Connecting with social service agencies

I was lucky enough to interview Jazmine Alyssa, a former co-worker and friend that is passionate about working in the vulnerable sector and helping individuals with their mental health.

Jazmine works for a social service agency that acts as a drop in center and homeless shelter for roughly 80 men and women in the Vancouver area. The organization is committed to the struggle for social justice and offers multiple programs such as housing, advocacy, and spiritual leadership to celebrate all walks of life.

Jazmine was once a resident of Ottawa, studying victimology at Algonquin College and has followed her passion to the west coast to explore, assist and learn about mental health initiatives.

She has taken on the position of a community support worker, a role that is both vast and dynamic. She runs breakfast and lunch programs for over 200 individuals and a variety of activities including crafts, such as decorating mugs and jewellery, to body positivity and self-esteem improvement sessions such as manicures, pedicures, and massages. The organization also provides products such as combs, hair dye, makeup and other hygiene products to those in need.

Jazmine said, “at times I just get to chat with the community and socialize in a safe space.”

Jazmine noted that many individuals she comes into contact with suffer from mental health issues. The majority of sufferers have depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or different types of addictions including alcohol and other drugs.

The organization offers many activities that can assist with mental health issues such as spiritual circles. A minister provides spiritual advice and practices to the sufferers, which are meant to promote exploration and expression of their spiritual and emotional sides. This has been found to bring comfort and peace into people’s lives. There are also many other programs to fit an individual’s personal needs, including music, documentaries, and healing.

There are exercise programs such as yoga, dancing, and foot care in order to stay active and healthy. Physical activity is beneficial for the body but also very important for your mental health. It has been found to improve your mood, sleeping habits, cognitive functioning, self-esteem and your overall quality of life.

Additionally, the organization offers case workers, advocates, and shelter resource workers that are meant to encourage sufferers to better themselves through addition programs, utilization of different mental health strategies, nutrition, and positivity.

When I approached Jazmine about her work with individuals and the community, I initially thought that the organization was strictly a homeless shelter with limited involvement in mental health. However, it was the exact opposite. In many cases, the mental health of people must be taken into consideration if you want to deal with issues as homelessness, poverty, or addiction.

Jazmine stated that she “helps people help themselves.” She said that people do not always want to be dependent on others; they want to be able to learn to help themselves in order to be happy and independent. By focusing on mental health as an initial basis, other issues such as addiction and poverty can be addressed with a stronger and healthier mind. You need to work from the ground up, and often addressing mental health issues creates a strong foundation for all future change. Here at SNW, we commend you Jazmine on your initiatives and involvement in the community. Your integrity, humility, generosity, and kindness towards others leaves a positive mark on mental health.