Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Calgary Region is part of Canada’s most established national mental health organizations, the Canadian Mental Health Association. CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience and support recovery from mental illness and addiction and strives to improve public understanding of mental health issues at home, in the community and in the workplace.

One in five people experience a mental disorder in their lifetime and most of us know someone who has faced a mental health challenge or concern. CMHA – Calgary provides over 15 community-based support programs which are based on our H.O.P.E. model of service-delivery which encompasses Housing, Outreach, Peer Support and Education. Our programs build awareness and provide education, advocacy and support for individuals and families living with mental illness, addiction, or a loss by suicide. We work closely with other community organizations to bridge gaps in the mental health care system and facilitate access to important services and resources.

At Brett’s Garden Party, copies of Sick To Death of the Silence: Stories to break down the stigma of mental illness, an inspirational collection of personal stories of Calgarians with life experience of mental illness and addiction written by Brett’s business partner, John Gulak, with photography by Cole Grey, will be available for purchase.

Juno Foundation empowers adolescent girls and young women to achieve strong mental health and well-being. The Foundation delivers its services through Juno House, the only counselling facility in Calgary focused exclusively on the unique mental health needs of adolescent girls, young women and their families. Anxiety is the most significant emotional health issue treated at Juno House, commonly manifesting itself in eating disorders, self-harm and depression.

Donations to Juno Foundation provide (1) subsidized counselling for individuals and families who cannot afford to pay for the full cost of treatment, and (2) training of therapists, doctors, nurses and other specialists to increase capacity in our community.

Lives Change at Calgary Counselling Centre. Through our counselling programs we achieve measurable, effective results for our clients. Our programs are receiving national and international attention for their ability to successfully meet client needs and profoundly impact people’s lives.

Funds will support Calgary Counselling Centre’s Defy Depression initiative. A comprehensive multi-year initiative designed to enhance, enrich and build a strong community by raising awareness of depression, reducing stigma, and treating this rapidly growing issue. The Defy Depression initiative based on a four pillar approach focusing on: Activation, Access, Training & Education, and Research.

Wood’s Homes is a comprehensive children’s mental health centre that offers a broad range of clinical, educational, and transitional services to vulnerable children, youth and families.

Through Eagle Moon Aboriginal Services, Wood’s Homes offers culturally sensitive care for Aboriginal youth who have suffered severe trauma resulting in high-risk behaviours, substance abuse, and associated mental health challenges. Through this service, first nations youth receive treatment that combines evidence-based clinical practice with traditional and culturally sensitive teachings.

Often, non-Aboriginal youth are also drawn to Aboriginal healing practices, finding the close connection to nature to be profoundly therapeutic. With that in mind, several of these therapeutic practices have been incorporated across the broad continuum of many of Wood’s Homes 35 programs.

First Nations youth are referred to Wood’s Homes from across the country, often from remote and desolate environments where effective treatment opportunities are non-existent. They, and others, find Eagle Moon Aboriginal Services to be a viable and effective option for treatment and care of mental health related concerns.