Alternatives Newsletter
Our voice. Our wellness.
- August 2011
Hi everyone!
We could not have asked for a better day to have our annual summer BBQ on Wednesday, July
13th! It was just the right balance of sunny and breezy. And what a great turnout! We enjoyed a nice
spread of healthy food, live guitar tunes, dogs playing around, and good conversations. Thanks to all
who came! We hope to see everyone at our next event – the Island Picnic on August 24th (see
details below).
We hope that you find opportunities to enjoy the summer season. Check out the free events and
festivals that are happening across the city – Harbourfront, Yonge and Dundas Square, and
Woodbine Beaches Park. Pick up the free NOW magazine for listings of FREE and low cost events.
If you have ideas for group events – please write to us!
Yours truly,
Alternatives Team
Our members share…
Eric writes…
“I spend my time, mostly every day, downtown. I want to tell you about Dundas Square - they
have free concerts and events happening there. For instance, ever Tuesday ‘till the end of
August they show free movies. It starts at 9:00 pm. You can bring your own food and
refreshments with you, or buy it in the food court in the EATON CENTRE or at the AMC building
plaza.
I don't really go there for the free concerts or movies. Although, they have well known
entertainers performed there like Beyonce, Devo, and others I can't remember the names but
well known. I go there for the atmosphere - to be with other people, even though I'm by myself,
believe me its fun. If you decide to make it a group event, I suggest watching a movie. Get there
by 8:00 pm so that you can secure a seat, or if you decide to go there by 9:00 pm when the
movie starts, bring your own folding chair. The experience it's like a drive in without the
vehicles! These are the movies that are playing:
August 2 HAIR (1979)
August 9 SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (1977)
August 16 MAD HOT BALLROOM (2005) STRICTLY BALLROOM (1992)
August 23 CHICAGO (2002) ALL THAT JAZZ (1979)
August 30 RIZE (2005) HOW SHE MOVE (2007)
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“For The Love of Food”
–
our monthly recipe column. Submit your recipes!
Virginia, our Administrative Coordinator, writes:
Here is another great recipe I came across. I’ve made them twice in the past week. So yummy,
served with yogurt or sour cream. I used whole wheat flour instead of all purpose and I’m
assuming that you could just used what ever kind of flour you like. I also used a combination of
basil, cilantro and parsley for my herbs because that’s what I had in my garden. I also did not
use any cheese or nuts, but I’m sure this would just make them taste even yummier!!!! Zucchini
is in season right now and super cheap at the store! Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 pound zucchini, trimmed, coarsely grated (about 2-3 regular sized zucchini)
2 cups chopped green onions
3 eggs, beaten to blend
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried dill weed
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or 2 teaspoons dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)
2/3 cup chopped walnuts (about 3 ounces)
Olive oil
Preparation
Place zucchini in colander. Sprinkle zucchini with salt and let stand 30 minutes to drain.
Squeeze zucchini firmly between hands to remove as much liquid as you can.
Combine zucchini, chopped green onions, 3 eggs, flour, chopped dill, parsley, tarragon, 1/2
teaspoon salt and pepper in medium bowl. Mix well. Fold in crumbled feta cheese. (Zucchini
mixture can be prepared 3 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Stir to blend before
continuing.) Fold chopped walnuts into zucchini mixture.
Preheat oven to 300°F. Place baking sheet in oven. Cover bottom of large nonstick skillet with
olive oil. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, drop zucchini mixture into
skillet by heaping tablespoonfuls. Fry until pancakes are golden brown and cooked through,
about 3 minutes per side. Transfer each batch of pancakes to baking sheet in oven to keep
warm. Serve pancakes hot.
Alternatives News
Join Alternatives for our Annual Picnic at Ward Island
WHEN:
August 24 (in case of rain it will be postponed to Aug 30)
WHERE:
Wards Island
meet us at the Ferry docks at 11 am
We will be taking the 11:45 Ferry to Wards Island
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Some staff will also be meeting at Broadview subway at 10:30 (on the upper level
by the token collection booth to travel down to the ferry docks if you are
interested)
Feel free to bring your kids, a friend or both!
Tokens and food will be provided.
Please call our general mailbox the morning of the Picnic to see if the rain date is in effect
416-285-7996 ext.100
Breathlines Painting Group Update –
Breathlines group is coming back in the fall at South Riverdale Community Health Centre!
Stay tuned for the details. If you already know you’re interested, please let us know or leave
your name with Kate Kenny, Breathlines co-facilitator, at 416-461-1925 ext.388.
What is Breathlines?
The best and simplest way to explain Breathlines is – a combination of painting and mindful
breathing in a supportive group setting. It’s a very unique process that combines elements of
simple breath meditation (anyone can do it!), and the Breathelines painting technique. The best
part - you don’t need to have any art or meditation experience, just bring yourself and the group
will provide the rest! ☺
To learn more about Breathlines and see examples of paintings visit http://www.breathlines.org/
Announcements
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office (PPAO) transferred
under the control of CMHA - update on advocacy efforts
July 12. 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY FOR THE VULNERABLE MUST BE PROTECTED
The Liberals must take a strong stance on advocacy and rights advice for vulnerable
Ontarians.
