When Giving Declines, Community Matters More Than Ever
What happens to our communities when fewer people show up? Across the charitable sector, organizations are being asked to carry growing responsibility with shrinking participation. For mental health initiatives in particular, progress depends not only on funding, but on sustained human involvement, shared responsibility, and trust.
Therapeutic Milieu Treatment
Therapeutic milieu treatment is a recovery-focused, community-based approach where the environment itself becomes part of the therapy. Often called ‘community as treatment,’ it is structured, relational, and rooted in daily living. Canada is seriously lacking in these types of programs.
A Status Update on Eli’s Place from Board Chair Dr. Howard Hamer
Eli’s Place is moving toward its goal of becoming Canada’s first long-term rural residential treatment centre for young adults with serious mental illness — a model that blends therapeutic care with community, meaningful work, and life skills development. Below is the full letter sent to supporters from Dr. Howard Hamer, Board Chair of Eli’s Place.
How I Found Healing Through Spirituality and Religion
I was baptized into the Orthodox faith, however in my adult years I decided to further investigate my background to gain an understanding of what I truly believe in. I have learned that my strong sense of spirituality and deep-rooted religious practices have supported me immensely on my wellness and health recovery journey.
Community & Belonging
A strong sense of community isn’t just comforting, it’s vital to our mental health. Across Canada, many people struggle to feel connected, whether due to stigma, isolation, or structural barriers — and loneliness has become a growing mental health concern. Feeling valued and supported strengthens resilience, improves well-being, and plays a key role in recovery.
Meet New Eli’s Place Board Member: Mike Greenspan
Michael brings lived experience and over five years of volunteering at mental health organizations, including his current role as a trained peer support facilitator at the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre. With a background in community engagement and mental health advocacy, he offers insights grounded in lived experience and is connected to the community Eli’s Place will serve. Michael is passionate about improving the continuum of care and reducing stigma, and is committed to strengthening collaboration between clients, peers, and clinicians to create sustainable pathways to mental health recovery in Canada.