A wish that's been 20 years in the making has finally come true.
The Canadian Mental Health Association's Prince George branch has moved to 1152 Third Ave., a space twice the size of its old office at 555 George St.
Everyone's invited to come celebrate the association's 50th anniversary and the new location on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the official ribbon cutting, light refreshments and a door prize draw.
The office is currently serving about 250 clients and now there's enough room for a training facility in the building that makes it possible to hold workshops as the association continues to grow and expand.
Their latest program, Enjoy Your Baby, will be available in the fall. It's a provincial initiative with two pilot projects being launched, one here and one in Vancouver. It will help new moms and moms-to-be prepare for baby and make sure they make time for themselves in their newly-hectic schedule.
Ongoing programs include life skills and vocational support training for people with severe and persistent mental illness.
The CHMA has a thrift store under the same roof as well as Two Rivers catering, which provides employment support for individuals with mental illness who are getting back into the workforce.
Bounce Back is a telephone coaching program that helps those in the north, who are dealing with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
"We also have a really strong focus on public education and we tailor information sessions to any group interested," said Maureen Davis, executive director of the local branch of the CMHA.
Programs include Living Life to the Full, Mental Health First Aid, and peer support programs for people who are on their way to wellness, like a call program for those who have just been discharged from the psychiatric ward.
"We also have a resource housing outreach person who is working to assist anyone with a mental illness to be able to find housing that is stable and affordable," said Davis, who has been with CMHA for the last two years. The worker is trying to creatively partner with other organizations to resolve the lack of housing issue, Davis added.
The move to the new location was possible thanks to a local benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous.
During the open house people can sign up to be part of Ride Don't Hide, a community bike ride, held on June 22.
During the open house guests can meet Bev Gutray, CMHA B.C. division executive director and Judy Moore, provincial CMHA president, as well as local CMHA board members.
