AGAINST ALL ODDS

Annual Report 2008-2009

Canadian Mental Health Association(Saskatchewan Division) Inc.

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Global Ends Policy/Mission Statement & Values Page 3President’s Report Page 4Executive Director’s Report Page 4Social Work Practicum Report Page 5

PUBLIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Consumer Advisory Committee Report Page 5Community Partnerships Page 6

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

Friends for Life Program Page 7Problem Gambling Community Program Page 8

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY SUPPORT Page 9

DIRECT SERVICE

Battlefords Branch Page 10Kindersley Branch Page 11Moose Jaw Branch Page 12Prince Albert Branch Page 13Regina Branch Page 14Saskatoon Branch Page 15Swift Current Branch Page 16Weyburn Branch Page 16Yorkton Branch Page 17

ADMINISTRATION

Resource Development Page 18

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page 20

2008-2009 Board of Directors Page 29Division Office Staff Page 29

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Global Ends Policy & Mission Statement

The Canadian Mental Health Association(Saskatchewan Division) Inc. is a volunteer-basedorganization which supports and promotes the rightsof persons with mental illness to maximize their fullpotential; and promotes and enhances the mentalhealth and well-being of all members of thecommunity.

Ends Policy 1 – Quality of Life

People with mental health problems will havehealthy, personally satisfying relationships and anexcellent quality of life. Such a life includesmeaningful work, adequate income, good housing,accessible education and training, enjoyablerecreational activities, friendship and fun with others.It also includes easy access to appropriate, effective,comprehensive health services in a community inwhich there is an understanding and acceptance ofmental illness.

Ends Policy 2 – Promotion and Prevention

There will be a reduced incidence and severity ofmental illness in the community; mental health willbe promoted throughout the community; and high-quality information on mental health and mentalillness will be available to all.

Ends Policy 3 – Autonomy and Human Rights

Mental health consumers, and families affected bymental illness, will be empowered and supported intheir efforts to protect their human rights, and tofreely make autonomous, reasonable and responsiblechoices and decisions.

Values

The Canadian Mental Health Association(Saskatchewan Division) Inc. endorses the followingvalues essential to fulfillment of the Global EndsPolicy/Mission Statement:

• The future well-being and the quality of lifeof persons with mental illnesses depends onour ability to change attitudes toward

mental illness. The Association must communicatethat there is a high incidence of psychiatric andemotional disorders in our communities, whichstrikes more people every year than all otherhealth problems combined.

• The Association is committed to promote a qualityof life for people who are psychiatricallydisadvantaged.

• The Association strives to prevent mental illnessand promote mental health.

• The Association is firm in its conviction that personswith mental illness have the potential to livenormal, or near normal live within the communityand it, therefore, commits to advocating withthem, or on their behalf, to promote awareness ofconditions surrounding mental illness, to monitorinadequate care, and foster better mental health,dignity and quality of life through community-based support and services.

• In all its endeavours, the Association strives to offerconsumers, colleagues and the public the higheststandards of leadership, service andprofessionalism.

• The Association is committed to administering itsaffairs in a cost-effective and efficient manner andto working within the levels of communitysupport.

• The Saskatchewan Division continually reaffirmsthe leadership of the Canadian Mental HealthAssociation, its partnership with communitygroups, government and non-governmentagencies and individuals, and its commitment toestablish viable mental health programs, policiesand services.

• Meaningful leisure activity is an essential source ofself-esteem and position image. Leisure providesthe opportunity to lead balanced lives, achieveour full potential and gain life satisfaction. TheCanadian Mental Health Association(Saskatchewan Division) Inc. is committed toenhancing quality of life through recreationprograms and services.

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President’s Report

submitted by Susan Grohn, PresidentCMHA (Saskatchewan Division) Inc.

This past year started off with a “bang”, with theCMHA (Saskatchewan Division) Inc. and theSchizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan jointconference and AGM. I’m certain that all of you willagree that this will be a difficult one to “top”! Iwould like to take this time to thank again all thoseinvolved with making it a success.

We should not lose focus on the ultimate goal of theconference, and that is the “recovery model” forthose living with mental illness. We certainly caught

the attention of thoseinv o lved in thedelivery of health care.It is now up to us tochampion this “cause”for future delivery ofmental health care inthis province.

Last fall we elicited theassistance of DaveMorgan to educate usin the ways of“planned giving”. Tobriefly explain, it is atool to assist us in our

commitment to ensure the sustainability of theCanadian Mental Health Association. Dave has verygraciously offered to Co-Chair this committee withJoan Kilbride, and I thank them for theircommitment to this goal.

We have faced many challenges this year, as in pastyears. We will face many more in the coming years,for this is what our Association does. I’m very proudof my involvement with CMHA and will continue tobe involved as long as I am able to do so. My term asPresident of CMHA (Saskatchewan Division) Inc. isquickly drawing to a close, but I know that we willcontinue to be in very capable hands.

I want to thank Dave Nelson and all of our staff atDivision Office who have made my term such anenjoyable experience. I look forward to workingwith all of you in the future. Thank you!

Executive Director’s Report

submitted byDave Nelson, RPN, RSW, Executive DirectorCMHA (Saskatchewan Division) Inc.

Another year has flown by with the Associationparticipating in what we hope will be a truly meaningfulimprovement to the lives of those with psychiatricdisabilities.

What I am referring to is theDisability Income Support TaskTeam process mandated by theMinister of Social Services.

This Task Team has beenmeeting regularly every twoweeks since January, and istasked with designing a new andseparate income supportprogram for those withsignif icant and enduringdisabilities, including cognitiveand psychiatric disabilities. Thewriter has been involved as aTask Team Member and theprocess has been a good one,with a truly collaborative tone to the meetings.

We encourage government to ensure an adequateamount to make a real difference to those with significantmental health and other disabilities in our province.

We should also make note of Jayne Whyte’s project(supported by funding from the Sask. Parks andRecreation Association/Sask. Lotteries) that will begin thecompilation of the history of mental health inSaskatchewan. She “chose to focus on recreation,occupational therapy and social interactions that directlyaffected the lives and living conditions of persons who livedwith mental illness in the Weyburn Hospital”. We arehoping that this will not only raise public awareness in thiscritical area, but also keep Public Policy informed of long-term history and the importance of recreation inpsychosocial health and recovery.

All has been going well in the Association with the busyschedule continuing of supporting those in our communitywho require our help.

“We should not losefocus on the ultimategoal......the “recoverymodel” for those livingwith mental illness.

It is now up to us tochampion this “cause”for future delivery ofmental health care inthis province.”

