C
MHA - Calgary’s Street Outreach and Stabilization (SOS)
team was honoured at United Way of Calgary and Area’s
Spirits of Gold Awards ceremony for their work in linking
hard-to-reach homeless individuals who are experiencing
mental health concerns to essential services within the
community.
United Way's Spirits of Gold Awards recognize and
celebrate the spirit and generosity of the people, agencies
and workplaces that displayed outstanding leadership
and dedication during their Annual Campaign. The George
Blondeau Award recognizes agencies and their employees
whom demonstrate a real commitment to support the
Aboriginal community and build awareness to both the
Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community through their
services. Criteria for the award was that the program must
demonstrate an internal policy to actively include Aboriginal
peoples; implement inclusion and consultation practices of
Aboriginal peoples in service design, cultural practices, and
governance; and include knowledge and awareness of the
topic of intergenerational trauma.
For many homeless men and women in Calgary the SOS
program is the first step towards healing and support. SOS
connects directly with these homeless individuals in the
community, addressing their most basic needs and supporting
the development of daily life skills.
Statistics Canada show that only two per cent of Calgarians
are Aboriginal, yet they represent about 15 per cent of
homeless men and women. Because of that, a specialized
program was set up to respond to the unique needs of the
Aboriginal homeless population. To encourage trust and
establish a forum for peer support, each Aboriginal SOS
coordinator is also a member of the Aboriginal community.
Together, with other CMHA - Calgary programs, the SOS
team’s commitment to the Aboriginal community continues
to build a stronger Calgary that supports mental health for all.
Annual Report to the Community 2013-2014
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