
stay turned for the schedule. We are hoping to
increase the amount of required TE’s beyond what we need for accreditation. If you are
looking for employment, you will want to come and be a part of this exciting grant
opportunity.
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Members
Wanted/Needed
Mktg./Communications
It’s that time of year again when we send one employee with one member for a two or three
week comprehensive training. This year Villa from Housing is attending and we require one
member to accompany him to Toronto, Ontario. The dates of training are October 16 to
October 28, 2016. Maybe someone from Housing would like to attend? We need each
member that is interested in attending this training need to submit their member statements
to a Clubhouse community meeting. Included in your statement should be why you would
like to attend training, what you may gain from attending and how you will implement what
you learn into our clubhouse. We would like the statements submitted by August 2, 2016 and
present to the rest of membership the following week on August 9, 2016. Please submit your
statements to Andrea on or before August 2nd. We look forward to hearing your statements.
Good Luck!!
July Birthday’s
By Marketing/Café Unit
All Colleague’s birthdays will be celebrated on the last
Friday of their birth month. Café will make one (or
several) cake(s) for all colleagues. The coffee and cake
are free for all in attendance. Members will still receive
their one free birthday lunch during their birthday
month at any time of their choosing. Reach-out will
done to ensure that members are aware of the same.
We are looking forward to celebrating with you at the
end of each month at 3PM.
Please mark your
calendars. The July event is July 29th. See you then.
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Changes in Mktg.
By Allison M.
As you all may or may not know, Sylvia has left full-time employment at Potential Place to
pursue a career as an Occupational Therapist with Carewest. We/(I) miss you in Mktg., and wish
you all the best in your career. Sylvia will still be very much involved in Clubhouse as she will
still be working Social Rec. nights, Statutory Holidays and our Saturday Openings.
While we are concluding the bi-weekly broadcasts for now, we are now focusing on producing our
broadcasts daily with hopes of lengthening them to include the standards and expectations skits.
Please come and join in all the fun.
Take part in a Tour
By Bart Collie
Hi! My name is Bart Collie are you here for a tour
Shake hands, come sit over here, I will grab you a cold water!
Are you a worker or wanting to become a member?
How did you hear about us?
Give a potential place smile to start
How will I begin this tour of 10-20, 5-10, 1-5
Focus on first impressions - make it a good one.
Keep your commitment strong for the club
Always talk positive
Any questions?
Give a testimony of self and the club.
Show map on the wall
Focus on work-ordered day and how they could be a part of it.
Save some of the tour for the show around.
Give compliments.
Introduce to staff and members.
No judgement, and have a story to tell.
Be a good listener.
How can I learn from the tour?
They have made me complete.
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Saying Goodbye!
By Katelyn & Kayleigh
We would first off like to thank everyone at Potential Place
Society for warmly welcoming us and supporting us
through our practicum. We have gained a tremendous
appreciation for the clubhouse model as it has allowed us
to see everyone’s unique strengths that you all use
throughout the work-ordered day. While you are all
managing with mental illness (es), you have showed us
that regardless of such diagnoses you are strong, talented
and
hard-working
individuals.
As
future
health
professionals we will strive to focus in on individual’s
strengths so that their illness, disability or impairment does
not define them so they can live meaningful lives.
We want to thank you all for sharing your personal stories of living with mental illness.
Opening up and sharing such stories or any difficulties you
were going through is not an easy thing to do. We want to
commend you guys for being so open and real with us.
Hearing your stories has allowed us to learn more deeply
about mental illness. We really enjoyed working with you
guys in creating the music video for ‘Fight Song’. It is an
extremely meaningful project and we want to thank
everyone who was involved as it is a step toward raising
awareness to step up and fight against the stigma of mental
illness!
Getting to complete our first placement at PPS has been
truly such an incredible experience. We feel so thankful to
have gotten to build amazing relationships with you guys.
We look forward to get to bring our experiences from PPS with us as we move through our
journey to become Occupational Therapists. We wish you all the best!! Thank you, thank you,
thank you!!
