VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7

COLLABORATION

2024 DESIGN SHIFT ACTION

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS IN THE COMMUNITY -

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SPECIAL THANKS TOO: -

Jade Alberts Freeman Beals Christina Henderson Simone Fortier Marilyn Dyck Nicole Langton Zanika & Xalynn Malden Furkhan Dandia Harry Tucker Kathy James All our Advertisers & Sponsors

#ittakesacommunity

Safe Haven Foundation Creating Opportunity for Awareness o Changing the Lens: Zooming in to Make a Difference Let’s Focus on Youth Dream it. Plan it. Build it. o Struggle is Your Success Breaking Ground: Caregivers Alberta Launches Innovative Pilot Program for Youth Caregivers AARC Recovery Celebrating Community to Create Space for Community o Stonewall Recovery

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY -

Telling It Like It Is o Hunter Hub Taking the Bus Networking Events

EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY -

Recovery on Campus Connecting With Community

INNOVATION IN THE COMMUNITY 3 Ways A Positive Ecosystem Is Vital in Supporting Innovation RESOURCES -

www.communitynowmagazine.com Copyright 2024 ZX Media Corporation, Calgary Alberta Canada Community Now! Magazine.

Volume 6 Issue 7 – March 2024 All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, writer, artist, or photographer.

LET’S THINK! We live in possibly the noisiest time in our history…

Our humanity survives because we need each other.

TO LISTEN is the most important task of our lives.

LISTENING is a progression. to HEAR to KNOW to UNDERSTAND to EMPATHIZE to ACT CN! leaders & members are building this framework together.

We are exceptional LISTENERS in our world, as we live in the noise of our society.

Let’s nurture the quiet we need to hear and be heard!

- Marilyn Dyck

IN THE COMMUNITY

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE SUCCESSFUL

ORGANIZATIONS & COMPANIES LEADING THE WAY

What is your organization/business?

Safe Haven Foundation has been keeping homeless and at-risk girls safe, off the streets and in school for over 23 years. Haven’s Way®, our innovative, long-term supportive housing program, has been home to almost 100 youth.

Our newest initiative, Haven’s Harbour, will provide affordable housing with supports for additional youth, graduating from Haven’s Way and likeminded programs, who are pursuing post-secondary education while learning to live independently. This residence will increase the number of young people we serve by 150% and, in turn, increases the positive impact for their communities of families and natural supports. Looking at Haven’s Harbour in terms of hard numbers, this equates to 3,285 bed nights per year for youth who are safely housed with access to education.

What problem are you solving? And how?

The youth we support are unhoused or at-risk of being unhoused and are facing this risk for many reasons, including abuse, neglect, and family conflict. We believe in family, natural supports and chosen family and the importance that they hold in all young people’s lives. We all need community around us, we all need to feel belonging, we all need meaningful relationships. We include the youth’s family, natural supports and chosen family in all the supports we offer.

We recognize that the youth are with us for a short period of time in their lives, so it is our responsibility to provide them opportunities to rebuild relationships, explore new connections and learn to create healthy boundaries for themselves.

Relationships and connection are prevention measures to ensure youth are not at risk of homelessness.

IN THE COMMUNITY How are you making an impact in young people’s lives / providing to the success of a young person’s life?

In addition to providing safe housing and supports, we give them space to stack their building blocks for a solid future. We provide opportunities for these young people to explore their goals, to complete their education, to connect to community, to grow their social and emotional skills.

They can learn to identify what safety and security feels like and how to create that for themselves throughout their life.

How can young people access your services? Or how do adults access y our services/ program/business?

There is no wrong way to refer a youth.

Many of our referrals come through our website or through the local school boards and other community partners. Referrals can be sent directly to our Program Manager at programmanager@safehavenfoundation.ca Youth can self-refer, or a caring adult or natural support can refer on the youth’s behalf.

We also have incredible relationships with other youth serving organizations in Calgary who refer youth that could benefit from our supports.

What do you community?

need

from

the

Safe Haven Foundation does not receive United Way or fee-for-service government funding, relying on the generosity of corporations, granting organizations, thirdparty partnerships, fundraising events and individual Calgarians. It is our mandate to ensure that we always have a full year of Haven’s Way operating expenses in place so that the girls we serve are never at risk of loss of service.

