We must change the way we see and treat this mental health crisis in our world.

Mental illness has become a crisis in Canada and around the world. 13% of us are currently struggling with some type of mental illness. The impact on the lives of those affected is overwhelming. After almost a year of research, interviews and consultations with many who have been personally affected, Jackson is now being released. Fellow author, Yvonne Marrs shared personal and powerful insights with vulnerability and honesty to help form the character of Jackson.

A powerful new book based on true stories, Jackson’s battle to take control over his own mind and life portrays what millions of people are fighting with around the world – mental illness. His mother, desperate to free him from his demons and desperation, faces her own turmoil and anguish, doing anything possible to save her son, through love and hope. How many emotional, heartbreaking and even triumphant moments will they face? How do they move on after each? How do June and Jackson move from denial to a place of acceptance and understanding?

As written in the book’s introduction by Alan Goyette (MSW, RSW Clinical Social Worker), “For those of you who have lived this experience, that face will be all too familiar. For those of you who have not, that face will aid you in developing a greater understanding of and compassion for those who demand your support.”

Co-hosted by authors Jenn Sadai and Melissa Lyons, join us for 45 minutes at the virtual book launch party for Jackson using the Zoom platform on Wednesday, October 21st beginning at 7 pm EST.

Enjoy the book trailer created by Francis Yap of Mission Informatics and please register using the link on the top right corner of the page. Let’s continue to take action and change the conversation about how we see and treat mental illness.

Pick up the phone. Drop by for a visit. It could be the moment you save someone's life.

The facts are staggering. The Canadian Mental Health Association states that…in any given year, one in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. By age forty, about fifty percent of the population will have or have had a mental illness.

Almost one half (forty-nine percent) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem and only one in five children with mental-health problems receive mental health services.

Some of our barriers seem almost insurmountable: People who don’t accept they need help, believing they can deal with it on their own; those who know they are not well but won’t get support because of the perceived stigma attached; people who desperately want assistance but are put on wait lists; or those who reside in communities where services are slim.

The extreme pressures that this pandemic has placed on us drives the need for even more services than ever before. A bureaucratic system delivers and administers health-care services through provincial and territorial governments. We have primary, secondary, and supplementary services that are often fragmented and certainly not a “wrap around” model. It’s so complex that private organizations are offering “health-care advocates” to help us navigate the system.

The impact on the lives of those affected cannot be overstated. Through countless experiences as an educator, a friend, family member and parent, I’m sharing the story of “Jackson” (to be released in October of this year).

Jackson’s battle to take control over his own mind and life portrays what millions of people are fighting with around the world – mental illness. His mother, desperate to free him from his demons and desperation, faces her own turmoil and anguish, doing anything possible to save her son, through love and hope. After countless emotional, heartbreaking and triumphant moments, June and her son must both accept that only Jackson can save himself. Though Jackson leaves us with hope and a promise of a healthy future after years of suffering, the reality is that not every young person has that outcome. Suicide accounts for twenty-four percent of all deaths among fifteen to twenty-four-year-olds in Canada (four times more likely for men). Twenty-four percent!

June and Craig’s characters are of typical parents who desperately find their way through each crisis with their son, questioning themselves and carrying regrets. No one is prepared for what is thrown at them when their child can’t find their way out of bed or doesn’t believe there is a reason for being. But families need not struggle alone.

We have been far too slow to change in response to this growing crisis. But there is a movement that is gaining traction. There is no “one” magic bullet. But without taking the first step, the person suffering will never know what intervention could make the difference.

What can we do as individuals? Plenty! I hope that this book empowers each of us to act in support of ourselves, a loved one, or anyone showing the symptoms of mental illness.

We are much more aware than we have ever been in the past. Knowledge is power. We can’t walk away, avoid contacting someone because we don’t know what to say. Be there. Pick up the phone, drop in for a visit. It could be the moment you save someone’s life.

Our Hidden champions

Behind the Scenes…

Behind the scenes in every community, many people volunteer. They are giving, generous, connected to their communities and help others lead happier and healthier lives. They don’t want recognition, hide from the media and blush when someone thanks them publicly.

Linda Lynch and Lynne LaFontaine are two of our hidden community champions! In partnership, this dynamic duo coordinates the complex operations of the community food bank. These women ensure there is enough food on the shelves, schedule volunteers to open the doors of the food bank three days per week, accept donations, send thank you cards and receipts, contact clients, collect documentation and so much more. Following the Ontario order to stay at home in March, Lynne needed to take a hiatus, a choice well respected by all who know her. Linda began volunteering at the food bank 13 years ago after retiring from her teaching career. Her years of experience gave her the tools to step in and manage all operations during Lynne’s absence. Linda is very grateful that her partner has now returned to the team.

Lynne and Linda are advocates and dedicated volunteers who give of their time, knowledge and good will many days a week. Life and financial circumstances for countless people have changed due to the pandemic, with many businesses closing and the economy literally shutting down. Linda’s passion has ensured that, even with unprecedented challenges that began in March, the necessary changes have been made to keep the freezers, fridges and shelves stocked.

How is it possible to do this safely in the midst of a pandemic? This crew of remarkable people are in change mode weekly. Clients need no longer enter the building at 18 Division Street North. Food is prepackaged in boxes and bags, ready for delivery or pickup to ensure everyone stays safe with social distancing as a priority. As people arrive, food and necessities are placed into the vehicle or cart for them. You see, there is another group of volunteers donating their time, working behind the scenes as well: they accept donations, check expiration dates, package products, stock shelves, pack boxes and shop. Thanks to Rob, Jim, Guy, Andy, Matt, Marie, Mary, Sharon. Carol and the volunteers from the Kinsgsville Southshore Rotary Club, the food bank is operating safely and meeting the needs of our community.