“We encouragegovernment to

ensure anadequate amount

(of incomesupport) to makea real difference

to those withsignificant

mental healthand other

disabilities in ourprovince.”

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One dark spot on our year has been the loss offunding for our Friends for Life Program from theMinistry of Learning. We are searching for otheravenues of funding as we continue to push for theneed for this valuable mental health and suicideprevention education program.

We are looking forward to a great summer andanother successful year and wish you all the same.

Social Work Practicum 2009

submitted by Elliot Ross

Hi, my name is Elliot Ross and I was a Social Workpracticum student with CMHA SaskatchewanDivision this past semester. It was a challenging andexciting few months and I have gained someincredibly valuable experiences. It was a pleasure tobe able to learn so much from Dave Nelson and theyears of experience and knowledge that he has, aswell as from the very competent and knowledgeablestaff at the CMHA Division Office.

I was afforded the opportunity of being involved insome unique pieces that CMHA and Dave have beeninvolved in. Each one has been instrumental in mydevelopment as a Social Worker. These piecesincluded the Disability Income Support Program TaskTeam and connected with this work the DisabilityIncome Support Coalition. Another small, butimportant opportunity was the chance to participatein the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s forumthat was held in Regina. I also had the chance toassist in some of the planning around the ProvincialConference and AGM.

The Task Team for a new income disability supportprogram was a great learning experience. I was ableto observe parts of the process as well as the TaskTeam gatherings and was able to see social policy inthe development stages. This Task Team gave mean opportunity to do some research on disabilityissues related to income support programs and theoverall lack of adequate income for individuals withdisabilities who receive social assistance.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada iscurrently in the public eye bringing awareness ofmental health issues to the general public. This

increase of awareness is ahealthy and positive steptowards removing some of thestigma around mental illness.It was a worthwhile experienceto be able to participate in theforum and to be encouragedby the direction of theCommission and also by thefact that the CMHA has beenworking towards many of these same goals for years.

Finally, I was able to be a part of the planning process forthe Provincial Conference. We are very excited at what ithas to offer this year. We have some great guest speakerscoming in with unique and exciting styles of presentation.Helping to prepare a conference can be a very rewardingwork and I hope that all goes well.

My experience at CMHA has been incredibly valuable andhas taught me so much about Social Work. Some of theexperiences that I have gained here will be takenthroughout my Social Work career and can be applied tomy daily life as well. I have been very blessed to haveworked in an organization with as much care and dignityas CMHA. I look forward to maintaining a relationshipwith CMHA in the future.

PUBLIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Consumer Advisory Committee Report

submitted by Doreen Bell, Co-Chair

We have another year behind us and we are all lookingforward to some warm weather.

I am pleased to be able to report that the RegisteredPsychiatric Nurses Program has been reinstated. It is amuch-needed program.

The Consumer Advisory Committee would like to thankLindy Thorsen for setting up a series of radio shows onmental health topics on CBC’s Blue Sky. Thanks also go toDave Nelson for being available to appear on this series.

Darrell Downton has done an excellent job of sitting on theNational Consumer Advisory Committee.

The Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC) has been

“I have been veryblessed to haveworked in anorganization with asmuch care anddignity as CMHA.”

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promoting an income stability program for peoplewith serious, long-term disabilities both physical andpsychiatric. On May 13 the Minister of Social Service

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announced the establishment of this program butwork to develop eligibility requirements, stafftraining, the issue of adequacy, etc. will be ongoing.

We would also like to say thank you to Gayle Mast,the Executive Director of CMHA Saskatoon Branchwho is retiring May 2009. Thank you for yourdedication to CMHA Saskatoon Branch. We hopeyour retirement will be a healthy, happy andrelaxing one. Good luck in your future endeavours.Last, but not least, thank you to all of the Board,staff, committees, volunteers and consumers formaking this past year a year of accomplishments.

Thank you.

Community Partnerships

The majority of Public Policy Development effortsover the past year were in the area of incomesecurity. As a result of work with the DisabilityIncome Support Coalition (DISC) and the ProvincialInteragency Network on Disabilities (PIND), DaveNelson had the opportunity to be part of theDisability Income Support Task Team, mandated bythe Minister of Social Services.

This Task Team has been working to develop a newa separate income support program for those withsevere and persistent disabilities, including cognitiveand psychiatric disabilities. The intent is to have aprogram separate from the welfare system in order

to alleviate some of the stigma associated with socialassistance and to provide a more seamless process ofaccessing services as needed. While these changes arenecessary, there is still a need to address the issue ofadequacy. We continue to encourage the government toensure that there is an adequate level of support to makea meaningful difference in the lives of those needing thissupport.

CMHA (Saskatchewan Division) Inc. also continues to takea leadership role on the Mental Health Coalition.

There is a great deal of crossover between the MentalHealth Coalition, PIND and DISC, with a number ofagencies sitting on all of these groups. The value of this isseen when groups are all talking with the same voice in acoordinated way. When Government sees this kind ofconsensus, they start to recognize the need to respond.

During the year CMHA (Saskatchewan Division) has alsohad the opportunity to provide input into several areassuch as:

• Input into Consultant’s Report on Inpatient Careat the Regina General Hospital and meetingsregarding improvements to the mental healthsystem in Regina and area.

• Meetings and forum with the Mental HealthCommission of Canada

• Meeting with the Deputy Minister of Educationregarding changes to the Education Act as it refersto disability issues.

• Meetings with the Health Care Quality Councilregarding mental health issues.

• Meeting with Federal and Provincial Ministers ofHealth with other stakeholders regarding mentalhealth issues.

• Attendance at Community Based OrganizationSummits in Regina and Yorkton.

• Involvement on the Psychiatric Nursing ProgramAdvisory Committee.

• Meeting with Regina Qu’Appelle Regional HealthAuthority Managers re potential inclusion ofrecovery-oriented philosophy into changes forprograms.

The Consumer Advisory Committee is a standing

committee of the Provincial Board with a mandate to

advise the Board on all matters related to consumer

involvement in Association programs and policies

which affect mentally ill persons. It does this by

monitoring policies and programs of all mental health

services, ensuring consumers’ issues are addressed and

reflected in Association activities and advocating on

behalf of consumers to allow empowerment of mentally

ill persons. The Consumer Advisory Committee also

advises the Association on recreation program

development and delivery issues.

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PUBLIC EDUCATION & AWARENESS

Friends for Life

submitted by Dianne Boy Fernandez,Director

During this past year, Friends for Life has continuedto provide public education and awareness programsto promote good mental health, combat stigma andequip individuals to help people with thoughts ofsuicide.