In addition, we need the community’s support to raise sufficient funds to cover all costs related to the purchase and renovations of Haven’s Harbour. Our capital campaign is $2.6 million which includes a mortgage that we secured to purchase the building. To date we have raised almost $2 million towards our fundraising goal. We are seeking the remaining funding through community donors so the building can be fully occupied and operational by the end of 2024.

We invite readers to join us as ambassadors by engaging support from their companies, making a one-time donation, or becoming a Haven’s Hero by providing a monthly donation. As little as $10 per month goes a long way in ensuring our stability and ability to change the lives of homeless and at-risk youth in our community.

Why is it important to provide resources and opportunities to young people?

Housing stability has been identified as an integral part of youth homelessness prevention.

Youth who are homeless, experiencing illness, not in our education system and/or are unemployed are generally not contributing to a community’s economic activity. Once given a stable longterm home and access to community services like education, employment, recreation, culture, therapy and health care, they have a greatly increased opportunity to become self-sufficient and to give back to the community’s economy.

According to a recent report by the Homeless Hub, 20% of Canada’s homeless population is made up of young people between 13-24 years of age, with at least 35,000-40,000 youth experiencing homelessness in any given year. The inability to effectively address youth homelessness represents Canada’s most urgent youth equity issue. Beyond housing, enabling strong and meaningful connections to school is one of the most efficient and effective interventions to ensure young people are integrated in and contribute to their communities, and experience a sense of purposefulness and wellbeing throughout adulthood. In a Canadian survey of homeless and precariously housed youth, the drop-out rate for homeless youth was 53.2%, compared to a national average of 9%. Some studies indicate that drop-out rates are actually far higher than that, with up to 90% of homeless youth disengaging from school. There is a pressing need to ensure Canada’s most structurally vulnerable young people experience barrierfree and continuous access to education throughout their youth – that is, until they are at least 24 years of age.

Advice to the next generation?

Don’t give up. We are listening and we are here to support, whatever that support may look like. We are invested in you, and we believe in you. You have what it takes; we all just sometimes need a hand to hold onto and someone to walk alongside us on the journey.

Websites: www.safehavenfoundation.ca www.havensharbour.ca Instagram: @safehavencanada Facebook: @safehavenfoundationcanada Twitter: @safehavencanada LinkedIn: the-safe-haven-foundationof-canada

HOPES CORNER

By C.H. & family

IN THE COMMUNITY

Creating Opportunity for AWARENESS -

Kathy James

What is your program /organization/ business?

Changing the Lens: Zooming in to Make a Difference Resilience Keynote, Author, and QPR Suicide Prevention Certified Instructor, Kathy James, addresses the pressing issues of depression and suicide, shedding light on their prevalence among teen students. Join us as Kathy takes you on a journey through her personal challenges with depression and suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the urgent need for empathy, awareness, and action in the face of these challenges. Prepare to delve into a crucial conversation that confronts the stark realities of depression and suicide within the college community. Drawing from her own life, Kathy invites you to explore these critical issues through a widened lens infused with empathy and hope.

Equip yourself with the awareness and tools to make a difference. Together, we can create a more empathetic and supportive classroom environment, reducing the prevalence of depression and saving lives from suicide.

What problem are you solving? And how?

Our program seeks to raise awareness among leaders of youth about the prevalence of depression and suicidal thoughts among teen students, providing tools for recognizing and addressing them, and ultimately contribute to creating a more empathetic and supportive classroom environment.

How are you making an impact in young people’s lives / providing to the success of a young person’s life?

The program aims to reduce the prevalence of depression and save youth from suicide.

We do this by: • • • •

Increasing awareness about the signs of silent battles with depression Revealing factors contributing to suicidal thoughts Promoting compassion and support when discussing sensitive topics Equipping individuals with practical tools and knowledge to intervene and support struggling peers.

Why is it important to provide resources and opportunities to young people?

Providing resources and opportunities to young people, through mentorship and supportive programs like “Changing the Lens”, is vital for empowering them with the tools, advice, and emotional support needed to navigate challenges, set and achieve goals, fostering personal growth and success. This assistance contributes to building resilience, confidence, and a foundation for a positive future.

Advice to the next generation?

Remember that seeking help during adverse experiences is a sign of strength. Embrace the support being extended to you, your future self will look back with pride and will thank you for it.

What do you need from the community?