On June 29th, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) announced
that the Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario (CMHA) will be taking control of the
government’s Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office (PPAO). Only a small group has been
told about this decision; there has been no public announcement and no consultation. In
their report, Open Minds, Healthy Minds: Ontario's Comprehensive Mental Health and
Addictions Strategy the government wrote,
People with lived experiences of mental illness and addictions must
have a voice as essential partners in system design, policy
development, and program and service provision, and the opportunity to
make informed decisions about their personal care and support." (p.9)
This decision is an insult to all who care deeply for the most vulnerable members of society
and ignores the need for unbiased support. It contradicts promises and commitments of the
current government respecting inclusion and consultation. This government’s decision
creates a clear and dangerous conflict of interest and is a serious threat to the
independence of rights advocacy.
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HOW MANY MORE DEATHS NEED TO OCCUR BEFORE THIS GOVERNMENT CARES?
The Coalition for an Independent Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office demands that this
decision be rescinded and that the Minister schedule a meeting with the Coalition and other
key stakeholders.
For more information and to set up an interview with the Coalition contact David Gibson
([email protected]) www.cippao.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/187816391274030?ap=1 (Psychiatric Patient Advocacy
Must Be Independent)
Book Reviews
NY Times review of “The Illusions Of Psychiatry” by Marcia Angell
(Posted by Brian McKinnon, Alternatives Community Development Worker)
Greetings!
You may recall an earlier posting of a link to a NY Times book review (entitled "The Illusions of
Psychiatry" by Marcia Angell) addressing three books that take issue with the bio-medical
orientation of psychiatry and its medicalization of human distress. Here is part two of that book
review wherein the reviewer addresses the role of the DSM in proffering scientific legitimacy on
psychiatry's claim that psychiatric illnesses are brain diseases, even while the reviewer shows
that the DSM is not scientific ("There are no citations of scientific studies to support its
decisions."), saying that the DSM-III represented “a bold series of choices based on guess,
taste, prejudice, and hope.” See the link below.
Thank you Mel Starkman for sharing this information.
Have a good day. Brian McKinnon
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2011/jul/14/illusions-ofpsychiatry/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=July+14+2011+issue&utm_cont
ent=July+14+2011+issue+CID_30e963840ef16c93f2ce73f81f161eff&utm_source
=Email+marketing+software&utm_term=The+Illusions+of+Psychiatry
Learn about First Nation cultures and teachings with guest speaker Wanda Whitebird
“The Epidemic of Mental Illness: Why?” by Marsha Angell
Here is a NY Times book review (see link below) of three books weighing in on the same theme
of scientific skepticism and social concern about the psychiatric 'wonder drug' phenomenon that
is sweeping America (and Canada) and possibly causing the proportionate and escalating rise
in 'disability'. Thank you to Mel Starkman and Angela Bischoff for circulating this info.
By the way, Robert Whitaker, one of the authors featured in this review, will be giving the
opening keynote at the Leadership Project/INTAR's Nov. 3 & 4 conference ("Challenging Our
Understanding of Psychosis and Exploring Alternatives for Recovery") - maybe see you then.
My best. Brian McKinnon
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2011/jun/23/epidemic-mental-illnesswhy/?pagination=false
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Groups and Programs
Memorial Project by COUNTERfit
The COUNTERfit program at South Riverdale Community Health Centre is building a memorial
in commemoration of the friends and allies who have passed away.
WHEN:
WHERE:
The next meeting is Tuesday August 16 at 2 pm
South Riverdale Community Health Centre
955 Queen St. East (Queen and Carlaw, click here for map)
TTC: If you’re taking the Queen streetcar, get off at Carlaw.
From Pape subway station - take the 72 Pape bus southbound, get off at Queen
CONTACT:
Kate: 416-641-1925 x 388
Tree Planting Initiative
WHAT:
CONTACT:
A new initiative aiming to plan food trees nearby to subsidized housing buildings
in South Riverdale.
If you are interested in participating, contact Kate at 416-4611925 x 388
Peer Support Group for women 60+
Free, ongoing workshop and discussion group for women 60+
Focuses on restoring self-confidence and building support.
WHEN:
WHERE:
2nd & 4th Mondays of every month, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
355 Church St. (Church and Gerrard, click here for map)
CONTACT:
506 College streetcar, get off at Church and walk one block south)
416-595-9618
The group is offered by Family Services of Toronto. They also provide counselling services for
older people experiencing family stress, caregiver stress, abuse, chronic illness or
bereavement.
The organization is also looking for seniors interested in being volunteer members of their
Senior Advisory Council. Family Service Toronto, Central office: 355 Church St. 416-595-9618
Training Programs and Employment
Training Info Session with George Brown College
Construction Craft Worker EXTENDED TRAINING (CCWET)
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Room: E224
Time: 12:00 pm
At: Casa Loma Campus, 146 Kendal Ave
Application Deadline is February 17, 2012
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Please RSVP at [email protected] mail to: [email protected] or
(416) 415-5000 x 6790
Please give us your name, phone number, indicate which info session you'll be attending and
number of people attending.
