Your Gifts: helping young people rebuild their lives

"I don't think I would have graduated from high school if I hadn't come to LEARN at CAMH. The people here helped me define my goals, and get motivated to achieve them. Now I feel that I could go to college and succeed." - Danny Ervalho

When Tija Maurice and Danny Ervalho arrived at CAMH's LEARN program, they had no clear goals, and felt adrift. Like many young people who experience an episode of psychosis, several crucial years were "lost" to their illness. Danny had a three-year gap in his resume, and his confidence was at an all-time low. Tija, 22, had left school at 16.

"The LEARN environment was warm and inviting," says Tija. At LEARN, Tija and Danny were encouraged to set goals. Both were anxious to complete their high school diploma; Danny also wanted to re-enter the workforce.

Tija took advantage of a number of programs offered at LEARN, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, which played an important role in her recovery, and a support group to help her better understand her illness. Danny credits LEARN's recreation programs with helping him rediscover activities he used to enjoy -- activities most of us take for granted, such as reading, going out with friends or working out.

Tija and Danny worked closely with Anne LeBlanc, a teacher/job developer at LEARN, to prepare to write the GED (high school equivalency) exams. "I adapt the program to the students -- not the other way around," says LeBlanc.

Tija passed her exams in May 2003, an achievement of which she is justifiably proud. "It was huge! It really changed the way I look at things, and made a big difference to my self-esteem and confidence." She dreams of writing great novels, and is taking writing courses at a community college to make that a reality. Her next goal is to pursue a full-time post-secondary program in writing.

"Anne helped me build the confidence I needed to take those five exams." - Tija Maurice
 
Danny, too, passed his exams, and has also achieved his employment goal: he is working part-time as a driver for a car rental agency. Danny is very proud of his achievements, especially his diploma, and plans to save some money and possibly go to college.

The LEARN program at CAMH offers a wide range of treatments to help young people with psychosis return to everyday activities: working, studying and socializing.  LEARN is the only program of its kind in Canada. They've hosted visitors from other parts of Canada and Czechoslovakia, and they've hosted a leading expert in early intervention from the United Kingdom. "LEARN is a model for the future," says Anne LeBlanc, "and it wouldn't be here if it weren't for donors' gifts."

"My greatest reward? Getting a call from an elated client to say that they have achieved their goals."  - Anne LeBlanc, BASc, MS, GED Teacher/Job Developer, CAMH

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