Tomorrow, October 10th, is a significant day worldwide—World Mental Health Day. It highlights the importance of mental health, reminding us that it deserves the same attention and care as physical health.
In 2024, mental health is more relevant than ever as we navigate the ongoing challenges brought by a fast-paced and ever-evolving world. As this important day approaches, let’s explore why mental health matters and how you can integrate meaningful support into your daily life.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Mental health affects every aspect of our lives—relationships, physical health, and sense of purpose—yet it is often misunderstood or stigmatized. World Mental Health Day aims to encourage open conversations that break this silence, fostering compassion and acceptance.
Mental health issues can impact anyone, but many hesitate to seek help. By creating space for dialogue, we can dismantle stigma and support one another. Mental health, like physical health, requires care and attention, and with nearly 1 billion people affected globally, everyone has a role in promoting understanding and support.
Practical Ways to Support Mental Well-being
On Thursday October 10, let’s consider how we can weave mental wellness into our daily routines. Here are some simple yet affective practices to help:
- Practice mindfulness: Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing, observe your thoughts, or simply be present can help reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
- Prioritize self-care: Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or engaging in a hobby you love, carving out time for yourself helps recharge your mental and emotional batteries.
- Build a support system: Surrounding yourself with people who listen and care can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. It’s important to know you’re not alone.
- Seek professional help: Therapy, counseling, or coaching isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a proactive step toward well-being. Mental health professionals provide valuable guidance in navigating complex emotions and challenges.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Let’s commit to taking mental health seriously not just on World Mental Health Day – but every day. Whether through learning, offering support, or making small changes in our own lives, every action plays a role in advocating for a healthier, more empathetic world. Take time to reflect, actively engage, and take meaningful actions—both for yourself and those around you—focusing on creating lasting, impactful change.
*Insights taken from GroupHealth Benefit Solutions.
Posted: March 28, 2025 by cvsadmin
Welcome to Sheila Shokouhian
We want to take this opportunity to welcome Sheila Shokouhian to the CVS team. Sheila will be joining our Family Support Services team as Assistant Manager. Sheila starts at CVS this coming Monday, March 31st and will report to Joanne Weidinger, Senior Manager, Family Support Services.
Sheila has worked in the field of support services for over 8 years, with a BA in Psychology and Criminology from Simon Fraser University. As an Implementation Specialist, she has helped develop and implement behavior support plans dedicated to improving the quality of life for people by applying evidence-based strategies to support positive change.
Sheila is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential and lead fulfilling lives. We are excited to welcome Sheila to the team and look forward to working with her in the coming weeks and months.
Posted: February 10, 2025 by cvsadmin
Welcome Brianna Sutton, our new Assistant Manager of Shared Living
Please join us in welcoming Brianna Sutton, our new Assistant Manager of Shared Living. Brianna will be joining Kylie Isaacson, Manager of Shared Living, in the important they work they do in our home share department.
Brianna is returning to CVS after having worked at CVS as a Community Support Worker. Brianna also has experience working as a Program Coordinator, working with adults with developmental disabilities.
Brianna has a Bachelor of Psychology and we are excited for her to join the Shared Living team. Brianna’s first day at CVS is February 7th, 2025. Welcome Brianna!
Posted: January 24, 2025 by cvsadmin
Staff Changes at CVS – Jan 2025
We wanted to make you aware of some staff changes at CVS that have recently been announced.
Adrienne Mohr will continue her role as Manager of Homes and Cheri Barnes will continue her role as Program Coordinator of Fusion. Adrienne and Cheri both stepped into these roles just over a year ago and have helped to grow these programs and we are excited to see what the future holds.
Manager, Homes
Program Coodinator, Fusion
We are also excited to announce that Philip Nkum, will move into the role of Program Coordinator, Homes in a permanent capacity. Jen Pratt has been with CVS since October 2021, following the completion of her Classroom and Community Support Worker Diploma from Douglas College. Throughout her time at CVS, Jen has gained valuable experience supporting individuals in both the Discovery and Footloose programs, where she has assisted people in accessing the community, achieving personal goals, and fostering meaningful relationships. Jen will take on the role of Temporary Program Coordinator for Footloose.
Program Coodinator, Homes
Program Coordinator (temp), Footloose
Congratulations to everyone and we look forward to hearing more about the good work you and your team are doing here at CVS!
Posted: January 10, 2025 by cvsadmin
Introducing Elanda Robinson, our new DisDaBomb Coordinator
We are excited to announce that Elanda Robinson will be the new Enterprise Coordinator at CVS. Elanda will manage our social enterprise, DisDaBomb, and be part of our team as we move forward with our social enterprises here at CVS.
Elanda joins us from her previous role at CVS as a Community Support Worker and a part-time Employment Specialist. She has experience and understanding of the DisDaBomb enterprise from this work and we are excited for her to bring that knowledge to her new role.
Elanda will report into Miriam Hoolahan, Director of Marketing and Communications. Together and alongside the Employment team, led by Emily Price and Diana MacPhee, we will work to continue the growth of DisDaBomb and our social enterprises at CVS.
Elanda will start formally in her new role at DisDaBomb on Tuesday, January 14th. Join me in congratulating her.
