2021-2022 Highlights

Coast Mental Health’s outcomes and impact in fiscal 2021-2022

For fiscal 2021/2022, Coast Mental Health invited clients to return to regular programming and services across our facilities as part of our post pandemic recovery. It was a challenging year for our front-line workers and administration staff, all of whom showed strength and resiliency in serving the 5000+ people in our care. Through the efforts of our dedicated workforce, we were recognized again this year as one of B.C.’s Top Employers, and we were named one of the top places to work in Canada.

What was our impact in fiscal 2020/2021?

Housing

We continued to grow our housing portfolio despite being stretched by internal and external factors caused by the pandemic. We added Burnham Place to our portfolio, a 68-unit facility located across the street from our head office and the Clubhouse in the Mount Pleasant community.

Additionally, we partnered with Easter Seals Society, providing 21 beds for people at risk of homelessness. This was necessary after the lease at tə cecəw modular housing wasn’t renewed. We also made the difficult decision to end our contract at St. Helen’s Hotel, and moved the mental health supports we provided there to our Pacific Coast Apartments. 

Read more in our 2021/2022 Annual Report: Low-Cost Housing – The foundation of our work.

Support Services

Coast Mental Health offers many programs and services to support people living with mental illness. For fiscal 2021/2022, we highlight the outcomes of some of these programs:

Cognitive Rehabilitation Program

The Cognitive Rehabilitation Program supports 198 clients each month in person and virtually across many of our different sites. This unique and innovative therapy is the first of its kind in the province and is made possible thanks to donors who support Coast Mental Health Foundation.

Outreach Services

The need for Coast’s Outreach Services continues to grow in Vancouver and Maple Ridge. Our team assists people in accessing income assistance, applying for housing, as well as assisting people with referrals to other healthcare services.

Harm Reduction Services

The toxic drug crisis continues to worsen. In it’s sixth year, an average of six people die each day because of poisoned drugs in British Columbia. At Coast, our front-line workers see the impact of this public health crisis each and every day. We offer harm reduction services at many of our sites, and our staff are trained to administer Naloxone and first aid in emergency situations.

Meal Programs

Meal time provides an important opportunity for clients and staff to build relationships and community. Thanks to donors’ generosity and support through Coast Mental Health Foundation as well as many community partnerships, Coast has 30 active meal programs across our 52 sites.

Read more about the impact meals have by reading Kevin’s story.

Young Adult Program

Through the support of donors, the Young Adult Program offers customized services for young adults living with mental health challenges; The demand for this program continues to grow. Every year the Rabble Rousers—led by the Young Adult Program members— engage in a community initiative. Projects like this give members a chance to connect, grow and learn new skills that can make a positive difference for someone who lives with mental illness. As part of the 2021 Vancouver Mural Festival, the group completed a mural with the word ‘Courage’ surrounded by symbols, each carefully picked to symbolize their journey to recovery.

Learn more about the Rabble Rousers and their mural here.

Employment & Education

Coast Mental Health’s Employment and Training Programs assist people living with mental health challenges. The outcomes have the capacity to boost a person’s self-confidence, adding meaning to their lives and improving financial independence.

Transitional Employment Program

In fiscal 2021/2022, the Street Clean Team expanded with the support from local Business Improvement Associations and businesses. Landscaping With Heart diversified services to include a successful power washing business. And the Social Crust Café & Catering reimagined its business ventures to create new strategies to ensure employment opportunities continued for its members.

Learn more by reading our 2021/2022 Annual Report: Clubhouse rises to the challenge of the pandemic.

Peer Support Program

The Peer Support Program, including the Young Adult Peer Support Program, was able to pivot and adjust during the pandemic using virtual channels and small group formats. The Peer Support Training Program, made possible by donors to Coast Mental Health Foundation, teaches participants how to use their firsthand experiences with mental illness and the challenges of recovery in roles that support other clients.

Read about the support Greg received at the Cottages Program and how it gave him the confidence to live his life to the fullest.

Operations

We made a number of operational improvements this fiscal, including the implementation of a new human resource management system, and many significant IT improvements. These investments are necessary to support our growing operational and workforce needs. This also provides resources and supports to assist the essential student placements and volunteers who have generously given their time to support our mission.

Learn more by reading our 2021/2022 Annual Report: Laying the groundwork for a secure future.

Philanthropy

Coast Mental Health Foundation has continued to pivot and find new ways to fundraise during the pandemic. The Courage To Come Back Awards was held virtually, as a one-hour TV show on Global BC and streamed on City News Vancouver’s website. The Foundation continues to seek new philanthropic opportunities to expand its ability to fund enhanced and innovative programs that Coast would otherwise not be able to offer. In fiscal 2021/2022, the Foundation funded 28 programs through the generosity of donors, including the Peer Support Program, Brain Training and Healthy Breakfast Program.

The Art Room at the Resource Centre is also funded through the generosity of donors. The Art Room is a place where clients discover their creative potential while developing new ways of expressing emotions, healing pain and growing their self-esteem and self-awareness. It is also home to an Art Recovery Group run by one of our peer support workers and is even home to some of Vancouver’s acclaimed artists, like Gurl23.

Read in the Foundation Gratitude Report how the Art Room helped Gurl23 find structure and healing.

View as PDF