CMHA Oxford County Branch
Brief History
Recognizing the lack of Community Mental Health Support Services within the county, a group of concerned individuals met in January of 1985 to discuss the benefits of forming a steering committee to work on the establishment of a local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. With input from CMHA-Ontario Division consultants, a second meeting was held to plan strategy for the establishment of a broad community based steering committee. This meeting was held in Council Chambers of the County Courthouse on March 4, 1985. The response to this meeting was very positive and nominations and acceptance to the positions on the chartering committee were unanimous.
Following a number of community awareness presentations, media releases and Mental Health Week activities, an application was made to Ontario Division for a Branch Charter for Oxford County . In June of l985, the Board of Directors of Ontario Division passed a motion granting charter status to the Oxford County Steering Committee. Formal presentation of the branch charter was made at a special public awareness presentation on November 5, 1985.
Our first paid employee, Carole Nudds, was hired in March of 1986. The Knights of Columbus , Moose Lodge and anonymous donors as well as seed funding from the United Way , provided financial support. Since that time CMHA-Oxford has played an active role in advocating for the establishment of the local chapter of the Alzheimer Society, Maplewood Counselling, Oxford Child and Youth Centre, community case management and Oxford Self Help Network.
Beginning with a staff of one providing services involving public education, community development and informal supports, CMHA-Oxford has evolved into an organization that currently has 45 full time employees and 40 volunteers providing service in two main programs. These programs are the Community of Oxford Support and Treatment Team and Education/Volunteer Services. The community of Oxford Support and Treatment Team includes 24 hour mobile crisis response, intensive case management, dual diagnosis supports, psycho-geriatric supports, concurrent disorder supports, court diversion & court supports and independent supportive housing and Private Landlords. All programs are provided throughout Oxford County and offices are located in Woodstock , Ingersoll and Tillsonburg.
Volunteers have played a vital role in the establishment, growth and delivery of services for CMHA-Oxford. Without their contributions CMHA would not exist. Volunteers have been involved in board and committee work, educational presentations, fundraising and informal supports to community individuals and direct service clients.
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24 Hour CRISIS RESPONSE LINE
519-539-8342 or toll free at 1-877-339-8342
To Use This Service You must be: Experiencing a crisis, and
willing to provide identifying information (name, address, or phone number) |
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