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Café News
With Tim’s retirement and Sylvia moving to a part time position and Dean moving to café, this
has been an exciting time of change for the Clubhouse. Amanda is excelling in her new
position in housing along with Villa and there are multiple opportunities for members to
participate in relationship building as well as in the regular tasks that make Potential Place run
smoothly on a daily basis.
Café goings on
We have a brilliant new blender in Café. Its name is Gertrude. Gertrude, also known as G unit,
has been making strawberry, banana, coconut milk smoothies and delectable chocolate, peanut
butter, pecan, and oats granola bars. The smoothies have been priced at 1 dollar for a large
glass and granola bars are priced at 50 cents each. Because of the cost associated with the
creation of smoothies and granola bars, these are excellent prices for healthy and tasty treats.
The first 2 batches of smoothies sold out in 20 minutes and the first batch of granola bars sold
out in 10 minutes. We have granola bars available from the second batch that have gotten rave
reviews. If you would like to take part in the creation of these delightful creations, come to a
Café unit meeting and join in with the fun.
Granola Bars: 50 cents
Smoothies and Shakes: $1.00
We will be bringing back a vegetarian meal. We are calling it the vegetarian surprise. The meal
will take place once per month and will include recipes from some famous vegan chefs, Villa K.,
Josselyn E. and Iain D. Look forward to a vegetarian meal coming your way soon. If you have
any suggestions for a vegetarian meal please write them down next to the café unit meeting
board in the dining area. The price will be the same as a regular meal, but with extra pizazz
and heart healthy food.
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Benefits of work…
By Vicky D.
The benefits of work on mental health
Part time, full time, casual. Help wanted. Minimum wage only.
Sound familiar? Work is defined as mental or physical activity done
as a means of earning income or to achieve a purpose and result
(Miriam Webster's definition). The fact that work can be a mental
task is very interesting. Some people work to earn an income (paid) and others do it for
experience (unpaid). Whatever the case may be, work/labour is a major part of life because it is
essential for our health (physical, social, spiritual, mental, etc.), well-being and longevity.
Why bother working when I am in AISH? You say. It has been proven according to the literature
done on work that it can indeed benefit one's sense of self-esteem by giving feelings and a
sense of accomplishment to take pride in something which will also reward you monetarily. For
me, if it was not for work I would not be able to cover unexpected bills nor be able to pay for
leisure and recreational activities (guitar and piano lessons) and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Mind you, money is not the ultimate satisfactory outcome. Unemployment can cause depression,
increased med use, sickness and further disability. You see, when one works, it expands his/her
life into 5 assets areas (Momentum, 2013) explained below.
Financial and the ability to earn an income/savings/investments/emergency
funds.
Socially as it improves relationships with family, friends, work buddies, mentors
and community members) and decreases isolation.
Working expands your knowledge, the acquisition of new skills and education and
experiences. People who work have been better able to problem solve, and are
more able to find work easier and keep their jobs.
The
working
individual
is
easily
motivated, has better self-confidence
and independence, assertiveness, hope,
self-control, boundaries, and even a
sense of humour.
Having a job means access to housing,
food/clothing, safety, transportation,
more information and other services.
Overall it is safe to say that work can help shape
you for the better. So, if u can, why not work?
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Welcome New Hires
By Andrea
Potential Place has completed the interview process for two positions: 1 full time Mental
Health Generalist and one summer student. The full time position has been accepted by
Kristina Waldmann. Kristina is a recent graduate from the University of Calgary with a
Bachelor’s in Psychology. She will have bottom line responsibility for our Marketing /
Communications unit. Kristina started Monday June 27th and hit the floor running. She is
settling into the unit very nicely!
Jane Brownridge is currently completing her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the
University of Alberta. Jane will be employed at Potential Place from July to August and while
here she will be involved in the Café unit and will be integrally involved in assisting the
Clubhouse to prepare for the Flashmob dance coming up in the fall as a part of Mental Health
week. Jane starts on Monday July 4, 2016.
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Photos By Sage
Resources of the Month
By Josselyn
The Drop in Center Employment Services
Training (EST)
The Calgary Drop-In Centre has a three week program the helps people
get their NORCAT training, ACSA training, Fork Lift training, First Aid CPR
training, computer
training, Life Skills ( self-esteem, stress
management, constructive thinking, money management), Employment
Strategies ( career planning, resume building, interview preparation, continuing education
seminar).
