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A cross-border partnership to end stigma

June 21st, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on A cross-border partnership to end stigma)

NoStigmas raises awareness to erase the stigmas of suicide and mental illness by sharing stories of hope and inspiration

A cross-border partnership to end the stigmas associated with suicide and mental illness has been created under the banner of NoStigmas.org—with participants from both Canada and the U.S. Ottawa-based Ray Folkins has joined Chicago-based Jake Moore in his ongoing efforts to develop collaborative partnership programs to help people implement life-changing and life-enhancing strategies. Both men have ‘lived experience’ with anxiety and depression and are now focused on helping others—and particularly, to help erase the stigmas related to mental health issues among youth and adults. (more…)

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Daughter of chaos takes to the stage

April 19th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Helani Davison is sharing her compelling autobiographical story of riches to rags—and the struggle to come back

Saltspring Island artist and performer Helani Davison has created an autobiographical performance—including narrative, poetry and anecdotes—called Daughter of Chaos. The performance draws on her personal experiences with mental illnesses, addictions and poverty. Helani told the Victoria Times Colonist that  she doesn’t think that mental illness and addiction should be anonymous. Her belief is that there would be much more healing if society could speak openly about it. (more…)

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Reconciliation is a personal journey

March 15th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Reconciliation is a personal journey)

Columnist reflects on the generational impact of Canada’s residential schools and coming to terms with the after effects

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) has been making its way across the country, collecting more than 3,000 personal statements from Aboriginal residential school survivors. Chief Wilton Littlechild, one of the commissioners, has stated: “Residential schools operated in Canada for well over a century. In the same way, the reconciliation process will have to span generations. It will take time to re-establish respect. It will take time and commitment to reverse this legacy.” (more…)

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Matt Dunae on how hip hop saved him

February 16th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Matt Dunae on how hip hop saved him)

Dedicated, passionate hip-hop artist learned to conquer his demons of addiction and poverty and shine through with music

Hip-hop artist Matt Dunae—who performs as SirReal—has credited his involvement with music for helping him to overcome the demons of addiction and poverty. He has also shared his experiences with loss (his older brother, Nick, died by suicide in 2007) through music and by performing at the Soles Remembering Souls event in Nanaimo. Sirreal boldly laces his lyrics with the “die-hard truths of reality and its consequences”, whether they be positive or negative. And he exemplifies strength and resilience with his devotion to family and community in both his actions and his lyrics. (more…)

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Learning about therapeutic communities

February 16th, 2012 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (0 Comments)

People live in organized and structured environments to promote change, support a drug-free life in outside society

Therapeutic communities are drug-free environments in which people with addictions and other problems can live together in an organized and structured way. The community environment promotes change and can make a drug-free life possible. A number of therapeutic communities are operating on Vancouver Island. A symposium in Nanaimo will provide an overview of therapeutic communities and provide opportunities for partnerships to explore the development of therapeutic communities. (more…)

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Social housing providers in place

December 8th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Non-profit groups are named as operators for two new social housing projects in Nanaimo, but will controversy fade?

Pacifica Housing and Nanaimo Affordable Housing Society, in partnership with Columbian Centre Society and Haven Society, have been selected as the successful non-profit providers to develop, manage and operate two new supportive housing developments for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Nanaimo. The announcement came from B.C. Housing on November 30th. (more…)

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