Community Connections is a recovery-oriented program organized to help individuals 16 years or older improve mental health and overall wellness. We’ll support you in developing skills and strengths, as well as connectedness with yourself, others and your environment. You’ll learn to accept your limitations, and also how to discover a new world of possibility by realizing your hopes, goals and aspirations.
Who are we?
We are Occupational Therapists, Peer Support Workers and Volunteers working hard to see you succeed in your recovery.
What groups/services do we offer?
Drop-In – Staff and volunteer-led drop-in programs give members an opportunity to informally connect with others in a safe and supportive environment.
Groups – We have lots of different groups for members to drop in and enjoy at all of our locations. There is a list below that demonstrates the variety of groups we offer but we ask that you please check our most recent calendar for full details of days, times and group descriptions.
Recovery
Goals Check-In, Illness Management Recovery, Themes of Recovery
Health / Wellness
Fitness at the YMCA, Nutrition, Yoga, Mood Walks, Spirituality, Wellness Recovery Action Plan, Dog Therapy
Skill Building
Healthy Relationships, Anger Management, Activities and Mental Health, Stress Management, Independent Living Skills, Relaxation Skills, Mindful Digest, Books and Stories, Computers, Community Volunteering
Leisure
Knitting, Arts and Crafts, Board Games, Writing, Gardening, Quilting, Music, Improvisation
Social
Drop-in, Peer-led drop-in, Youth Group, Monthly Outings
Leadership / Personal Growth
Leadership Program/Groups, Volunteer
And more!
Some groups are listed as closed groups – 8-10 week, in-depth groups that build on previously shared material. Please find the “Introduction to…” session of this group on our calendar to join new sessions.
The community connections team
Erin
My name is Erin a.k.a. the awesome lady at the front! I aim to be a jack of all trades, but I am the happiest up at my desk, seeing all the faces of our staff and clients each day! In my off time, I love to spend time with my family, decorate a room, or read a self-help book. My favourite quote is “ Nothing changes if nothing changes”.
Sharlene
Occupational Therapist
Hi—I’m Sharlene! I’m an Occupational Therapist with Community Connections. I’ve worked in mental health since 2009, and I have additional training and experience in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and the use of sensory strategies for mental health and emotional regulation. I believe in the power of meaningful activities to bring a wholeness to daily life. I especially believe in the power of the arts to communicate, and as a way to find meaning and connection.
Shauna
Occupational Therapist
Welcome to Community Connections! I’m Shauna, an Occupational Therapist with the team and grew up right here in York Region. I have always had a passion for working in mental health as I strongly believe that every person has the power to create their recovery journey and potential to lead a meaningful life. I have training and experience in Motivational Interviewing, Coaching and Sensory Regulation to name a few, and enjoy learning from our members every day. You will see me in groups such as Community Volunteering, Sing-A-Along, Drumming and Fun with Juicing, as well as hanging out at drop in.
Karen
Peer Support Worker
My name is Karen. My best qualification is my own life experience with mental health issues! I'm here to listen to you and share with you. I was born and raised in Ireland, but now call Canada my home. I have also found a second home in CMHA. I love working as a peer supporter in our programs in Aurora and Markham where we have drop-ins and also offer a wide variety of groups. We try to be welcoming, and I think we have a pretty good vibe in our program! When it comes to our groups, I think it's a great idea to come and check out some different groups - you never know what you might find and what you might enjoy.
Fraser
Peer Support Worker
Role: Peer Support Worker. Why? Eight years of Bipolar & Suicidal Depression. Groups: Youth Group, Work Out Group, Mood Walk Group, Nutrition Group and spontaneous art when needed. Favourite Temperature: 20 celcius. Favourite Birds: Blue Herons, Red-winged Blackbirds, Goldfinches & Barred Owls. Favourite snack on-the-go: Bananas. Countries visited (not including dreams): Korea, Chile, America, Iceland, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Favourite Podcasts: Hardcore History, Joe Rogan Experience, With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus, and The Duncan Trussell Family Hour. Do I listen to commercials?: Nope. Well, I try not to. Do I watch too much Netflix: Oh yeah. Other Interests: Island cultures, fruit & vegetable combinations, basketball, shrinky dinks, foot baths (foot care in general), ancient mysteries, CBC Radio 2 and What time is the sun going down?
James
Peer Support Worker
James Welsman is a peer support worker with a dedication for personal growth and helping others achieve the same. James is happy to share his journey of recovery, and happy to learn about your journey as well. James believes that through following our passions, we can make the world a better place.
Tim
Peer Support Worker
Hi there, my name is Tim Powell and I'm a new member of the Peer Support team. I enjoy meeting and learning about CMHA members and their stories and sharing some of my own. I also enjoy fitness, learning, and self-improvement.
Heidi
Peer Support Worker
Hello, I'm Heidi. I am passionate about many things, and I love exploring ideas. Learning about Recovery and Peer Support continues to empower me in my health, life, and relationships. I believe that by engaging in Recovery, each of us can be the "unique, awesome, one of a kind, never to be repeated human being that we are" (Patricia Deegan).
How do I join?
Come to our New Member Orientation group every week (Mondays 1:30-2:30 in Aurora, Fridays 10-11 in Markham) to see our space, meet our staff, get a copy of our most recent calendar and get started with us!
Tell us about yourself.