Funding from the Ministry of Education throughMarch 31 , 2009 enabled Friends for Life to provide

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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) toteachers, administrators and counseling staff; andSafeTALK (suicide alertness training) to teachers andhigh school students in several Saskatchewan schooldivisions. Other topics covered in workshopsdelivered this year include suicide awareness, stigma,self-esteem, maintaining mental health, youth andissues in mental health, depression, anxiety andgrieving.

Friends for Life was also able to provide workshopson various mental health topics to a wide range oforganizations. These include Pioneer Village staff,Sask. Power, AWASIS Aboriginal EducationConvention, several teachers’ conventions, RCMPstaff, Pasqua First Nation, Social Work students atthe University of Regina, SUNTEP education studentsat the University of Saskatchewan, residents ofSophia House, SIAST Aboriginal Policing PreparationProgram and others.

In addition to educational workshops, Friends for Lifefills many requests for pamphlets and our popularposters dealing with suicide and mental health. TheFriends for Life Resource Centre continues to lend outbooks, teaching kits and audiovisual materials toteachers and individuals around the province. In thepast year, visitors to our Resource Centre haveincluded teachers, students, social workers, concernedcitizens and employees of the health region andprovincial government. Thanks to Lynn Hill for hermanagement of the Resource Centre, and attention

to our visitors and many mail-out requests. Her assistancein administration is also a major contribution to the successof the program.

The continuing cooperation of Donna Bowyer to theFriends for Life Program has been indispensable this year.Donna team-teaches the ASIST workshop and providesvaluable support, resources and back up for the Director.

A highlight this year has been a team of three Universityof Regina students who approached Friends for Life witha plan to produce a film about youth suicide and ideas toraise funding for Friends for Life’s work with young people.Richika Bodani, Luke Patterson and Jerry Shen haveworked with enthusiasm and considerable technicalexpertise on this project. We hope to see a finishedproduct by this fall.

The Friends for Life Mental Health Literacy Kit, developedby former Director, Linda Cairns and edited by PhyllisO’Connor, has been produced in a CD format. The CDincludes background information on a variety of mentalhealth topics and Power Point presentations suitable forteaching others about these topics. Friends for Lifedistributes this valuable resource to educators and otherswho have the responsibility for sharing mental healthinformation. The Literacy Kit is available from the Friendsfor Life Resource Centre upon request.

In November all staff and some BoardMembers joined together to staff theFriends for Life booth for the entire weekof Agribition. This was a valuableopportunity to raise awareness of mentalhealth and combat stigma in thecommunity. Hundreds of people,including students and teachers, visitedthe booth to gather information, postersand our ever-popular stress balls and icescrapers.

At the request of the Ministry of Education, Friends for Lifeconducted a needs assessment surveying SaskatchewanSuperintendents of Student Services, school administratorsand counselors to discover whether there was a perceivedneed for more education on the topic of suicide for bothSaskatchewan educators and students. The surveyrevealed several gaps in service where Friends for Lifecould provide training in suicide intervention or suicidealertness. There is a need for suicide education at theelementary school level in addition to what has been doneat the secondary school level.

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Thanks to Michael Seiferling who worked with us toconduct the assessment on Survey Monkey and tointerpret the results. The information obtained in thesurvey constitutes valuable background material forfuture funding proposals. Based on the informationobtained in the needs assessment, a proposal forfunding and a strategic plan was submitted to theMinistry of Education.

The current funding contract with the Ministry ofEducation ended December 31 , 2008 and the

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program continued with funding from CMHA(Saskatchewan Division) Inc. fundraised resourcesuntil March 31 , 2009. At the moment, Ministry of

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Education funding for Friends for Life has not beenrenewed, and due to the limited availability of otherfunds, the Director of Friends for Life and Traininghas been laid off of full-time staff. Dianne BoyFernandez continues to work with the program on acontract, providing presentations on an “as needed”basis. This situation is not ideal, but it allows us tocontinue to meet requests for workshops. We arecontinuing to seek further funding from the Ministryof Education, and are actively searching out otherfunding sources, however, lack of staff makes thisdifficult.

Despite the difficulties encountered in funding thisyear, the Friends for Life continues to provide muchneeded resources and education to the public.

Problem Gambling Community Program

submitted by Shauna Altrogge, Director

The Problem Gambling Program works incollaboration with the Ministry of Health to deliverthe public education and community developmentcomponents of the province’s Problem GamblingProgram. The program has been running successfullyfor 14 years and we are delighted to offer our servicesto the people of Saskatchewan in 2009-2010 as weenter our 15 consecutive year!

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The core of our work continues in Outreach, ResourceDistribution and Partnership Development. Outreachincludes the range of our public presentations to youth,older adults, First Nations communities and the generalpublic. Resource Distribution refers to our role in assistingwith the distribution of a range of print resources andother materials developed by our program and by theMinistry of Health. Partnership Development occurs in ourfacilitating and supporting the work of the five problemgambling committees and other stakeholders.

Staff Transitions:

Dave Morgan, long time Acting Director, announced hisretirement in the early part of the fiscal year. He leftbehind a legacy of extensive community outreach and apositive imprint in many communities across the provinceas he carried forth our message. David Jones joined ourprogram in May 2008 to oversee the Regina service area.Camille Zavlanos left our program in August 2008 andElizabeth Deobold rejoined to our Prince Albert office inOctober 2008. Rachel Clare rejoined our program inSeptember to fulfill the duties of the Saskatoon positionleft vacant as I assumed the role of Director in August2008.

Outreach Success:

In light of a year of staff transitions and challenges, theteam worked diligently to conduct over 170 presentationsto the communities within our province. The impact ofoutreach extends well beyond the child or older adultattending a session. The importance of our outreach as itextends to families, employers, and entire communitiescannot be overstated.

Teachers’ Conventions: Apart from the classroompresentation, which is a considerable piece of our work,connecting with teachers outside of the classroomenvironment remains an integral piece to our outreachefforts. Staff attended and presented at a range ofconventions and school health fairs. These events provideus tremendous exposure to a considerable number ofteachers, as well as students across the province. Asnapshot of our outreach includes the Safe SchoolsConference, Cando Community School Health Fair,Chinook School Division Convention, “Exploring Unity inCommunity” conference, Regina School DivisionConference, Sun West and Tri West Teachers’ Convention,and the Prince Albert and Area’s Teachers’ Associationconference.

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Our efforts also included collaboration with parentand Community Councils. The CMHA ProblemGambling Community Program took steps todevelop relationships with the parents of youth. Thelink to parents will extend our outreach to familiesand will enhance our ability to follow up on ouroutreach work with students in classrooms.

RCMP Cadets:

We had a strong presence with groups such as theRCMP Training Depot, offering an average of overtwo presentations per month to this unique group offuture RCMP Officers. Evaluation feedback indicatesa need for information on the issue of gaming andproblem gambling as it relates to criminality and lawenforcement.

