CONNECTIONS YOUR FALL 2025 COMMUNITY UPDATE
Mental health is not a destination but a process My name is Bheesham. I was diagnosed with a mental illness when I was in high school. My mental health was disabling and caused my family and me so much pain; my past legal involvement cannot be changed, but I can attest that there can be a bright side to life. In 2015, I was admitted to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Forensic Unit. Being away from my family was challenging, as they have always been an essential part of my life. Living in a psychiatric hospital was something I never imagined would happen; it felt like a bad dream—I felt lonely and scared. To cope, I immersed myself in programs, attended counselling sessions, took my medication regularly, and followed the advice of my psychiatrist and case worker. In 2020, I moved to LOFT’s Specialized Assisted Living - O’Connor location. The program at O’Connor shows me the value of life, respecting everyone’s beliefs, religion and culture, and offers second chances. I’ve learned valuable life skills, joined programs that
keep me busy, and follow house rules, which help me become a more responsible person. I became accountable for taking medication with staff assistance and for attending medical appointments and my Ontario Review Board (ORB) hearings.
“ I’m picking up the pieces from where I lost everything. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I know I’ll get there.” O’Connor isn’t just a place—it’s my home. The support here helps me grow. My goals are to leave the ORB, find a job, and start a family. If you’ve had a similar journey, remember, you’re not alone: mental health is a process, not a destination.
Meet LOFT’s new CEO, David Fry
David joins LOFT from VHA Home Healthcare, where he was Vice President of Integrated Client & Community Care and COO. He has a strong background in home care leadership, with a proven track record of building solid partnerships, developing innovative programs, and achieving results. Read more on page 5.
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