A second chance for Canada’s veterans

BY SAMANTHA RUSSELL

The Mood Disorder Society of Canada is out to make sure veterans are appreciated all year round and just not on Remembrance Day. The organization focuses on the veterans and helps them overcome some of the challenges that they face as they transition into civilian life. The team is still being assembled for a new program called Transitions in to Communities for Veterans. The launch of the program is slated for 26 September 2016 where the program will be unveiled to the public.

Shelley McGill, a Sheridan professor who teaches in the Social Service Worker Program, is the new site coordinator for the Toronto location. This program is developed through the Mood Disorder Society of Canada (MDSC). For the past couple of weeks staff has been trying to find an appropriate site to launch their program to their community.

McGill is a Sheridan Social Service Worker grad herself. “Sheridan was my first choice when I decided to seek a career change back in 2004. Previously I was in the medical profession, which I had given up due to a severe car accident. Upon much research I decided Sheridan was the best institution and had the best reputation in the field of social work.”

McGill adds that she “feels a new passion has been ignited in my life as I had two uncles who were in WWII, who both suffered from post traumatic stress disorder and severe depression. Having this opportunity to work with veterans who experience these challenges gives me a purpose and I feel honoured to be able be part of the veterans journey back home.”

The MDSC has been helping educate the community,and supply resources to support individuals and family’s who suffer from many different types of mood disorders. The MDSC has partnered with Veterans Affairs Canada to support veterans transitioning back into the community after their service is completed.

National director Dave Gallson has worked to open three sites across Canada, in Montreal, Calgary and Toronto. Gallson shared his passion and excitement for this project.

“Veterans are one of our most vulnerable populations in Canada as they not only suffer from stigmatisms from society and do not gain full acceptance back when the return, but they also suffer as they have difficulty finding sustainable and gainful employment,” he explained.

There will be an appearance at the opening ceremony by  Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr.  In addition to the program launch there are many more events that being planned.