Attendance to the information session is NOT mandatory
Augmented Education Programs
ST James Campus; 200 King ST E Room 524A
Toronto, ON M5A3W8
Tel: (416) 415-5000 x 6790
Fax: (416) 415-2870
Email: [email protected]
Peer Support Group Facilitator with CRCT
http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=236411&eng=True&fs=True&fa=False
Position:
Peer Support Group Facilitator
Program:
Location:
Posting in effect:
Salary Range:
Status:
Peer Support Group
The CRCT head office
July 21 to August 10, 2011
September, 2011
Start Date:
$20 per hour
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Vacancies:
A non-bargaining unit, 6 months contract position; 3 hours per week
A. THE ORGANIZATION
Community Resource Connections of Toronto (CRCT) enables adults with serious mental health
problems to live with dignity and fulfillment in the community. Established in 1974 as a non-profit
organization, CRCT operates with a $5.3M budget funded by the Toronto Central LHIN and employs
60+ FTE employees who are mostly unionized under SEIU to provide services in areas of case
management services, court support, outreach, consultation and information; and through advocacy,
research, evaluation, community capacity building, training and education.
B. THE PEER SUPPORT GROUP
The CRCT Peer Support Group is to provide peer-led and self-help support to CRCT clients.
Facilitated by a Group Facilitator, group members meet regularly to share common experiences and
knowledge, and support each other. The members will establish social and emotional support
network, lessen feelings of isolation, increase practical knowledge and sustain coping efforts.
C. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The major responsibilities of the Group Facilitator include:
1. Schedules the meeting dates and times for the Group for an average of three (3) hours per week
and up to 6 months.
2. Prepares meeting materials, sets up and cleans up for each meeting.
3. Encourages a mutual support and sharing atmosphere within the Group.
4. Facilitates the development of a comfort agreement and peer support activities with the Group.
5. Liaises and debriefs with all participants: CRCT clients, staff, and any other partner agencies that
may be involved in the Peer Support Group.
6. Maintains confidentiality of the Group and its participants.
7. Maintains proper records of facilitating the Group. Orientation on CRCT documentation will be
provided for this purpose.
8. Administers the Pre- and Post- Survey.
9. Adheres to agency policies and practices.
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D. QUALIFICATIONS:
•
Persons with lived experience; not a current CRCT client
•
•
•
Completed WRAP level 2 and/or equivalent
1 year experience of facilitating groups, both structured and unstructured
Committed to working and communicating effectively and respectfully with clients and other
supports.
Knowledge of issues related to mental health treatment and recovery.
Familiarity with GAM, CBT, Pathways, Intervoice, Mindfulness, etc. an asset.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
Skilled in working independently with modest supervision.
Committed to working within an anti-oppression framework.
Ability to speak a second language is an asset
•
•
•
•
•
•
E. OTHER INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY
In order to serve the increasing diversity of individuals we work with, the successful applicant will
have an understanding of anti-oppression work and a familiarity with issues affecting ethno-racial
communities.
We encourage applications from people who have lived experience with the mental health
system, people of colour, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, and people who
communicate in more than one language. Personal disclosures will be held in confidence.
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please submit your interest in writing,
including your resume, before the deadline, to:
The Hiring Committee
Community Resource Connections of Toronto
366 Adelaide Street East Ste 230
Toronto, Ontario M5A 3X9
E-mail:
Fax: 416-482-5237
[email protected]
If you apply by email, it is important that you quote “JOB POSTING #E2011-04” as the subject
line of your email.
http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=236411&eng=True&fs=True&fa=False
Wellness and Meditation
Pilates For All – Learn the fundamentals of Pilates
(free workshop)
WHEN:
WHERE:
August 3, 6:30-7:30 pm
Rosedale Wellness Centre, 365 Bloor St. East (click here for map)
(Take the Bloor line, get off at Sherbourne subway station)
It’s FREE, to register call 416-975-0499 or e-mail: [email protected]
For more information and list of other free workshops: www.rosedalewellness.com
Offered as part of Discovery Workshops at the Rosedale Wellness Centre
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Peace Management – How to live and work free of stress
and anxiety (free workshop)
WHEN:
WHERE:
August 3, 6:30-7:30 pm
Rosedale Wellness Centre, 365 Bloor St. East (click here for map)
It’s FREE, to register call 416-975-0499 or e-mail: [email protected]
For more information and list of other free workshops: www.rosedalewellness.com
Offered as part of Discovery Workshops at the Rosedale Wellness Centre
℡ Contact Us:
Alternatives, The East York Mental Health Counselling Services Agency
Tel: 416-285-7996 Fax: 416-285-5733
General Inquiries: [email protected]
www.alternativestoronto.org
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