BURNABY MENTAL WEALTH SOCIETY
OUR STRENGTH IS OUR MEMBERS
History of our Society Burnaby Mental Wealth Society was created in 1993, when
four people recovering from mental illness decided their recovery would be
helped if there was more support in the community. As no similar program
existed in Burnaby, they took the initiative to create a support network: they
created a mission statement pledging to help those with mental illness and a
constitution which required the majority of the members of the Board of
Directors be consumers of Burnaby Mental Health Services. The name decided upon
was "Burnaby Mental Wealth Society":
"Wealth" being a combination of "health and wellness" and
reflecting the wealth of skills, strengths, aspirations, and accomplishments of
our members.
Originally,
the members of the group put forward their own money to start the organization
and then applied for Non-Profit Society status in 1994. Shortly after, they
received funding from the Provincial Government for the "Volunteer Friends" program and
one staff member was hired. The purpose of this program was to match a member
with a Volunteer Friend, who would go on outings and socialize with individuals
who, due to their illness, were becoming isolated.
Gradually, as membership
grew, the society started looking for larger premises. In April 1999, the
Society received funding to open a house at 6112 Sussex Ave Burnaby – our current location. Due to the
increased expense of renting the house, the Volunteer Friends program was
dropped as members could now could meet and socialize in their own venue. Today
we have about 240 members, daily visits of about 26-33 members and 3.8 full
time staff positions. In May of 2002, we adopted the International Center for Clubhouse Development (ICCD) standards as
requested by the Fraser Health Authority.
The
clubhouse provides opportunities for all members to be involved in the work of
running of the clubhouse as well as enjoying recreational activities together.
We also help members to find paid work and volunteer opportunities in the
surrounding community and to access further education. Thanks to our members,
who keep the clubhouse open on weekends and some week nights, the centre is
usually open 7 days week: 9:30-9:30 on
weekdays. 9:00-12:00 on Saturdays. We also offer budget friendly lunches
and dinners. Members tell us they come to our clubhouse because they want to
make friends and also they want to do something meaningful with their day. We
fully believe that everyone in our community has something to offer and that
the clubhouse provides opportunities for members to share and explore their
"wealth" experience, interests, and abilities.
General Inquires can be sent to Contact: info@bmws.bc.ca