Corporate Volunteer Program brings Ministry staff in for gardening

Clients, staff and volunteers both benefit from interactions

Volunteers from the Ministry of Community and Social Services-Renewal Strategies (MCSS) joined the Early Psychosis Program and the Women's Inpatient Unit in June for a day of gardening as part of the Corporate Volunteer Program.

The MCSS volunteers arrived early in the morning for an orientation session led by Linda Slodan, Advanced Practice Nurse, who gave an overview of CAMH Emergency Services, and then spent time cleaning and weeding the outdoor atrium at the College Street site. For Jim Davey, Coordinator of the Corporate Volunteer Program, this visit was an example of building an integrated system -- one of CAMH's strategic directions -- by working with partners and other providers to create an integrated continuum of services and supports for people with addictions and mental illness issues.

Volunteers from the Ministry of Community and Social Services-Renewal Strategies are the latest to partner with CAMH to create healthier communities. (L-R) Anita Pacampara, Sarah Evans, Cate Parker, Lexie Charchuk, Jim Davey, CAMH Corporate Volunteer Program, and Erin Whithead (in front).

“What an amazing group of volunteers. I was truly amazed at [their] energy and enthusiasm in transforming a grey, drab area to one that promotes wellness and recovery,” Jim said.

Jim added that volunteers displayed patience, compassion and empathy in their interactions with clients and staff. The real magic happens when the volunteers have the opportunity to engage clients.

“It was impressive how everyone was able to garden and socialize with the clients with ease,” Jim said. “It cannot be underestimated how important our surroundings are when we are trying to achieve wellness and stability and the effort that day definitely helped.”

One volunteer commented on the day, “I felt it provided a wide range of information about the programs and services offered by CAMH. It was great to hear the linkages between the services we offer at MCSS (ODSP and OW), and CAMH.”

"The opportunity truly lifted the clients’ spirits and the garden is now being used by many on our team as a place to meet with clients as a positive sanctuary," said Zoë Bradnam, CAMH Recreation Therapist.

Ministry volunteers get their hands dirty in the name of sprucing up the College Street outdoor atrium. It’s now being used by clients and staff as a place to meet and socialize.

Jim said the volunteers not only have they donated the gift of time - they also provided resources and materials for the groups they got involved in. It’s all part of a program intended to create partnerships to build healthy communities.

“I think the Corporate Volunteer program is fostering a healthy workplace not only for us but for our community partners as well,” Jim said.

For more information about CAMH’s Corporate Volunteer program, contact Coordinator Jim Davey at ext. 6238 or Jim_Davey@camh.net.