Community members and organizations can support our mission to “Illuminate the profound impacts trauma can have on youth, fostering understanding and empathy” in 3 different ways: 1. Invite Kathy as your Keynote and / or to share a workshop. QPR Certified Instructor, Kathy James addresses the pressing issues of depression and suicide, shedding light on their prevalence among teen students. Equip your audience with the awareness and tools to make a difference.

2. Sponsor a Suicide Ed Project. We are proud to announce the development of an animated short video series that delves into the profound impact of suicide through real stories narrated by survivors and those left behind.

Your support not only demonstrates corporate responsibility but also directly contributes to initiatives that foster understanding, resilience, and hope within our community and beyond. Learn more at www.kathyjames.org/projecthighlight

“In the time that you hit the snooze button and stayed in bed 10 more minutes, someone has died by suicide. More than ever, now is the time to speak up more freely about mental health. It’s not a time to shy away from the topic because starting the conversation can very well save a life.”

– Kathy James

3. Become an URC Member. Be a catalyst for impactful change by becoming an integral extension of the United Resilience Community (URC) as an annual member. Actively contribute to our collective mission while showcasing your commitment to positive change and enjoy exclusive benefits and heightened visibility all year. Visit our membership page to learn more about our collective mission and how to join.

Web: www.kathyjames.org Email: hello@kathyjames.org Calendly: https://calendly.com/sheshedlive/discovery-call Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-jamesa936648a/

IN THE COMMUNITY

Let’s Focus on Youth, to embrace the opportunity to change not just the trajectory of our lives but our entire approach to mental health and well-being. The Fascia Brain Treatment and Training Institute is more than a program; it's a movement towards a healthier, happier, and more empowered generation.

Transforming Youth Mental Health: The Power of Brain Nutrition Imagine a world where mental health concerns, overwhelming stress, and selfdestructive behaviors are not just managed but truly transformed.

That's the vision behind the Fascia Brain Treatment and Training Institute, founded by Simone Fortier.

This innovative program introduces a groundbreaking brain nutrition protocol designed to nourish your brain and address common mental health challenges that many young people face today, including symptoms of ADHD, sleep issues, negative self-talk, and even suicidal ideation.

A Program Results

That

Delivers

Real

This program has been a lifeline for hundreds of youths aged 10 to 18.

Participants have moved from struggling with anxiety and self-medication to achieving remarkable success in school and life.

They've gone from battling suicidal thoughts to feeling empowered and hopeful about their future.

Take Lawsan's story, for example.

Once a top athlete faced with a career-ending injury, his life spiraled into drug use and academic failure.

However, through my program, Lawsan rediscovered his purpose and potential. From sleepless nights to a full night's sleep on day one, and eventually excelling academically and being accepted into business school, his transformation has been miraculous.

Lawsan's journey from despair to success underscores the transformative power of our brain nutrition protocol. Lawsan continues on the program, retests every 2 to 3 months for precise changes in his program and is coached and mentored by Simone as he continues to scale.

A Lifesaving Solution That Could Have Been Yours Imagine if such a program had been available during your formative years.

Simone Fortier, the founder, shares this sentiment deeply, having designed the program based on her journey with ADHD, over 50 childhood concussions, and a lifelong battle with suicidal ideation. Her experiences underscore the program's potential to change lives, offering a natural solution to enhance brain health and wellbeing.

The program's benefits extend beyond mental health, addressing and resolving Simones's and thousands of others' suicidal ideation, chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, procrastination, defiance (the all or none principle), and insomnia, showcasing the profound impact of proper brain nutrition.

It's a testament to the idea that our food is more than just sustenance; it's the fuel that powers our brain, body, and spirit.

Your Path to Superior Brain Health Starts Here If you're ready to unlock your full potential and transform your life, the Fascia Brain Treatment and Training Institute invites you to take the first step. This program needs to get out to the world—a natural and simple approach to mental health and wellness.

By clicking the link to take our test, you'll embark on a journey to develop a personalized brain nutrition program tailored to your unique needs. Unlock the Secret to Superior Brain Health - Fascia Training Institute

Advice for the Next Generation: Life may present its challenges, but we can find ease and flow in our journey with the right tools and support.

Life is not Easy, but there should be an Ease.

Understanding and nurturing our brain's health is the secret to a balanced, fulfilling life.

Suicidal Ideation – Thinking thoughts like who would attend my funeral, they would be better off if I were dead, those thoughts can disappear forever.