Saskatchewan Seniors Week:

Held September 29 to October 5 , 2008,th th

Saskatchewan Seniors Week provided staff withopportunities to connect with older adults. Staffattended key events that helped to raise the profileof our program among seniors and seniors groups.The Regina Gala Luncheon and the SaskatoonSpotlight on Seniors events provided us with theopportunity to reach well over 400 older adults.

Problem Gambling Committees:

Five Problem Gambling Committees continue tomeet on a regular basis and are located in PrinceAlbert, Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton and Moose Jaw.Each committee has a unique role within itsrespective community and meet for a variety ofreasons and functions. Program staff continue to bea resource to the committees and support theirefforts.

Professional Development and Innovation:

Program staff had the opportunity to seekprofessional development opportunities throughoutthe year. The 9 Annual National Council on

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Responsible Gaming Conference on Gambling andAddiction, Las Vegas, was attended by the staffteam. Part of the team also took part in the AlbertaGaming Research Institute and the University ofLethbridge Conference that focused on internet

gambling. Both events provided an opportunity to hearfrom experts and researchers in the field of gaming,responsible gaming, problem gambling and preventionwork.

During 2008-2009 a new provincial Problem Gamblingdisplay underwent development. It is being designed tohelp raise the profile of our program at key events, as wellas to offer information on some popular myths associatedwith gambling.

I wish to thank Steve Christensen and Leanne Fischer. TheMinistry of Health staff offers support and advice to ourefforts. The Board of Trustees for the CommunityInitiatives Fund continues to recognize the importance ofour prevention and education work.

I also extend special thanks to David Jones, Rachel Clare,Elizabeth Deobald and Camille Zavlanos, CommunityDevelopment Coordinators. Outreach and partnershipdevelopment continues as a result of their commitmentand dedication.

I would also like to extend my appreciation to Lynn Hill,C M H A Saska tc h ew a n D iv i s io n ’ s E d i t or ia lSecretary/Receptionist, who continues to provide supportto many of our projects.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY SUPPORT

While the main focus of the work of CMHA(Saskatchewan Division) Inc. is education and public policydevelopment on a provincial scale to assist thoseexperiencing mental health issues, the staff at CMHADivision Office frequently have the opportunity to assistindividual consumers and their family members on avariety of issues. The following is a brief sampling of thetype of assistance provided by Division Office throughoutthe past year:

• Meeting with volunteers from OCD Self-HelpGroup

• Assisted elderly persons whose younger familymembers were abusive

• Assisted parents in obtaining services for theirchildren from Child & Youth Services

• Assisted Principal of a school re suicide anniversary

• Assisted family members to find suitable inpatient

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care in the patient’s community

• Assisted family member to find support forelderly parent with early alzheimers diseaseand depression

• Assisted consumer to get CPP DisabilityPension and Drug Plan support

• Assisted parent of son with Post TraumaticStress Disorder to get help

• Assisted consumer who wished to changeworker at a clinic

• Assisted Human Rights Commission workerre information on official representative andpatient human rights.

• Assisted family member re long-term careinformation

• Assisted consumer re support for loss of homedue to unpaid taxes

• Assisted consumer with advice re counselingoptions.

• Assisted Guidance Counselor withinformation re early psychosis and referraloptions.

This is just an overview of the type of requests forindividual and family support which are received atDivision Office. Division Office staff also provide bothverbal and print information on a wide variety ofmental health topics such as schizophrenia, bipolardisorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder,stress, workplace mental health, etc. on an almostdaily basis.

DIRECT SERVICE

Battlefords Branch

submitted by Kevin Sabraw, Acting Program Director

This has been a very successful year for CMHA BattlefordBranch. Kevin Sabraw has been Acting Program Directorduring Wendy Brundige’s sick leave. Annette McGovernhas been hired five mornings a week to help Kevin andWendy Solomko has been hired to be our Bookkeeper.

Two new Board Members have joined us and two haveretired. Cindy How and Shirley Williams have replacedShirley Highton and Emily Hardy.

Our Social Recreation Program has expanded to anadditional evening per week to accommodate an ever-increasing client base. Adam Felix, Program Coordinator,was increased to full time hours for the summer months toaccommodate summer activities. The annual TourProgram took place June 22 - 27, 2008 with 29 clientsenjoying the Grand Beach/Winnipeg area. The mini toursfor the summer were filled with exciting short trips. Someof the destinations were Lloydminster, Bud Miller Park, thePetting Zoo, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm and theSaskatoon International Raceway. We also attended theSt. Walburg Blueberry Festival and spent two days at ourlocal exhibition/fair.

The TEP Program has completed another very busy year.There are enough requests for services that a second workcrew could be kept busy. Without funds for an additionalstaff member, many new contracts had to be turneddown.

Steven Booth from the Prairie North Health Region hasattended some meetings with our Branch to discuss theplans for a new building and program expansion. Theproposed new building would have a 20 bed apartmentcomplex and a front annex area, which would house theservices of Portage Vocational Society and the CanadianMental Health Association Battlefords Branch. TheEdwards Society Inc. would manage the apartmentcomplex. We have developed a very close workingrelationship with Portage Vocational Society. Thisprogram would be the next step to our current TEPProgram.

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We have been fortunate to continue an associationwith Katimavik in the Battlefords. This is a volunteergroup from across Canada that assists participants togain work experience while assisting non-profitorganizations.

Short Term Recommendations:

• increased funding for programming, bothSocial Recreational and Vocational

• larger program area to accommodate theincreased client base.

Kindersley Branch

submitted by Pam Welter, Branch Coordinator

O u r G o a l :Promoting mentalhealth and wellnesst h r o u g hcomp rehens ive ,community-baseds e r v i c e s f o rindividuals, families,g r o u p s a n dorganizations.

Our Values: Accountability, Empathy, Leadership,Excellence, Empowerment.

We strive for excellence through the quality of ourprograms and services, commitment to ourcommunity’s needs and by being balanced in ourservices.

We are accountable for our actions, use ethicalpractices, show integrity and demonstratestewardship of our resources.

We have empathy for our clients, show compassion,are inclusive, accessible and show respect.

We demonstrate leadership by being proactive,innovative and act as advocates.

We empower persons through the programs andservices we provide and the training, support and

recognition of our volunteers.

Promotion:

CMHA Kindersley Branch is dedicated to promotingmental health and wellness through a comprehensiverange of community-based services for individuals,families, groups and organizations. We have beenworking in the Kindersley area for 40 years to help addressthe needs of those with a mental illness, the preventionand the promotion of mental health.

