A Message from CMHA Calgary’s Board Chair

Dear Supporters and Community Members,

Welcome to CMHA Calgary’s Annual Report for 2023-2024. As Chair of the Board of Directors, I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and share our vision for fostering community connections in the future.

This has been a year of significant change for our organization, and through it all, we have remained committed to our goal of bringing communities together.

A notable achievement this year has been our partnership with Inn from the Cold. We delivered Recovery College courses on-site to their clients, bringing vital mental health education directly to those in need.

CMHA Calgary is extremely proud of the impact of our Post Discharge, Supportive Living, and Apartments programs for our clients, helping them achieve remarkable personal successes. Our community mental health initiatives, including Peer Support, Recovery College, YouthSMART, and KidSMART, continue to expand their reach, empowering more individuals with resilience tools and mental health education.

The pressures in the current housing market are significantly impacting the mental health of Calgarians.

The challenges facing our community are significant, as highlighted in recent research. An analysis by the University of Calgary estimates that between 102,635 and 124,375 people (or 40,000 households) in Calgary are currently at risk of homelessness. The link between homelessness and mental health is undeniable. People experiencing homelessness are 2-3 times more likely than the general population to rate their mental health as “poor.” Approximately 30-40% of those experiencing homelessness report having a mental illness, a figure that jumps to 78% when substance use disorders are included.

At CMHA Calgary, we are committed to addressing these critical issues through our comprehensive programming. Our services include mental health education, community support, and peer support programs designed to help individuals navigate these challenging times. Our YouthSMART initiative reaches nearly 25,000 young people annually, promoting mental health awareness and resiliency in schools and community groups. Additionally, our Community Navigation program offers personalized support to help individuals access the resources they need, including housing assistance, mental health services, and peer support. As the housing crisis intensifies, CMHA Calgary continues to adapt and expand our programs to better support the mental health needs of our community. Our efforts aim not only to provide immediate assistance but also to foster long-term resilience and well-being among those we serve.

It is clear that our work is more crucial than ever. As we look to the future, let us reaffirm our commitment to addressing these intertwined challenges of housing and mental health, ensuring that our community’s resilience continues to grow.

This year, we were also thrilled to welcome Linda McLean as our new Executive Director. Linda brings an exceptional wealth of experience in executive leadership, garnered through her roles in non-profit organizations, funding bodies, and community health sectors. Her expertise in strategic planning, social impact, and managing multi-stakeholder projects is particularly valuable as we aim to enhance our advocacy and expand the scope of our mental health services. With Linda’s strategic vision, we anticipate significant advancements in our programs, driving our mission even further and increasing our impact within the community.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank all CMHA Calgary employees who have brought their care, support, and talents to help our clients and community each and every day. Your steadfast commitment to CMHA Calgary over the last very challenging years has allowed this organization to continue providing critically needed services to Calgarians. You are the reason we are able to strive towards providing mental health for all. We look forward to this next year and all of its opportunities, while remembering to reflect on the success, learning opportunities, and joys from this past year.

I would also like to extend my deepest thanks to my fellow Board Members for their unwavering commitment and hard work throughout this year of significant change. Your time, expertise, and dedication have been instrumental in guiding CMHA Calgary through these transitions. We have worked very hard to provide excellent guidance and governance to the organization.

As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of building community connections into every aspect of our work. Together, with the support of our staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners, we can continue to build a more resilient, compassionate, and mentally healthy community for all Calgarians.

Warm regards,
Kerry Brown
Chair, Board of Directors
Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region

A Message from CMHA Calgary’s Executive Director

Dear Supporters and Community Members,

I am honored to address you for the first time as the Executive Director of CMHA Calgary in our 2023-2024 Annual Report. This past year has been a period of significant challenges and transformative change, not just for our organization, but for many in our community. As we look back, it is evident that these challenges have been deeply felt by everyone, and CMHA Calgary is no exception. However, with challenges come opportunities for growth, resilience, and forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen our commitment to those who rely on our services.

Our mission to provide comprehensive mental health support has never been more critical. The impacts of economic uncertainty, the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, and societal changes continue to place considerable stress on our community. In response, we have focused on ensuring our programs and services are accessible, impactful, and adaptive to the evolving needs of our clients.

Our dedication to addressing the intersection of homelessness and mental health has driven us to enhance our support systems. The alarming statistics regarding homelessness and mental health in Calgary underscore the urgent need for our services. At CMHA Calgary, we remain steadfast in our commitment to offering robust mental health education, peer support, and community navigation programs. These initiatives are designed to empower individuals, foster resilience, and provide critical support during these challenging times.

One of our proudest achievements this year is the expansion of our YouthSMART initiative, which now reaches nearly 25,000 young people annually. By promoting mental health awareness and resilience in schools and community groups, we are investing in the future mental well-being of our community. Additionally, our partnership with Inn from the Cold has allowed us to deliver Recovery College courses on-site, bringing essential mental health education directly to those in need.

The challenges we face are significant, but they also inspire us to innovate and adapt. Our Post Discharge, Supportive Living, and Apartments programs have been instrumental in helping our clients achieve remarkable personal successes. These programs, along with our Peer Support and Recovery College initiatives, offer a comprehensive support system that addresses both immediate needs and long-term mental health and well-being.

As we navigate these uncertain times, our focus remains on being a steadfast resource for our clients. We are committed to adapting our programs to meet the growing needs of our community, ensuring that everyone has access to the support they require. Our Community Navigation program continues to be a beacon of hope, offering personalized assistance to help individuals access housing, mental health services, and peer support.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities that lie before us. Our vision for the future is rooted in a forward-thinking approach that embraces innovation and collaboration. We will strive to build stronger partnerships, expand our reach, and enhance our advocacy efforts to better serve the mental health needs of Calgarians. With the support of our dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners, we are confident in our ability to drive positive change and make a lasting impact.

Our commitment to our community extends beyond providing services. We aim to foster a culture of understanding, acceptance, and support. This involves continuous learning, listening to those we serve, and adapting our approaches to better meet their needs. We recognize that mental health is a journey, and we are here to walk alongside our clients every step of the way.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to our employees, whose unwavering commitment and dedication make our work possible. Your efforts have been instrumental in helping us navigate through a year of significant change and ensuring that we continue to provide vital services to our community. To our Board of Directors, thank you for your exceptional guidance and governance during this transformative period. Your support has been invaluable in steering CMHA Calgary towards a brighter future.

Together, let us embrace the spirit of resilience and compassion as we work towards a mentally healthy community for all Calgarians. We look forward to the opportunities ahead, and with your continued support, we will strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Best regards,
Linda McLean
Executive Director
Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region