(3) Simone Fortier | LinkedIn simone fortier (@simonefortier) / Twitter (2) Simone Fortier | Facebook Simone Fortier (facebook.com) Simone (@simonefortier) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.fasciatraininginstitute.com/ https://www.simonefortier.com/

Dream it. Plan it. Build it.

Providing Space for Young People to be creative, learn and have purpose. through Unearthing their POTENTIAL.

What is your program/organization?

Struggle is Your Success (SIYS).

An innovative non-profit dedicated to providing tangible entrepreneurial skills and mindset development that inspires, guides, and motivates youth from diverse backgrounds to discover and pursue their passions in life and over come challenges.

What problem are you solving?

And how?

Through our programs and workshops, we teach young people to become selfsustaining members of our community and achieve success in their lives no matter what challenges they have faced.

This helps us reduce crime, poverty, and hunger by helping youth become entrepreneurs and learning about the ecosystem in Alberta.

How are you making an impact in young people’s lives / providing to the success of a young person’s life?

We help young people understand the importance of Unearthing their potential by using their talents and dreams through the Entrepreneurial world, therefore giving them purpose and belonging, and allowing their voices and ideas to be seen, heard and valued.

Why is it important to provide resources and opportunities to young people?

According to the Federal Government of Canada and Stats Canada, youth are dropping out of school. The state youth/report written by youth and federal government researchers using 1000 youth across Canada from diverse backgrounds reporting on their views in six key areas; truth and reconciliation, environment and climate action, health and wellness, leadership, and impact. employment, Innovation, skills, and learning

Advice to the next generation?

Keep learning and understand the importance of Networking and innovation.

How can young people access your services? Or how do adults access our services/ program/business?

By Following us on LinkedIn and Social Media channels such as Instagram and signing up to our programs on our website

What do you community?

need

from

the

Funding, collaboration, and networking opportunities. #ItTakesACommunity and we are always looking for partners who want to make an impact in young people’s lives!

https://www.facebook.com/StruggleIsYo urSuccess https://www.instagram.com/siyscanada/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/siys www.siys.ca

Breaking Ground: Caregivers Alberta Launches Innovative Pilot Program for Youth Caregivers - Christina Henderson In a groundbreaking move, Caregivers Alberta, with support from various organizations, including the Calgary Foundation, Young Caregivers Association, and Petro Canada Caremakers Foundation, has initiated a pilot project tailored specifically for young caregivers aged 1215. This initiative marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Western Canada, filling a crucial gap in support services for young caregivers in the region.

Presently, Youth Caregiver programs are exclusively available in Eastern Canada, leaving a notable void in resources and assistance for young caregivers in the Western provinces. Surprisingly, statistics reveal that over 1.25 million youth across the country assume caregiving roles, indicating a pressing need for tailored programs to support their unique challenges and experiences.

The pilot program, currently serving 12-15year-olds in the Calgary area, has already garnered positive feedback from participants.

One young caregiver expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you for teaching me ways to deal with my problems.” A parent of two participants commented after the second week, “I noticed the difference in my daughters and how well they are coping in the past two classes.” Such testimonials underscore the efficacy of providing much-needed support and guidance to young caregivers.

Research indicates that children as young as five are taking on caregiving responsibilities for siblings or parents, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue at an early age. By offering specialized support and programs designed specifically for young caregivers, Caregivers Alberta aims to equip them with essential skills and resources to navigate their caregiving roles successfully and flourish in their personal development.

The pilot, which concluded on February 27, 2024, represented the beginning of Caregivers Alberta's commitment to supporting young caregivers. One of the organization's top priorities is to explore avenues to continue this programming beyond the pilot phase and make it accessible to young caregivers throughout Alberta, ensuring that all those in need have access to vital support and resources.

HOPES CORNER

The collaboration and support from organizations such as the Calgary Foundation, Young Caregivers Association, and Petro Canada Caremakers Foundation have been instrumental in bringing this important project to fruition.

Their contributions have enabled Caregivers Alberta to address a critical gap in support services and provide essential assistance to youth caregivers, empowering them to thrive despite the challenges they face.

As Caregivers Alberta looks towards the future, they remain committed to advocating for the needs of young caregivers and expanding their reach to ensure that every youth caregiver in Alberta receives the support they deserve. Caregivers Alberta aims to create a brighter and more inclusive future for all youth caregivers across the province through innovative programs and collaborative efforts.