After completing the three week program you will have lots of skills to help to find a job in the
construction industry. Once completing the program there is a woodworking program that will
teach tricks of the trade in cabinetry. This is a full time program and is called 12 Week Wood
Works Program. This program also pays. You can contact the Employment Services (EST) at
403-699-8282 or you can email them at est@calgarydropin.ca The Di is located at 1 Dermot
Baldwin Way SE.
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 SPECIAL THANKS 
For our 2016 apartment building renovations and maintenance campaign, Kinsmen of Calgary
donated $25,000. We are extremely grateful as this will cover nearly 50% of the budgeted
costs for maintenance and renovations in the current year. Members, staff, board members
and family and friends of Potential Place are delighted to be volunteering over 25 shifts at the
Stampede grounds to assist Kinsmen of Calgary with their 2016 fundraising campaign!
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What’s New at Bldg. 2?
By Amanda
Building #2 had a barbeque on June 15th. I would like to thank everyone who contributed and
attended. We had a nice and sunny afternoon. The barbeque was well attended by tenants
and guests. In all we had about 17 people. A special thank you to Greg M. for allowing us to
use his barbeque. Also a shout out to the Food bank for donating the sausages and other
goodies.
In other news, Potential Place would like to welcome a new tenant to Building #2. Please
welcome Ricco. Ricco has been a very active member in Clubhouse activities and will be a
very good addition to the apartments.
We are very grateful to Kinsmen for their very generous donation to be used at the buildings.
We are looking forward to upgrading some apartments’ lighting, flooring and maybe some
new windows.
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What’s New at Bldg. 1?
By Villa
Due to the recent flooding in Building #1, restoration started June 29,
2016 and is being done by Belfor Restoration Services. The restoration
with take approximately
10 days to be completed. Once the
By Amanda
restoration is complete residents of Building #1 will be able to resume
duties such as laundry!
Tracy Audley has started her summer gardening at Building #1.
Thank you Tracy for your hard work!
Additional thanks to…
David Baker for providing support to members with taxes. If you still need to file taxes, please
see your contact worker for more info.
Bruce Anderson for his continued assistance and support with the Associated Groceries run.

Deepest Sympathies…
to Bruce and Cheri Anderson and family in their time of grieving for
the recent loss of a family member. You are in our thoughts.
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HOURS OF OPERATION
Please note the change in hours of operation.
Stat holidays & 1st Saturday of each month
10:00am – 3:00pm
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Social Recreation
Monster
Mini Golf
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Glow
In the
Dark
Bowling
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Jam Session
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Recipe of the Month
Cheddar Broccoli Egg Muffins
Cheddar Broccoli Egg Muffins
Makes 6 muffins
Ingredients
4 eggs
1 cup steamed broccoli (or frozen broccoli that’s been
defrosted)
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Sea salt and pepper to taste (about ½ tsp. each)
Directions
1.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 6 hole muffin tin with oil.
2. Chop broccoli and place it in a bowl with the eggs and sea salt + pepper if you desire
those. Whisk together.
3.
Pour egg mixture into muffin tins and divide cheese evenly among them.
4.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
Notes
You could sub any veggie or cheese here, but I’m particular to the cheddar broccoli combo.
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Charitable # 895282358RR0001
Your Donation Will Support
Please Check One
Non-Restricted Funds – Can be applied to any one of our current programs
Program Supports – Community Connection – Café/Bistro - Marketing
Continuing Education Supports
Transitional Employment Program
Social Recreation Supports
YAOP Supports – Young Adults of Potential
Housing Supports
Donation Amount
One - Time
Monthly
–
Until MM / DD / YYYY
Enter the Amount
/
/
Message/Instructions for Potential Place Society
Payment Information
Credit Card Type
Card Number
Expiry Date
Month
Year
Card Holder Name
Telephone
(
Address
City
)
Province
Postal Code
Please Print and fax to 403-216-9251 or scan and e-mail to: navi.sahota@potentialplace.org
Address – 110, 999 – 8th Street SW | Calgary, Alberta | T2R 1J5
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