Wood's Homes Blog

Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day – an annual campaign by Bell Canada to engage Canadians in the conversation around mental health.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges for anyone suffering from mental illness is stigma, and the negative attitudes (prejudice) and negative behaviour (discrimination) attached to it.

We thought we’d offer up something a little different on our blog this week. It’s a subject matter that everyone has had a challenge with now and then. Email communication! We all send and receive emails, and yet how often do we stop and think about best practice? This, especially in a social service setting that demands confidentiality.

Have you ever been in a store where each employee that you ask for help has to go ask someone else about it? Maybe they have to call another department? Wait for the manager? This may only take a few minutes, but when I find myself in this situation I can’t help but wonder if things could be better organized to make the store more efficient.

Every year, the Santa Project brings Christmas cheer to children, youth and families at Wood’s Homes. This project, similar to adopt-a-family, supports over 100 families each year. These families are all involved in one of our 40+ programs. Dozens of generous community members provide donations such as grocery store gift certificates, warm winter clothing, and toys for children. Through the Santa Project, Wood’s Homes and our wonderful donors are able to make the holiday season a little brighter for these families.

Although these posts use examples from the upcoming Christian holiday of Christmas, the same ideas can be applied to any holiday you celebrate.  All holidays have certain things in common - celebration, tradition, food and family.  Feel free to substitute and adapt whatever meets your family’s needs!

Years ago, when I was working in a shelter for abused women and children, I often volunteered to work what was called the 'Santa Shift' so that my colleagues could be home with their families on Christmas Eve. I was young and naïve, and had no idea that Christmas Eve is a difficult time for so many. The crisis line we operated was busy with people struggling to get through what can be a very difficult season if you are struggling with depression, social isolation, divorce, unemployment or family violence.

Why is it so easy for we, as human beings, to talk about a broken arm and so difficult to talk about a broken heart?

Many of us who have been in the business of caring for and helping children and their families for years would say we have come a long way with understanding and accepting our ‘mental or emotional health’, while many others would say we still have a long way to go.

It started out as an idea; a way to alleviate some of the fear and anxiety felt by the clients we serve who struggle with addictions. For a number of reasons, there are times when our EXIT Youth Hub clients aren’t heard from for long periods. Some find other supports. Some leave the city. Some, unfortunately, fall on hard times and can no longer make their way to us. Whatever the reason, as Wood’s Homes’ Addictions Specialist, I wanted to do something to help the clients who return to EXIT after they’ve taken time away from our services. 

Sometimes we are guilty of underestimating the power of language, and the way we choose our words. In my work as an Indigenous liaison at Wood’s Homes, I am very deliberate in the use of my words and I believe it’s something all of us need to be reminded of.

Thanksgiving is a time when many of us reflect on what we’re most thankful for. At Wood’s Homes, the joy of working with children, youth and families, the support we receive from the community and the 105 year history we’ve shared in Calgary – an amazing city – tops our list.

In the spirit of the season, we decided to ask our clients what they are thankful for. Some of the answers we received were surprising, but always heartwarming.