By S.P

ADDICTION is NOT an INDIVIDUAL PROBLEM it is a SOCIATAL PROBLEM AARC is LEADING the WAY in RECOVERY! Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) is leading the way in addiction recovery! This is NOT just a program for young people to recover, but a program for the whole family to participate in.

Community Now! Magazine had the opportunity to take a tour of AARC and learn about how the program works.

The most important part of the program was seeing that recovery isn’t just about the individual but also about the community and support systems available to the young people facing addiction. WE ALL NEED TO BE APART OF THE PROCESS IF WE WANT THINGS TO CHANGE! #ittakesacommunity One of our favourite parts of getting the tour at AARC was seeing how the young people stayed involved with the program after they graduated to help the young people entering the program, along with seeing how families stayed involved during their children’s recovery and after.

This program is community helping community in a full circle. We could all learn from this model.

-

Krista Malden, Magazine

Founder,

CN!

Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre offers a community of care, where young people, their parents, peer counsellors and specially trained staff work together. AARC treatment is a long-term, semi-residential program based on the 12 steps model, leading to total abstinence. Above all, AARC is for families — families united against addiction.

Home | Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC)

Join us on Wednesday, May 8th as we celebrate over 660 graduate families! AARC’s 25th Annual Miracle Gala will be held at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre’s Macleod Hall. The event will feature a gourmet dinner, live and silent auction, and the incredible stories of recovery from AARC graduates. All proceeds raised go towards treatment fee subsidization, ensuring that no family is ever turned away due to financial difficulty. Information on attending, supporting, and volunteering can be found at www.aarc.ab.ca/events/gala-2024

Life was never meant to be journeyed alone. We need others to come along side of us through the ups and downs of life. We are here to support you through your journey.

Our Mission at Calgary Institute of Counselling is to provide a safe place, free of judgement, for clients to find healing.

Book your FREE 20-minute consultation today!

Calgary Institute of Counselling | Emotion Focused | Calgary, AB, Canada (counsellinginstitute.ca) 103 - 11500 29 St. SE Calgary, AB T2Z 3W9 5873508843 intake@counsellinginstitute.ca

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY ONE PERSON ONE STORY ONE JOURNEY AT A TIME!

BUT NEVER ALONE

IN THE COMMUNITY

Celebrating Community to Create Space for Community Building Space ONE brick at a time. On March 1, 2024, Stonewall Recovery, held their second Bricks and Mortar Gala, to raise money, celebrate community members achievements and bring community together.

It was a fabulous night of dancing, Drag Queen performances, storytelling, and fundraising all while celebrating the achievements of community members and raising money for Stonewall Recovery!

Stonewall Recovery raised a gross total of $140,000.00 double what last years event brought, but they are still in INneed of the community’s help!

Stonewall is looking to raise 500K and we can ALL help! Stonewall Recovery is a charity, which means we rely on donations and sponsorships to fund our development and run our program.

Please visit our donation page, GoFundMe OR email info@stonewallrecovery.ca to learn about our other donation options. Taxable donation receipts will be provided by Simon House Recovery Centre.

Your contribution has the power to save a life.

“The word is getting out there, people at the gala left here with no doubt about the need for Stonewall Recovery! Now we just need to convince everyone else.” – Steve Archambault, Co-Founder of Stonewall Recovery.

40 YEARS of SAVING LIVES YOU ARE INVITED TO COME AND CELEBRATE OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT ROUGE RESTAURANT Thursday May 16 6:30-9:30 www.simonhouse.com

DONATE

LEARN MORE

Simon House guides and empowers individuals to achieve long-term recovery from addiction and all of its effects. Through our Core Values of compassion, acceptance,

collaboration integrity, humility, and innovation, we will lead the way in addiction treatment and lifelong recovery. Our mission and core values are guiding principles which you will experience at all times while engaged with our program, whether as a client, family member, staff, donor, community stakeholder, or visitor.

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

This issue of Telling It Like It Is features Kurt White Specialist, Social Innovation at Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking | Office of Vice-President (Research), University of Calgary Please share why the Hunter Hub was founded.

