Quebec-based Initium is a non-profit organization that supports people with schizophrenia and mental health disorders by providing them with food and employability support, among other things. The non-profit organization is currently offering three free meals per day and operates a food bank on Fridays for its members, most of whom have schizophrenia. In addition to the daily meals, the Longueuil-area community group supports people with schizophrenia by organizing social activities to help them reconnect and re-enter the workforce.
Initium develops social projects that allow individuals the opportunity to gain experience similar to the job market through programs lasting 9 to 18 months. The projects are supported by financial partners like Emploi Québec, Sphère Québec, the Comité régional des élus de Longueuil, and Services Canada, providing participants with paid work opportunities.
Initium member Tyson Bernard-Hutton prepares meals for about 20 people at Initium’s kitchen in Longueuil, Quebec. As a member, he believes everyone deserves access to food, no matter their circumstances. For the past three years, Bernard-Hutton has worked as the chef through PAAS Action, a government program helping people with limited employment capacity reintegrate into the workforce. Proud of his role, he finds joy in the gratitude of those he serves, cooking dishes like pasta, pizza, lentil curry, and more, while keeping his own meals at home simple and affordable.
In addition to helping members re-enter the workforce, Initium is also a one-stop shop for people to exercise, receive help managing their symptoms, learn new things, eat and be together. Initium’s kinesiologist and intervention worker, Marco Chan, explains that most members rely on social assistance and often struggle as their funds run low near the end of the month. Along with mental health challenges, social anxiety, and difficulty finding work, many face barriers to accessing food, especially in today’s economic climate. Chan helps members stay active and manage medication side effects, including weight gain. While many members would benefit from additional financial support, Chan says Initium focuses on helping them budget effectively to make their limited resources last as long as possible.
Source: CBC
