Training for employment opportunities - CAMH Annual Report 2005

CAMH Annual Report

L - R: Michael Lane, acet Graduate; Tony Priolo, acet Program Manager; Marci Rose, Acting Manager, Vocational and Educational Rehabilitation Services and Staff Lead, Client Employment Initiative, CAMH.

Meaningful work is important, not just as a source of income, but also for its effect on people's self-esteem and sense of well-being. Yet people recovering from mental health and substance use issues face significant barriers to finding employment and opportunities to upgrade their skills. At CAMH, a group of dedicated staff and clients are working hard to change this situation.

In 2002, staff in the Vocational and Educational Rehabilitation Services and the Client Employment Initiative at CAMH began discussions with George Brown College about working together to develop a training program in food services. In February 2003, the team approached the Ontario Disability Support Program, which agreed to provide Innovative Project funding to develop a program and to create an action plan. During this initial stage, we held extensive consultations. Many educators, hospitality industry experts, addiction and mental health professionals, other community representatives and over 60 consumer/survivors participated in the discussions.

Out of the process, the Assistant Cook Extended Training Program (ACET) was born. This two-semester, certificate program at George Brown College combines education, work placements and ongoing support to help people recovering from substance use and mental health problems take the first steps toward mainstream employment in the food service industry.

From the application process right through to program evaluation, George Brown College and CAMH have worked jointly to make acet a success. While George Brown focuses on the curriculum and program delivery, CAMH provides clinical support and consultation as well as work placements for students. Marci Rose, Acting Manager, Vocational and Educational Rehabilitation Services and Staff Lead for the Client Employment Initiative at CAMH, sees a clear benefit in pooling resources; she says, "through our shared commitment, we can offer an exciting, innovative program to meet the needs of people with addiction and mental health issues that wouldn't otherwise be met."

The first group of students graduated in December 2004. Tony Priolo, ACET Program Manager at George Brown College, offered generous praise, saying, "their marks were exceptionally high and the overall response from work placements was great-the students were professional, with good skills and a strong work ethic. I am very proud of their effort and what they have achieved."

Michael Lane, ACET Graduate and Assistant Cook, CAMH Cafeteria: It was a great program, and a good stepping stone. After the first semester, they interviewed the students to find out how they could make it better for us and then they addressed those needs-accommodation, more computer time, whatever. It was challenging and really improved my culinary skills. I can never forget what it did for me. It gave me a chance. I'm so happy.

• Print Bookmark