Collaboration:

We invite collaboration. CMHA Kindersley Branch isconnected to a variety of mental health service providersand professionals in the Region. We invite partnerships toprovide information regarding a variety of mental healthtopics and connect those in need with many otherinformative sources. The branch provides responsiblereferral to other agencies; education and related supportsas requested and as they may become necessary. To thefamilies in our communities we provide appropriateinformation and referrals regarding their loved one’smental health needs and support in advocacy and copingskills as necessary.

Hamper Program:

One of the community actions facilitated by CMHAKindersley Branch is the Christmas Hamper Program.Unique to the area, under this program low incomefamilies can apply to receive a generous food hamper forChristmas. Each family receives groceries for about onemonth, a Christmas turkey and gift from Santa for thekids. This is the longest running and largest populationhealth promotions program in the region, which is done incollaboration with numerous community groups. In 2008,113 families throughout the Heartland Health Region weresupplied with a hamper under this program.

Presentations:

The Kindersley Branch has done numerous presentationsin schools and for groups in several communitiesthroughout the Heartland Health Region. Some of thetopics covered are:

• CMHA Roles and Responsibilities• Population Health Promotion from a Mental

Health Point of View• Determinants of Health Affecting Mental Well

CMHA Kindersley Branchis one of the oldestcommunity-based serviceorganizations in theRegion, started by agroup of citizensconcerned with servicesavailable for those withmental health issues inthe community.

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Being• Depression• Youth Suicide Prevention• Suicide Prevention Guide for Schools• “wholam” – Case study profiles of mental

heath services in our rural communities• CHEERS – Understanding the Relationship

between Alcohol and Mental Health • Work/Life Balance

In 2008 we have presented the Work/Life Balancepresentation 24 times in various communitiesthroughout the Region.

Programs:

The Branch also offers the following programs:

• Let’s Get Together (4 schools)• How to Drug Proof Your Kids (8

presentations in 4 communities)• Safe Communities –

• farm safety (2 summer camps in 2communities and 6 communitypartners access the farm safetyresources)

• car seat safety (volunteers in severalcommunities access the program)

• bike safety (volunteers in severalcommunities access the program)

• smoke free communities (resourcesdistributed throughout the Region)

• In Motion Initiatives• Sch izophren ia Partnersh ips

Awareness Presentations

• ASIST Suicide Intervention Trainingand Talk Suicide Program forSchools (11 presentations in 5communities)

Education:

The CMHA Kindersley Branch receives numerousinvitations throughout the Heartland Health Regionto attend various events with our information andpamphlet display. Through this service CMHAKindersley Branch is linked into the communitieswithin the Health Region to do population healthpromotion, education, referrals and advocacy.

Board/Volunteers:

The Kindersley Branch has several volunteers throughoutour communities. The Board, volunteers and residentsprovide links between health care professionals,communities, individuals and resources. Our programskeep the branch linked to the communities in the HealthRegion and with community partners. Our programs aredelivered within the Population Health Promotions model,where key members in the communities are trained andprovided with the resources to deliver and educate onmental health topics.

In conclusion, CMHA Kindersley Branch is one of the oldestcommunity-based service organizations in the Region,started by a group of citizens concerned with servicesavailable for those with mental health issues in thecommunity. Effective population health promotionprograms are multi-faceted and long-term, therefore, wewill continue to assist communities to develop, deliver andown programs that contribute to a healthy community.

Moose Jaw Branch

submitted by Donna Bowyer, Program Director

Moose Jaw is an ever-changing community. We arealways ready to meet the needs of the community, and sowe change with it.

We moved this year and I think it was a good move for us.We are now located in a Community High School. Thishas given us the opportunity to work closer with theschools and their students.

We were fortunate enough to get a couple of grantsthrough the Community Initiatives Fund. This first is tohelp new immigrant youth transition into work oreducation from high school. This has been a greatpartnership with Prairie South School Division and theMulticultural Council. We have a number of otherpartners in this project which allows for the full spectrumof support for the youth and their families.

The second project is with the Aspergers Youth 14+. Therewas a void in our community for the development ofsocial skills for this group. We worked with the parents,the Regional Intersectoral Committee, CognitiveDisabilities, and a number of other partners.

Partners Against Violence has been an active committee.We were able to hire a part-time staff person, who

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assisted us in working toward having a “Building aSafe Community” week in May of 2009.

The statistics for 2008-2009 shows that we wereasked to do 30 presentations, 20 presentationsthrough Shaw Cable, 6 newspaper articles, set up 7displays and took part in over ten committees.Under the Friends for Life Program the writer did 6ASISTS, 1 ASIST tuneup and 6 SafeTalks.

I was also honoured to be asked to write the forwardin the book “Smiling Mask”. This was a newopportunity for me to work with some great womenaround the issue of PostPartum Depression. As aresult of the work they did, they have been able toraise the awareness around this issue through theirbook, newspaper articles, and radio and TVinterviews. It also gave us the inspiration toapproach Welcome Wagon to have brochuresincluded in every basket that is given to new moms.We have given out over 300 brochures so far.

Les Gray and I were given the opportunity to takepart in and present at a conference in Toronto on theMental Health Lens. This was a great opportunity tosee what else is happening across Canada.

We were lucky enough to attract a couple of greatspeakers to Moose Jaw. The first was PatriciaPearson, the author of “A Brief History of Anxiety”.She was in Regina withthe Regina Branch andagreed to come do apresentation at theLibrary. The secondwas Donna Caruso,who did a series ofperformances. Wewere able to partnerw i t h t h e F a i t hCommunity, which noto n ly e n s u r e d asuccessful series of events, but also developed newpartners to work with in the future.

We have been able to partner with Mental Healthand Addictions Services on a number of importantprojects. We were able to run a series ofpresentations through the Library for parents onmental health and addictions issues. We alsopartnered in the development of a poster onDepression, which will be distributed to doctors’

offices and other health offices. The CMHA Moose Jawwebsite (www.cmhamj.com) carries information that wasprovided by Mental Health and Addiction Services tomake it accessible to anyone interested in mental healthinformation. This is just a sampling of projects carried outto bring information to the community.

With every activity, event and fundraising opportunity, weexpand our ability to work with new partners. Every yearI see how people are becoming more aware of mentalillness and mental health – and yet there is so much thatstill needs to be done.

Prince Albert Branch

submitted by Doug Kinar, Executive Director

CMHA Prince Albert Branch continues to balance our in-house programs while striving to play an active role incommunity support and development.

