A busy year means a bright future for the Canadian Mental Health Association Central Region. The organization's annual general meeting was held last night, reflecting on the past year and setting the course for the future. CMHA Board Chair Charlie Clifford says there have been many changes in the organization this past year, both in personnel and the direction of the organization. Partnership have also been a real focus for CMHA, as they look to increase their presence in the region. Clifford says he likes what's been done for the past year, and thinks it could mean good things for the association into the future.

"I think there's a long way to go in terms of getting people to understand what our organization is all about, but I think we're on the right track. We'll continue to work hard to win people over and have them see the work Canadian Mental Health Association Central Region does is important work, and it's work we need everybody involved in."

One of the newest partnerships will be seen next month when the CMHA partners with Portage Plains United Way for the annual Heroes of Mental Health Awards Dinner on October 12. Clifford hopes that partnership will see more coming out for the event, even after seeing one of the highest turnouts for the supper last year. Meanwhile, a partnership with Portage's Active Transportation is aiming to establish a community bike shop. While work to get the shop up and running is ongoing the groups have been holding community bike workshops including one coming up this weekend.

It's not just recurring events that could benefit from partnerships with the CMHA. The organization is looking at collaborating with other community groups in the future, to help combat the issue of homelessness. Executive Director Jordan Friesen notes taking on that issue isn't a big leap for the association, given their focus on housing while working toward recovery.

"It's not a big stretch for us given that most of our services are already geared toward housing. We also own and operate housing and suites for temporary shelter. We're in the process of looking for partners in the community that are interested in tackling this issue, and working collaboratively with us to solve this problem."

Overall, Friesen says the community partnerships really speak to the way the organization operates, noting recovery never happens in isolation, any by working with other like-minded groups they create a solid foundation of support in the city.