Posted: January 10, 2025 by cvsadmin
Congrats to our 2024 CVS Staff Award Winners
We wanted to say a big congrats to our 2024 CVS Staff Award winners. Check out the video below to see all the people who won awards for 2024. Thank you for your dedication to the people you support, the families, our entire CVS team and, most of all, your commitment to CVS!
*Please note: we have only published names of people who provided consent. Others may have won awards but are not listed at this time.
Posted: November 28, 2024 by cvsadmin
Changes in our Shared Living Team
We want to take a moment to congratulate Kylie Isaacson as she has been promoted to the role of Manager, Shared Living. Kylie has worked on the Shared Living team as Assistant Manager since 2019 and she is looking forward to making an even bigger impact as she moves into the role of Manager in the department.
Thank you to Colin Wood who will be moving – we appreciate all the hard work in Shared Living and wish you the best in your future endeavours.
Posted: November 4, 2024 by cvsadmin
Register by Nov 22nd for the 2024 CVS Staff Christmas Party & Staff Awards
Our 2024 CVS Staff Christmas Party will be happening on Saturday, December 7th at PoCo Inn & Suites (1545 Lougheed Hwy., Port Coquitlam). It will be a great night for all of us to have some fun, food and celebrate our year at CVS. Check-in will start at 6pm with dinner starting around 6:30pm.
Register for tickets by end of day November 22nd, 2024. Tickets are $20/person. Tickets can be purchased for a CVS staff member and one additional guest.
Reserve your tickets ASAP using the form below
When: Saturday, December 7th – arrive 6pm, dinner starts at 6:30pm
Where: PoCo Inn & Suites (1545 Lougheed Hwy., Port Coquitlam)
Cost: $20/ticket (up to 2 additional guests) – Please send $20/ticket to pay@communityventures.ca via etransfer only (use reference “staff2024”) to secure your tickets.
Emails will be sent out 1 week before the event with electronic tickets to show at the door.
Reserve Your Tickets Now!
Enter your contact details below.
Posted: October 22, 2024 by cvsadmin
Join Us for a Movie Day!
Grab your popcorn and a comfy chair, we are excited to invite you to a movie on Sunday November 3rd!
We will be watching The Wild Robot on November 3rd at 1:30pm.
If you would like to attend, please complete the form below by October 28th – tickets will go quickly, so don’t miss out!
Reserve your tickets ASAP in the form below
Enter your contact information in the form below to secure your tickets. Alternatively, you can contact Afroza Samji directly at afroza.samji@communityventures.ca.
When: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 at 1:30pm – come early to get your ticket & popcorn!)
Where: Cineplex Odeon, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
Reserve Your Tickets Now!
Enter your contact details below.
Posted: October 11, 2024 by cvsadmin
Make a Difference in the Life of a Child this Christmas – 2024 Campaign
Every year, the Family Support Services department at CVS works hard to create a memorable Christmas for the children & families we support in our Children’s Respite program.
Christmas is a special time but it can also be a very hard time for many families. This holiday season, we hope you might consider donating to this important campaign to make this time of year a memorable one for the families in our program.
One of the easiest ways to send your donation to us is through our online donation form which can be easily accessed through our website. Simply click here or send your donation in through the form directly below and you will be able to make your donation to the 2024 Christmas Campaign.
If you would like to donate to the 2024 Christmas Campaign in person, you can drop off your donation at our administrative office at #307-2502 St Johns Street in Port Moody to the attention of Joanne Weidinger.
We want to thank you in advance for supporting this important campaign. In past years, your support has made such a difference in the life of the children in our program and their families.
You’ve put smiles on their faces and happiness in their hearts in the past – we are excited to do the same this year.
Posted: October 9, 2024 by cvsadmin
Ahead of World Mental Health Day
Tomorrow, October 10th, is a significant day worldwide—World Mental Health Day. It highlights the importance of mental health, reminding us that it deserves the same attention and care as physical health.
In 2024, mental health is more relevant than ever as we navigate the ongoing challenges brought by a fast-paced and ever-evolving world. As this important day approaches, let’s explore why mental health matters and how you can integrate meaningful support into your daily life.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Mental health affects every aspect of our lives—relationships, physical health, and sense of purpose—yet it is often misunderstood or stigmatized. World Mental Health Day aims to encourage open conversations that break this silence, fostering compassion and acceptance.
Mental health issues can impact anyone, but many hesitate to seek help. By creating space for dialogue, we can dismantle stigma and support one another. Mental health, like physical health, requires care and attention, and with nearly 1 billion people affected globally, everyone has a role in promoting understanding and support.
Practical Ways to Support Mental Well-being
On Thursday October 10, let’s consider how we can weave mental wellness into our daily routines. Here are some simple yet affective practices to help:
Prioritizing Mental Health
Let’s commit to taking mental health seriously not just on World Mental Health Day – but every day. Whether through learning, offering support, or making small changes in our own lives, every action plays a role in advocating for a healthier, more empathetic world. Take time to reflect, actively engage, and take meaningful actions—both for yourself and those around you—focusing on creating lasting, impactful change.
*Insights taken from GroupHealth Benefit Solutions.
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