Founded in 2017 with a $40 million donation from the Hunter Family Foundation, the Hunter Hub was designed to be the University of Calgary’s central innovation catalyst. We ensure every graduate of the University of Calgary is exposed to entrepreneurship in some form. With a variety of programs, events, and supports designed to drive ideas from conception to impact, we ensure that students, faculty, staff and alumni across all degree paths have the opportunity to learn more about applying an entrepreneurial mindset to their futures and growing their business.

How do you interact with the student entrepreneurs?

We offer a mix of programming designed to engage entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey from the idea phase all the way to growing and scaling a operational business.

We also offer coaching, access to a wide variety of resources and a beautiful coworking space titled the “Innovation Sandbox.”

ucalgary.ca/hunter-hub What services do you offer them?

We offer a wide variety of curricular and cocurricular programs for students to explore entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ideas such as the Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking, Launchpad, map the System and Solutions lab. In addition, we host regular workshops and events featuring guest speakers from the innovation ecosystem, offering students the opportunity to engage with Calgary’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Furthermore, we offer one to one coaching and advising sessions to all members of the university community (students, faculty and staff) regarding their entrepreneurship journeys. We also have a co-working space, the “Innovation Sandbox” free to all members of the university community interested in engaging with the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

What events do you host throughout the year?

We have a weekly speaker series titled “Launchpad Live” featuring diverse speakers from Calgary’s innovation ecosystem sharing insights and expertise. We also have a seasonal TC Energy Ingenuity Speaker Series featuring successful entrepreneurs sharing their journeys and experience. In addition, we have a weekly social innovation focused speaker series offered in support of our “Map the System” program, featuring innovators and changemakers from Calgary’s social innovation and entrepreneurship scene. You can also expect to see a variety of special events throughout the year such as our launchpad Liftoff pitch competition, Map the System Campus Finals, Hunter Hub Solutions Lab and more. Readers are encouraged to join the Hunter Hub newsletter to stay up to date (Contact - | Hunter Hub | University of Calgary (ucalgary.ca)

“Asking for help is Not a sign of weakness.”

Jade Alberts Telling It Like It Is, is brought to you by Jade Alberts, founder of Peer Guidance, Telling it like it is and Founders Coffee.

www.PeerGuidance.ca Telling It Like It Is YouTube: Peer Guidance / Telling It like It Is - YouTube

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

If you had one piece of advice for a student startup or entrepreneur, what would that be?

Don’t be afraid to share your ideas with others and ask for feedback. Tons of business fail because they don’t listen to their users. Speaking with others and discussing your idea will allow you to get valuable feedback to insure you are investing in the right aspects of your business.

For more information on the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking Click here: Hunter Hub | University of Calgary (ucalgary.ca)

TAKING THE BUS Success does Not protect us from facing our own mental health challenges.

- Harry Tucker

From the outside looking in…you would see a successful, confident, educated, businessman and community advocate.

“A week ago, I was walking down the street in Calgary, and I decided to catch a bus.

No - not the usual way at the bus stop like most of you. I wanted to step in front of it.

But at least I had the wherewithal to pause to wonder how I could make it look like an accident.

I also had the wherewithal to wonder what the impact of this would have on the driver, scarring him for Life. I also took a moment to think about my family, my friends and colleagues.

After this "processing", which happened in seconds, I contemplated "catching" the bus anyway.

I stepped to the side of the street, paused and then waved to the driver as he drove by and he waved back. And then I reached out to the Calgary Mental Health Help Line, saving both myself and the driver from a more complicated ending that would have tied us together for the rest of his Life.

I realized at that moment that I didn't remember any of my day nor could I remember anything I was supposed to be working on. I had run to the end of my journey, a journey that was not a marathon or two but rather, thousands of 100-meter dashes and I was too tired to continue.

I never slowed down until the day.

I was running 100-meter dashes! So, I never took the time to slow down to listen to the argument going on inside my brain.

This was my modus operandi through my years of building companies, helping other people build companies and serving others.

Now the Real Journey Begins As a man, I thought I was doing all the right things: • Leading stoically.

• Pushing through adversity because that's what men do.

• Absorbing difficulty in silence because only weak men signal that they are in trouble.

• Solving my own problems since real men believe that if you want it done right, you do it yourself.

• Never checking in with myself because I didn't have time.

• Serving others before taking care of myself, forgetting that there is NEVER an end to the list of people who need help or who will use me for their own needs.

• Ignoring warning signs since they can always be addressed later.