Our numbers are up this year. In January/February weserved 1175 meals through our Lunch Program and therewere 107 distinct individuals attending the Drop-In Centre.The AGAN store has 22 people working in our VocationalProgram. There are 10 people working in our Quiltingand Lunch Programs. This is the last rotation for ourparticipants from Katimavik. I encourage all branches toconsider participating if Katimavik comes to yourcommunity. I am also busy working at pursuing fundingand completing contracts for 2009.

Mental Health Week is fast approaching. We will continueto host our annual Appreciation Dinner and Fashion Showfeaturing a variety of fashions from our AGAN store, andwrapping up with our Teddy Bear Auction. I am lookingforward to a new found interest; auctioneering! I was alast minute stand-in last year and thoroughly enjoyed it!I was able to get an early start on Mental Health Weekthis year by setting up an interactive display at the SIASTHealth Fare earlier in April.

I have made presentations at the SIAST CCA programs,YWCA’s Our House, and the First Nations University. Weare also actively engaged in helping to make ourcommunity and surrounding communities Suicide Safer.We have completed a number of ASIST Workshops sinceNovember, with more planned by the end of Mayincluding LaRonge, Southend and the Northern LightsCasino.

Our housing project is now moving through the Sask.Housing bureaucracy. It has been an educational

“Every year I see howpeople are becomingmore aware of mentalillness and mentalhealth .......... and yetthere is so much thatstill needs to be done.”

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experience, but in the end we strive to do our part toaddress homelessness among our mental healthclients.

In conclusion, we will continue to support our mentalhealth clients through programming and participatein community development and education.

Regina Branch

submitted by Louise Handford, Executive Director

CMHA Regina Branch is dedicated to the pursuit andpromotion of the rights of persons with mental illnessto maximize their full potential. We have a clientbase of 450, approximately 120 of whom are servedeach day through programs that enable them toexplore and develop social, occupational, leisure andliving skills that will assist them in living asindependently as possible within our community.

We provide services that encourage resiliency andsupport the recovery of persons managing lives witha mental illness. This is accomplished throughprograms that include:

• rehabilitation/crisis support and communityintegration

• vocational continuum, supportive work,assessment, training and employment

• awareness and administration

The Socialization/Stabilization programprovides recreation, group work and crisis support ina safe, non-judgmental environment. We providestructured and unstructured opportunities throughrecreational outings, crafts, baking, music groups,educational small groups and one-to-one supportand advocacy. Some of these include The Free SpiritBand, the Reel Anti-Suppressants Theater Group,and the Anger Management and Wellness Club.Some highlights of the year were Camp Race, holidaymeals, gardening, volunteer appreciation day, St.Patrick’s Day tea, Halloween and Valentine’s dances.

The Vocational program offers opportunity tothose clients who wish to explore and develop thenecessary work skills to enter, or re-enter the workforce. Work opportunities are provided in the areasof; housekeeping and janitorial services, food services,canteen/small business and clerical/administration.

Service Canada has supported the development of ournew Job Coach position, which enhances the vocationaltraining program and expands the continuum of the clientwork experience and potential employment attachment.

During this past year, we have begun a process totransform the organization and to position it for futuresustainability. This fall, the Board engaged in a strategicplanning process, which resulted in a revision of ourplanning cycle and framework.

Infrastructure and environment are fundamental toorganizational sustainability. We have introduced newpolicies and procedures and updated old ones. We havebegun to review and evaluate our programs and services,and made infrastructure improvements to our building,computers and telecommunications system. We are nowmortgage free.

Partnerships are key to our future and bring us intorelationship with our community. We are grateful to themany individuals who are CMHA Regina Branchmembers, donors, volunteers and community agencies.This year we were fortunate to have partnerships thatsupported us in addressing our challenges.

The East View Rotary Club has identified CMHA ReginaBranch as a signature organization for their yearlysupport. We have experienced their support through aValentine Gala, Club activities, Christmas sponsorship ofgifts of warmth, the design and furnishing of a GroupRoom and a renovation of our canteen business isscheduled for this fall.

This year we held our first ever “Art of Living Well”awareness and fundraising event, with sponsorship andcollaboration from Sun Life Financial.

We continue to value our partnerships with Universities,providing supervision for student practicums; theUniversity of Regina Social Work, University of AlbertaOccupational Therapy and SIASTnursing students. We also hosted aunique research project on memoryand mental illness.

This has been an amazing year ofgrowth that represents a commitmentto excellent service provision andaccountability that is necessary tomove into the future. Thank you tothe staff, board and our many volunteers. Thank you to

Workingtogether wecan, and domake adifference!

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our funding supports who recognize the value of ourrole in the provision of mental health services: theRegina Qu’Appelle Regional Health Authority, theUnited Way of Regina, SaskatchewanLearning/EAPD, and the city of Regina.

Working together we can, and do make a difference!

Saskatoon Branch

submitted by Gayle Mast, Executive Director

Now, more than ever, there is a clear direction as towhere CMHA Saskatoon Branch is going and there isthe skill, energy, passion and talent of staff, clientsand volunteers to get there. This is primarily due toa two-year process of strategic planning anddevelopment. The Board has very clearly stated whywe’re here and the difference we hope to make. Thisreport will focus on how we’ve worked to accomplishthese goals in 2008-2009.

CMHA Saskatoon Branch exists so that:

• people have improved mental health withthe primary focus on people in theSaskatoon and District community.

• people in Saskatoon have an understandingthat mental illness is a medical concern withno stigma attached.

Staff have been delivering a variety of presentations,workshops and displays so that people understandmental health, mental illness, and the work ofCMHA. We have reached more than 1400 peoplethis year. The goal of this activity is to enable peopleto improve their mental health, to detect mentalillness and improve access to services that willimprove mental well being and to reduce stigma.

• The majority of resources will be devoted toadvancing the mental health of peoplewhose mental health is at risk.

• CMHA Saskatoon Branch is a competent,reliable resource to the public, to thoseindividuals identified as being at risk, and toother agencies.

Approximately 800 direct services were provided to400 individuals with mental illness during this year.

CMHA continues to respond to people’s inquiries aboutwhere to find mental health help on a daily basis –brochures, pamphlets, helpful web sites and phonenumbers. Support and assistance is provided to otheragencies, care providers, and professionals throughinvolvement on committees such as the Approved HomeReview Panel, Mental Health Week events, Mental HealthCamp Committee, joint recreation planning, conferenceplanning committees and the United Way Campaign.CMHA also provides learning opportunities to studentssuch as nursing or social work students.

People with mental illness will have a personally satisfyingquality of life by having

• meaningful work• adequate financial resources

Vocational staff worked with 170 individuals. 116 of theseremain active clients. Of these, 47% were competitivelyemployed, 10% provided volunteer services in thecommunity and 20% are being supported to go to school.The remainder are actively looking for work or are justbeginning to develop their own individual vocationalplans with their workers. Having a job not only providespurpose, but increased income so that our clients canchoose where they want to live and what they want to doin their lives. It can even mean regular coffee with afriend or attending an event.

