MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Without the vision and selfless perseverance of those who founded the Canadian Mental
Health Association, Oxford Branch we would not be celebrating our 25th anniversary.
The dedicated people who followed and our current staff and volunteers who continue to
demonstrate great caring have given us a compassionate and well respected organization.

I am extremely grateful to both past and present groups. Their effort has had a significant
and positive impact on those experiencing the challenges of mental illness. Perhaps a
more profound sense of gratitude is felt towards the CMHA clients. Meeting and getting
to know them has given me the gift of greater compassion.

Brian Hadley
Chair, Board of Directors

As I reflect on the existence of our young organization I marvel with a great sense of
pride at the journey we have taken thus far. Thinking of my three predecessors (for whom
I am ever grateful) we have had the pleasure to lead CMHA – Oxford in establishing the
well respected community mental health organization it is today. We each have
contributed in our own way to the significant expansion/presence of programs and
services and client base we currently work with throughout the County of Oxford. This of
course would not have been possible without the active support of our staff colleagues,
volunteers, clients, community partners and our funders who collectively and individually
have helped shape whom and what we have become and our potential for the foreseeable
future.

I congratulate CMHA-Oxford upon achieving this milestone and know the organization
is well positioned to embark on the next twenty-five years.

Joe Penton
Executive Director