• Defining Life success using my career and results as the gauge, in defiance of what I should have been learning from the copious texts that I was reading.

• Never asking for help because real men don't do that anyway.

thoughts (especially from work) without processing them. With the right trigger, my brain reacted as if a dam had burst (hence the term 'emotional flooding') and my brain was overloaded trying to process years of difficult things all at once, mentally and emotionally paralyzing me.

In fact, I wasn't doing anything properly and not only did I suffer, but I also inadvertently created suffering in others around me. Some would be kind and say that's not the case.

Some wouldn't be so kind. My only ask is to be gentle with me. Even we big, tough, successful (by someone's definition) guys who have it all together may not have it all together.

They might be desperately waiting to hear from anyone. And while depression and other things can overrun men and women, I can only speak from the context of a man.

According to my great friend, Leonard (an amazing therapist and author - I mention one of his books further down), I had accumulated a lot of difficult

Sure, I've got some physical health issues to deal with and I will deal with them but the mental health issues to me seem more insidious, being invisible as they are and often seemingly not dangerous until it's too late.

If you're a father, reach out to your kids and ask them how they are doing.

If you're a brother, call your siblings and ask them if they need help.

If your parents or grandparents are still with you, reach out to them more often to see if they need anything.

Sometimes your time is enough.

Reach out to a friend to say hi.

If you're a man and you haven't gotten over your manliness, your so-called strength, your sense of self that doesn't need help and all of that bullshit that we as men have been told defines us, I would beg you to pause and reflect. I know I have a lot of work to do and while I've told people for years to "put their mask on first", I forgot to put mine on at all. Those changes moving forward.

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

Find resources that help you.

Read great books like Leonard Szymczak's book Power Tools for Men: A Blueprint for Healthy Masculinity.

Join a men's support group.

Find someone to talk to. Someone who will listen without judging.

Call me if you have to. Call anyone.

Otherwise, you might be catching a bus, and you will be denying the world of the great man that you are and the great value that you bring to the world. And if you are already on the journey to healing, please reach out to those who might be struggling.

“We are ALL on this journey TOGETHER!” - Harry Tucker

on this journey together

We Don’t Have to Do This Alone: Furkhan Dandia As men, it is easy to feel isolated, and the vulnerability it takes to ask for help can create a feeling of shame. The shame spiral can be debilitating and hold us back. Finding a sense of connection and being a part of a community can support us in our growth.

Therefore, my approach is often two-fold: Group work: The power of group sessions cannot be overstated. In a group, we can connect with others and find a shared purpose. We often realize that we are not alone in our struggles and that everyone is figuring things out at their own pace and time. In a group, we can also draw on the experiences of others or seek feedback. I like to refer to the power of 1 in the groups I facilitate: It takes one person to demonstrate vulnerability, and that level of courage can be contagious to everyone attending.

Individual Counselling: Outside the group setting, 1:1 counselling allows individuals to tackle specific issues and discuss many things without feeling like they spend too much time talking about themselves in the group. My approach in the individual sessions is collaborative. We work together to identify goals that the individual can focus on and how they can start building tools and skills that will allow them to work towards the individual they want to become. Collectively, we also identify some blockers that are holding the individual back from the life they want to live. We all get stuck in the shame spiral, and it is crucial to identify where that shame comes from. My approach is to guide every client to evolve and grow through what they have gone through in life.

www.eunoiazen.com

BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY

Networking Events Get Social! In-Person Connection Events Come and join us at BORN Brewing for a facilitated networking event like no other! Just bring yourself and your authenticity and leave with real human connections with your fellow networkers. Dates: Thursday Apr 18 https://www.tlbcoaching.com/events No-Pitch Networking Virtual Connection Events Looking to build your international connections? Come and join amazing peeps from around the world in a digital - and transformational - networking event! Apr 9 @ 9am & Mar 20 / Apr 25 @ 6pm Link: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14275591/ Women in Business & Leadership The last Monday of EVERY month 9am-10am at the Dennys in Deerfoot Meadows. No registration needed. For more information email kmalden@communitynowmagazine.com

EDUCATION

BRINGING SOBRIETY TO CAMPUS

RECOVERY ON CAMPUS The University of Calgary Recovery Community (UCRC) is an inclusive, peer-driven space supporting addiction recovery, building community, and reducing stigma on campus. The UCRC offers Recovery-4-All peer-support meetings, open to anyone with direct lived or living experience of addiction, or curious to explore their relationship with substances or other behaviours. The UCRC believes that each person defines their own recovery, whether you’re abstaining or using harm reduction – all pathways and stages of recovery are welcome!