All volunteers are in awe of the generosity of residents. At the end of each month, a list of what is needed is posted in the window. People drop off supplies at the front door or make monetary donations. A thoughtful family recently made creative gift bags for children. Local farmers and greenhouses continue to be very charitable with the contribution of fruits and vegetables including Mastronardi Produce, Nichols Orchard, Top Line Greenhouse, Allegra Acres and Five Star Farms. Green Heart graciously donates single person meals regularly. We are grateful.

The Kingsville Food Bank is not part of the larger cooperative and operates as an independent organization. It opened in 1996 in what we now refer to as the old fire hall under the leadership of Annie Metcalfe, followed by Marilyn Mayville-Allen and their teams. Needs in the community continued to grow and the food back location was changed two additional times. A series of circumstances resulted in Linda stepping in as a Coordinator for a short time three years ago. Lynne and Linda now report to a nine member Board of Directors and the food bank is funded solely through donations.

None of this would be possible without Lynne and LInda’s leadership. Their kind, caring, committed nature drives them to make every decision based on what is best for families. They are welcoming, know everyone by name and are tireless in making any change necessary to ensure the food bank will remain open every Tuesday and Thursday (9:00 am - 12:45 pm). Hours were extended to include Wednesday evenings (5 - 7 pm) several months ago through a partnership with the Kingsville Southshore Rotary Club and their active group of volunteers. Anyone who is in need is encouraged to contact the food bank at (519) 733-8591.

Thank you Lynne and Linda, our hidden champions. Who would you like to recognize and celebrate from your community?

If you could go back in time…

Once a month, I get together with two long time friends for a walk along the trails somewhere in our county. The Chrysler Greenway runs for 42 kms along the length of the old railway lines, giving us countless locations to choose from. Walking in nature is uplifting in and of itself, but catching up with friends during that time makes it a perfect two hours.

A short time ago, we decided to meet close to the area where I lived during my childhood. From the time I was 10 years old, my mother and 3 siblings lived in a farmhouse on the outskirts of McGregor, Ontario.

My friends and I started walking south along the trail, where trains used to barrel by, a couple of acres behind the farmhouse. Almost immediately, I started pointing and sharing memories: “That was the corn field we loved to play hide and seek in; There’s the remnants of the barn where we used to laugh hysterically as we jumped into the hay loft; The field where the horses roamed; Where my sister screamed as she fell and broke her collar bone…”

My mother used to say she had to “steal from Peter to pay Paul” to save for rent and make ends meet every month. We couldn’t afford to heat the upstairs in the winter and closed off that area of the house. We ran a water line from the well once a week to fill the reservoir in the basement. We were happy because that’s all that mattered to my mom. Family - there is nothing more important. She instilled that in each of us and her legacy lives on.

Smiling, I had a vision of myself as a 10 year old, running through the corn fields and stopping suddenly. The young, “me” glanced over to see her 56 year old self walking by. Time Warp! What had she imagined her life would be like 46 years later? What was that young girl thinking of in those times? Her dreams? Her fears? My dreams and fears as I struggled to figure out my life’s path.

If you could go back in time would you change anything? It serves no purpose to dwell on what could have or should have happened. But, are we achieving our goals? Have we overcome obstacles by challenging and confronting our fears? What’s stopping us from finding our “why” and true purpose in this life? Reflecting and learning from the choices we made along the way can guide us now and in our futures. Perhaps in the coming weeks, as many of us self-isolate due to the COVID-19, we can take this time as an opportunity to refocus, reconnect and make positive choices for ourselves and those we love.

Meet our first three exceptional guests!

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It’s time to celebrate the truly remarkable people we have all around us. I’ve been grappling with what I can do to share the strength, drive, passion and commitment of countless people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

The Podcast, “Taking the Helm” is my solution! In each podcast episode, we’ll get to know people who have taken risks, who’ve thrown themselves out there - to create something they’ve dreamed of. Some have given up careers to pursue their passion. Others have ventured into becoming entrepreneurs. Each offers inspiration through their own experiences and learning. It’s an honour to act as your host and share these conversations and unique leaders with you. I hope you will listen to each and every episode. There’s so much for us to learn and experience ourselves.

We’ve got three incredible episodes being launched today. You can listen directly from my web page or subscribe to one of the podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor, Breaker or Overcast). I’d love it if you would join my mailing list for updates. Enjoy!

“Remember that there are two kinds of pain in life: the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Choose one.”

Michael Angelo Caruso, from Michigan, is an internationally recognized author and speaker. Michael has educated and entertained audiences all over the world, including the Middle East, the Caribbean, and 49 of the 50 states. His presentations include keynote speeches, seminars and webinars. He now teaches presentation skills, drawing on his unique background. In this interview, Michael shares the life-changing event that moved him into this business, tricks of the trade, his “Present Like a Pro” course and much more!

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“It is easier to build up a child than it is to repair an adult”

Amie Elias owns “Doors to Healing”, operating out of the Stone House, a lakefront wellness retreat privately tucked along Lake Erie. She is a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) and Life Stress Reduction (LSR) Facilitator. Amie also runs one on one addictions programs and Mindfulness & Meditation workshops. That’s just a drop in the bucket! She shares much more in this podcast interview. Attestations from clients who have worked with Amie in person and virtually are indicative of the remarkable difference she is making in their lives!

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“You can have it all- better health, unstoppable confidence, more energy and success. The ONLY thing is your way is the beliefs telling you that you can't!”

Tina Brigley of Essex Ontario, took a huge risk in her life when she left her career as a teacher to help us breakthrough to be unstoppable. You are a powerhouse and people fear the day you discover that! You can have it all- better health, unstoppable confidence, more energy and success. The ONLY thing in your way is the beliefs telling you that you can't!