Achieving a Lifetime Goal

After being out of the work force for over 5 years, Tom received some advice from a counsellor that changed his life. Now 50, Tom has struggled with depression and anxiety since he was 20 years old. Even though Tom has been living with mental illness for 30 years, he says that recovery is a process and you face many challenges as you go along.

Tom is an accomplished academic with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Western Ontario. He always had the goal of becoming a teacher. Unfortunately, Tom found himself taking janitorial jobs because he could not commit to a career.

His life took a turn three years ago when his counsellor recommended that he join Coast’s Clubhouse.  After participating in an orientation, Tom signed up for the communications unit and volunteered as a writer for the Coast Post and the front desk.

Just a few years ago, Tom would describe himself as antisocial, but since joining the Clubhouse he evolved into an extrovert. “The process of becoming more social and outgoing evolved naturally. The Clubhouse environment made it easy to participate in my own way,” says Tom.

 After being out of school since 1972, Tom is back at Vancouver Community College working towards becoming an ESL teacher.  He says that employment and education have played a very important role in his recovery. “Volunteering at the Clubhouse and going to school has given structure to my day. Every morning I wake up and have somewhere I know I have to be.”

Tom was a recipient of the Manjit Mann Memorial Education Fund, where he received $2,500 to go towards the cost of his education. “Not only has Coast Mental Health helped me financially, the staff at the Clubhouse have given me the emotional support needed to prepare for the workforce.”

Tom describes the Clubhouse as his first positive experience in a community setting. “Recovery is a process that is ongoing. It is good to have people around you that keep you moving forward.”

For Tom there is no looking back.