David DeWolfe lives with mental illness and complications from diabetes and relies on Seeds of Success to help him and others in the program live their best lives. “I’m so grateful to the program for bringing joy and purpose to our lives. Through gardening therapy, arts and crafts, talk groups, amazing therapists and volunteers the Seeds of Success program gives us a forum to share our feelings, our anger and our hopes. This program has saved my life. It helps me forget about my pain,” says David.
Seeds of Success takes place at Northwood’s long-term care facility in Halifax and is so much more than just a support group. It’s a place where residents living with mental illness can feel at home.
“It gives people a purpose and a feeling of real accomplishment,” says Faye LeBlanc of the Northwood Foundation. Seeds of Success was started because there was a real need in the facility for a group that dealt with the realities of mental illness in long-term care.
Models for Mental Health 2018
Seeds helps residents deal with feelings of hopelessness, depression, grief and more through art therapy, socialization, gardening and meaningful engagement,” says Faye. The centre is open four days a week, but there is a real need for Seeds seven days a week. That’s why the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is working with several consignment boutiques across the city to hold the inaugural Models for Mental Health fundraiser in support of Seeds of Success.
Models for Mental Health is being organized and chaired by Stephanie Graham owner of The Perfect Fit consignment shop in Bedford. “Northwood gave me a call and asked if I would help out and I couldn’t say no,” says Stephanie.
Stephanie Graham
Models for Mental Health Chair
Stephanie, who also lives with mental illness has been a mental health advocate for the last ten years and has a passion for helping others. “For me the cause and fun have to go hand and hand and that’s why Models for Mental Health is perfect. It’ll be a fun event for everyone.”
“We’re so grateful to everyone involved with Models for Mental for Health for believing in Seeds of Success and helping to raise money for this vital program,” says Faye.
Seeds of Success is made possible with the support of community members and a grant from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. But it needs more help to not only survive but thrive. “It’s my hope Models for Mental Health becomes a yearly fundraiser for Seeds and the program grows and grows,” says Stephanie.
“The ripple effect of Seeds of Success can’t be measured, it has such a positive and lasting impact on all the residents of Northwood and their families. Every organizer, volunteer and attendee of Models for Mental Health is really making a big difference in the lives of so many people,” says Faye.