Although Dr. Victoria Burns, PhD, found long-term recovery in 2013 following a 15year battle with alcohol, she says it was in recovery – rather than in active addiction that she faced the most stigma.

Burns, an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Social Work, says she found herself leading a double life when she began her recovery journey as a PhD student. In a recent article “The Sober Professor,” Burns discusses how well-meaning colleagues continually encouraged her to toast her successes. They couldn’t fathom why someone would refuse a drink.

Burns wants to ensure that campus members don’t feel similarly isolated, ashamed, or judged. As such, she has founded the UCalgary Recovery Community (UCRC).

EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY

"Its time to take real action, I am hitting the streets talking about why mental health is important and offering free counselling to those who need it.

We need to get out there in the real world and connect with everyday people, one conversation, one session can change someone's life.

Please follow my page, watch, comment, like and share my videos! As the more people they can reach the more we can make a difference" Jayme_Minor_

Education starts with listening, asking questions and then the learning begins.

ASKING questions will help the whole community understand mental Illness & Wellness better. #ItTakesACommunity

INNOVATION IN THE COMMUNITY

INNOVATING

3 Ways A Positive Ecosystem Is Vital In Supporting Innovation Freeman Beals - Director of Business Development - Unbounded Thinking

Innovation comes with inherent risk. Here are three ways cultivating a positive ecosystem and support group can provide an incredible foundation for innovation to thrive in.

Curiosity and Psychological Safety: A key trait of innovators is an unrelenting desire to be curious, to ask why, and to not be satisfied with a mediocre response.

Having a safe space and support community enables people to ask these questions without fear of judgment. On top of that, a psychologically safe space enables people to have real discussions and discussions that can revolve around 'yes, and' and not 'no, but'.

Failing and Risk: As mentioned innovation involves risk, you have to be willing to test, experiment and fail. You have to make mistakes to learn from them and push the boundaries of what is possible. Having a strong community behind you can give you the confidence to test those limits, support you when you fall and motivate you when you waiver. Innovation in a vacuum can not only be challenging but lonely.

Collaboration and The Confluence of Ideas: Something that sets innovators apart is the ability to draw parallels and connect dots on otherwise unconnected items. To draw inspiration from unrelated fields and fit those ideas into the challenges and theories they have. True open and honest collaboration inside a healthy ecosystem can go miles in supporting this and bring those vague ideas to the front to be shared with the group.

So how do we start? Where do we find these ecosystems? There is probably one near you already. Ask around, find the people that make you think and meet with them. Rome wasn't built in a day but if you put the right intentions and structure into creating a positive ecosystem you can and will make it happen.

Remember, to go quickly go alone, but to go far, go together. Keep building, keep trying and above all else, stay curious.

Branch Out Neurological Foundation's 12th Annual Bike Tour, June 7-9, 2024 in Panorama, BC https://branchoutfoundation.com/bike-tour/ Join us for an inspiring weekend in Panorama, where we cycle together and raise money for neurological research. You won't want to miss it! You don't have to be an avid cyclist to participate. Use promo code nowmag to get 15% off your registration fee.

“ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE; TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH -

Helen Keller

”

TOGETHER WE CAN & WILL

DESIGN the

SHIFT LEARN HOW

RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

MAXcommunity by MAXgreen

RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY

BUSINESS RESOURCES & SERVICES

HOPES CORNER WITH KIMBERLY & FRIENDS

x o x o x o x o x o

#hopescorner

#IWD2024

#ItTakesaCommunity

#Strongertogether

#ConnectInspireAct

#BeTheVoice

#OneSmallVoice

#RiseupYYC

#HopeUnited

#InspireInclusion

HOPES CORNER by Kimberly Dawn & Friends HOPE EQUALITY ORIGINAL HEALING PROJECT HOPES CORNER March 2024 is scattered throughout CN! Magazine!

Together one word from each of my friends HOPE; is borrowed to build up a united & connected hope together.

Stronger; Bolder; Braver; #RiseUp #WeAreInThisTogether Humble Original Praise Empathy

By C.W

How One Project ♡ Semi;colon Emotions

By K.D. & A.B.