Text Transcript

Jeff Good - On behalf of the Provincial Partnership Council I’m honoured to present a 2011 — even though it’s 2012 — Champion Award to the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Can I ask Michael Middleton, Board Chair of Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and Leeanne Davis, Coordinator of the Co-operative Education program at Ontario Shores to come on up and accept their award.

*Leeanne Davis and Michael Middleton accept their awards.*

Leeanne Davis – I’m extremely honoured to be accepting the Employer Champion award for the Cooperative Education program at Ontario Shores. Our partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Passport to Prosperity is clearly a win-win situation. For the students, they get a chance to have hands-on experience with their chosen career path and for Ontario Shores, it’s another step to reducing stigma in mental health. I want to thank all past and present students, Ontario Shores employees as they have taken these students under their wings. Also, the Ministry of Education and, as well, our great Human Resources team. Thank you.

Jordan Leroux – Hi, my name is Jordan Leroux. I am a Communications Coordinator here at Ontario Shores. I was a high school co-op student from January to June of 2009 in the Communications and Public Affairs department. The placement, it was a great experience for me. It helped me not only confirm my interest in graphic design but it also helped me gain a better understanding of the workplace environment and gain valuable work experience at the same time. During my co-op placement, I was able to learn valuable skills in the area of graphic design and be a part of the strategy and development of the various design materials. This experience prepared me for the full-time job opportunity I was offered following my placement, which allows me to work here while continuing my education towards a business marketing diploma part-time at Seneca College. I have had the opportunity to be a part of some exciting projects such as the roll-out of the new brand, as everyone sees, the annual reports and supporting other graphic design needs of the organization. It’s been great to be a part of the department and the organization that encourages learning, professional growth and, of course, creativity. Thank you.

Simone Robinson – Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, honourary guests, members of the media, staff of Ontario Shores and other guests. My name is Simone Robinson and I am currently a Grade 11 student at Henry Street High School. For the past four months I have been a co-op student here at Ontario Shores on the Psychiatric Rehabilitation unit. It’s been a pleasure being a part of the PRB team. Every day was full of excitement and I was always learning something new. I have gained a new appreciation for the mental health sciences field. I have learned that it takes a lot of dedication to pursue a career in this field and no matter how challenging the day may be, it is rewarding in the end. The patients on PRB have inspired me. Each individual is unique in their own way, and I have enjoyed my experience being a part of their journey and I continue to see the positive changes that each patient continues to make in their goal to recovery. Ontario Shores is a great facility where students can come and learn about mental health sciences, its patients, staff and how they can be a part of this amazing experience. Ontario Shores’ co-op program has helped with my career choice. I have decided that I either want to pursue a career as a social worker or a mental health specialist. Being a part of this program has allowed me to share my experience with others and educate them on the stigma that surrounds mental health. I would recommend this program to any student that wants to pursue a career in this field. It’s a life changing experience and by the end you’ll have a new appreciation and a new perspective on mental health sciences. Finally, it’s been a pleasure to be here. Congratulations to Ontario Shores on your award. Continue doing all the great things that you do for us students, it really makes a difference in our lives. Thank you.

For more information about the Cooperative Education program at Ontario Shores visit the education section at ontarioshores.ca