This would not happen for as many people without thecommitted staff of CMHA or without so many willingemployers. Our staff made 1000 contacts with employerson behalf of these clients. Each provides an opportunity toeducate and dispel stigma.

• supportive relationships• recreation and leisure opportunities

375 people were able to enjoy recreation and leisureactivities at CMHA thanks to our Volunteer Coordinatorand the volunteers who facilitate these events. This is anopportunity to meet new people, practice new skills andhave some fun. It has always been rewarding to watchpeople get to know and enjoy one another and todevelop lasting and meaningful friendships.

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Swift Current Branch

submitted by Ruth Smith, Executive Director

The Branch as begun a new vocational program,preparing the noon meal for one of the retirementbuildings here in Swift Current. This requires two stafffrom Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. andour Vocational Supervisor. This has been a veryrewarding job for all people involved. We still havethe outdoor program and cleaning program.

The Social/Recreational Program is doing well. Sarahis excellent at searching out what the community hasto offer. We also have a very dedicated volunteerwho helps take clients to hockey, baseball and otherevening events.

The nurses from the Rehab Team continue to be verysupportive, but we have of late opened up our doorsto other health professionals who can refer people toour Center. This accounts for a very small number ofour clients, but this group of people require supportand we hope to be able to meet that need.

We have been very blessed to have the KatimavikProgram include us as one of the C.B.O.s that theyhave as part of their program. Our second youngperson is just near the end of her stay with us and hasbrought us her strengths to help us at the Center.She plays cards with everyone, gives French lessons,takes people for coffee and sits down and has a visit,as well as many other things. Sarah has worked veryclosely with the Katimavik young people to help withthe social/recreational programming.

We were asked to be one of the communityprograms included in the 35 hour educationaltraining component for the LPN class. I saw this asan opportunity to educate the very people that willbe working in our health care system. I have alsobeen asked to come and speak to the whole classwhen that can be arranged.

With Mental Health Week just around the corner, wehave a Mayor’s Lunch set for May 7 with Marc

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Habscheid (a former NHL star) as our guest speaker.Our walk-a-thon will likely run the last weekend inMay. With the permission of the family, we will berenaming our walk the Jimmy Richardson Walk forWellness. We will also be helping to host a comedynight on April 24 at Modern Family Restaurant here

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in downtown Swift Current. The Branch will receive aportion of the proceeds from this event.

We continue to work three bingos a month to help pay forour groceries here at the Center, and also to pay for gascosts for the programs.

Weyburn Branch

submitted by Linda McDonald, Acting Director

2008-2009 was a challenging, yet rewarding year forCMHA Weyburn Branch. Staffing issues continued topresent obstacles for quality programming, but the oldcliché: “when the going gets touch....” certainly proved tobe true with the staff, Board and, most importantly, theconsumers at our center.

The demand for services of our Vocational Programexceeds our capacity to fill them. Community awarenessgrows every year in direct response to the excellent,conscientious work we supply. Once again we wereinvolved in the City of Weyburn Clean Up Campaign inthe spring, which is a competition between the cities ofWeyburn and Estevan. Our involvement in this campaignbrings pride and ownership in our community and is goodpublicity for our center. Winter was extremely busy for thework crew as we saw record snowfalls in our area. Onceagain, the community is extremely supportive of, andgrateful for this service.

The Lunch Program continues to be an importantcomponent of our center, and we are working onimplementing healthier choices into our menu. Weconsistently feed from 15 to 25 consumers one meal perday from Monday through Thursday.

Periodically throughout the year, articles were submittedto the local press highlighting the upcoming activities ofthe Center. This has continued to keep the profile ofCMHA before the public, and is a contributing factor ingood community/center relations.

The sale of Valentine cakes to Weyburn businesses andresidents reached an all-time high. This fundraiserinvolves consumers who deliver the cakes and pick uppayment. The program has proved to be of significantvalue, not only financially, but by helping to reduce thestigma through consumer/client contact.

A Wellness Program, proposed by Sun Country HealthRegion and agreed upon by the local CMHA Board last

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autumn, was put on hold because of the lack ofavailability of a qualified instructor.

Because of staff resignations and shortages, as well asfinancial limitations, the Group Counseling Programwas put on hold. Submissions to the Sun CountryHealth Region for additional funding were notapproved and, therefore, the Branch continues tostruggle with minimal staffing.

Recreational trips to Regina, Moose Jaw and evenNova Scotia filled the year! Five of our consumerswere invited to present at the Provincial Conferencein Regina as a result of their involvement withKathleen Thompson and her research project. Twomembers from the Weyburn community were alsohonored for their contribution to mental health inSaskatchewan. In conjunction with the project, twoof the consumers alsopresented at theNational Conferenceheld in Nova Scotia.This was indeed ahighlight and a tripthey will not soonforget!

The Christmas GiftWrap and Store wasanother huge success.The revenues were high as was the support of thecitizens of Weyburn and district. The Mayor’sLuncheon in May was a resounding success. Theguest speaker, Ms. Bernadette Green, addressed thecrowd with a moving account of her battle withdepression, which left a deep impression on many inthe audience.

As a new comer, I would like to take the opportunityto commend the organization and the manyincredible people who make it what it is. I would alsolike to thank our funding supports for recognizing theneed for mental health services: Sun Country HealthRegion, the United Way, Sask. Lotteries and themany individuals, service organizations andbusinesses in our community.

Yorkton Branch

submitted by Dr. Donia Alvarado-Okrainec, ProgramDirector

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

Administration and Resource Development:

Hoperation Hope was a draw that took place onDecember 22 , 2008 at the Gallagher Centre. At least 23

nd

businesses were approached for their support. Proceedsfrom the draw were over $2000 (including matchingfunds from Mosaic Potash). The event was coordinated byCMHA Yorkton Branch and “Our House”. Proceeds wereshared equally between the two organizations.

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

This year, for the first time in the last two years, CMHAYorkton Branch has been the recipient of donations inmemory of individuals whose families chose ourorganization.

Over the last 18 months, the Parkland Regional Collegehas kindly provided a room at their facility for our usewhen required for meetings or for interviews with ourclients.

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

CMHA Yorkton Branch also participated in the MelvilleDonor’s Choice residential campaign in September lastyear thanks to the cooperation of local volunteers.

