The Lethbridge Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, was established in 1989 by a group of concerned family members. They met as a support group and eventually formed an active Board. The office moved locations three times before planting roots in the current location, the Canadian Mental Health Building.
The office was operated mostly by volunteers until a grant from Alberta Mental Health allowed the Chapter to hire first part time, then full time staff.
The membership has grown steadily over the past few years with both consumers and family members.
The board has changed slightly since the conception with a few core people at the helm. The Board was deeply saddened October of 2002 by the loss of the original, and up to 3 weeks prior to his death, current, Vice Chair, Dr. Bill Nelson. In the fall of 2002 our Chapter Board developed an Honorary Board Member Position for those who have been Board Members since the beginning.
The Chapter has seen many accomplishments:
Hosted the 2000 National Schizophrenia Conference
Initiated the Fit 4 Fun program designed to help consumers battle weight gain and self esteem issues
Held many innovative fundraising events
Partnered with other agencies such as Canadian Mental Health Association, Southern Alberta Self Help Association, Day Treatment Centre, and the Rehabilitation Society
Is represented on many community committees such as Community Health Council (formerly known as Regional Mental Health Advisory Board), Community Interagency Suicide Prevention Council, Mental Health Promotions Committee and Quality Improvements Committee
Developed an extensive lending library open to the public and highly used
In 1989, the local chapter was founded from an educational group taught at the Red Deer Regional Hospital in Psychiatric Outpatient Services. It was the third chapter formed within the then called organization, the Alberta Friends of Schizophrenics. There have been many changes in the following years: the name changed, membership has grown to include not only family and friends but persons with the illness, and people coming for assistance can receive services, not just support. Office hours are 12:00 to 4:30, Monday through Friday.
Achievements:
In June of 1987 the first self-help group for persons with the illness was formed. This group continues to meet weekly.
In 1990, our chapter was teaching in the community using a professional, a family member, and a person with the illness of schizophrenia. Today, this program is called the Partnership Program.
In 1993, our chapter was the first non-profit society to receive government housing subsidies for persons with the illness.
In April 1994, a Specialized Housing Project proposed by our chapter and funded by federal and provincial governments, opened for tenants with the illness of schizophrenia. It offers independent living, and a supportive community environment with organized in-house and community activities.
In 1996, the first provincial program was developed to teach family members about the illness of schizophrenia, and how to care for their loved ones.
In 1997, the first chapter newsletter was originated and published entirely by persons with schizophrenia for persons in the community also suffering from schizophrenia. This newsletter continues with the number of subscribers increasing steadily.
SSA CANMORE CONTACT
c/o
Marion Barker
Bow Valley Support Group meets every 2nd Wednesday @ 7:00 PM
Contact: Marion Barker
for meeting locations.
Phone: (403) 678-6102