Public Awareness and Education:

A Multicultural Dinner is scheduled for June 11 , 2009. Itth

will take place at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre in Yorkton.This event is designed to create awareness of theimportance of involvement of Yorkton’s citizens in theintegration of the immigrant community in all aspects oflife. Donna Bowyer, Program Director of CMHA MooseJaw Branch will be giving a presentation “Speaking ofSuicide”. 36 businesses have been approached to supportthis event.

“....I would like to takethe opportunity toc o m m e n d t h eorganization and themany incredible peoplewho make it what it is.”

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Many suicide alertness presentations have been giventhis year, as well as supplying educational materialsnot only in Yorkton but also in Melville, Canora andEsterhazy. The population targeted includes highschools, 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 potluckdinners as a recreational activity. The program stillhas a long way to go and in spite of efforts to getgovernment funding, we have been unable to getsupport for any of our proposals. The following aresome of the services offered to individuals involved inthe “Let’s Talk” program:

• assistance completing the forms forpermanent residence

• taking patients to hospital andassisting with translation

• assistance in making application forSask. Health Cards and SocialInsurance Numbers

• meeting with clients and employersto work on work permit extensions

• assisting in the search foremployment

• peer support• orientation to community services

and resources......and much more.

In cooperation with Saskatchewan Division Office,CMHA Yorkton Branch supported four dances forclients of the Mental Health Drop-In Centre in Junelast year. $600 was donated to be used towards thisrecreational activity, as requested by the ExecutiveDirector of the Centre.

ADMINISTRATION

Resource Development

submitted by Joan Kilbride, Director of ResourceDevelopment

Fundraising is the process of soliciting and gatheringmoney or other gifts in kind, by requesting donations fromindividuals, businesses, charitable foundations orgovernmental agencies. Often called “donor cultivation”,relationship building is the foundation on which CMHA’sfundraising takes place. As a non-profit, charitableorganization, the Canadian Mental Health Association(Saskatchewan Division) Inc. depends on the good will andsupport of our volunteers, sponsors and donors. Withoutthis consistent support, we could not run successfulprograms and services at no cost to the people who needour assistance.

Public education plays a major role in all our fundraisingefforts. Once again, the CMHA has enjoyed a productiverelationship with local and provincial media. Thiscontinued support ensures a consistent presence in thepublic eye, helping us to reach our goal of reducing thestigma surrounding people who experience mental healthissues in our communities.

2008 Resource Development Activities

2008 Cash Calendar

The Cash Calendar Projectcontinues to support theFriends for Life Program, whichprovides a vital resource to thepeople of Saskatchewanthrough public awareness andeducation on mental healthissues and suicide preventionthrough school and community presentations.

The Calendar continues to be a successful fundraiser forthe Association, and this is in part attributed to thededication of a team of CMHA Division Office and CallCenter staff.

The Calendar features the art work of people who use theservices of the Association. This year, for only $30.00,purchasers had 365 chances to win over $64,000.00 in

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prizes. In pursuit of our goal, the hard work anddedication of our delivery partners, CMHA Branchesand local community service clubs Calendar salesresulted in a modest surplus for our Association.

Teddy Bear Affair

The Teddy Bear Affair Winter Picnic andAuction has been an important fund and“friend” raiser for the CMHA, raising over$300,000 over the past years. Proceeds fromthis special event funds the Friends for Lifeyouth suicide prevention program, designed toprovide awareness and knowledge toeducators in the community.

The Winter Picnic and Auction revolves around thecentral concept of “a bit of summer in the midst ofwinter – a way to chase away those winter blues!”After a sumptuous picnic buffet, over 200 attendeeswere treated to the fun of a live auction. Each liveauction package has its own teddy bear,appropriately dressed by the Sask-Tel Pioneers toreflect the nature of the donated items (i.e. Via Railpackage included a bear dressed in travel attirewaiting to catch a train). The silent auction tablesfeatured many items donated by the local businessesin the community. Attendees also had anopportunity to win a “Mini Escape” RelaxationPackage to the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa bypurchasing a balloon for $5.00 and participating inthe elimination game of “Head or Butt” to determinethe winner. Invited guests also had the opportunityto purchase a “Magic Heart” for $10.00 for a chanceto win a trip for two to any WestJet destination inCanada.

Direct Mail

Our direct mail campaign isdependent upon thegoodwill and support of thecommunity. Fundraisingand “friend” raising projectslike the Puppet and Christmas campaigns allow us tocontinue to advocate on behalf of the people whoexperience mental health issues in our communitywhile at the same time providing education to reachour goal of reducing the stigma surrounding peoplewho experience mental health problems.

Bingo

The CMHA continues to see a modest income from thebingos worked at the Centennial Bingo Hall. Thank youto all the dedicated volunteers who continue to work thelate night shift on our behalf!

The Canadian Mental Health

Association

(Saskatchewan Division) Inc.

wishes to recognize the efforts of

the countless

volunteers who donate their time and talents

to our important work.

We couldn’t do it without you!

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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2008-2009 Provincial Board of Directors

Susan Grohn, PresidentDarrell Downton, Vice-President

Sharon Lyons, Past PresidentErskine Sandiford, Treasurer

Audrey Reitmeier, Member at LargeFred Howard, Member at LargeLindy Thorsen, Member at Large

Jim Beach, Member at LargeDoreen Bell, Member at Large

Krista Bakke, Member at LargeChristine Kelly, Regional Delegate

Grant Rathwell, Regional DelegateBill Pringle, Regional Delegate

CMHA (Saskatchewan Division) Inc.

Division Office Staff

David Nelson, RPN, RSWExecutive Director

Joan Kilbride, Director of Resource Development

Don Powers, Director of Finance

Dianne Boy Fernandez, Director of Friends for Life

Shauna Altrogge, Director, Problem GamblingCommunity Program

Rachel Clare, Community DevelopmentCoordinator, Problem Gambling Community

Program (Saskatoon)

David Jones, Community Development Coordinator,Problem Gambling Community Program (Regina)

Elizabeth Deobald, Community DevelopmentCoordinator, Problem Gambling Community

Program (Prince Albert)

Phyllis O’Connor, Executive Secretary

Sharon Wilson, Payroll/Benefits Clerk

Lynn Hill, Receptionist/ Editorial Secretary forTransition Magazine.

www.cmhask.com

The Canadian Mental Health Association (SaskatchewanDivision) Inc. Is a charitable organization, dependent upon

donations, memorial gifts and bequests, United Way, Donor’sChoice and Sask. Lotteries for support.

Canadian Mental Health Association (Saskatchewan Division) Inc.2702-12th AvenueRegina, SK S4T 1J2

Phone (306) 525-5601 or 1-800-461-5483Fax (306) 569-2788

contactus@cmhask.com

website: www.cmhask.com