Lise-Ann is Changing Lives

 

Headshot photo of Lise-Ann Hellmich.

 

We’ve all heard the saying – if you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Lise-Ann Hellmich found her calling six years ago, at first volunteering and now working at Community Place Hub. The Hub – as it’s known – is a satellite location of Progress Place, a member of the West Toronto Ontario Health Team (WTOHT) offering community health services.

Recognizing Lise-Ann’s commitment to helping the community, it was Progress Place’s Director that connected her with the WTOHT’s Partners for Better Care Council (PBCC). For Lise-Ann, becoming a member of the PBCC was not just a professional opportunity, but a deeply personal one.

In 2016, Lise-Ann and many of her colleagues were released from their corporate jobs, which sent her into a spiral of depression.

“It was gut-wrenching,” she says. “I was good behind the desk because I truly got to help my clients.”

To add to the difficulties, her husband was also living with an opioid addiction. “Our family doctor couldn’t help us further and we didn’t know where to go – we were lost,” says Lise-Ann.

Her condition eventually came to a head and she was hospitalized for physical ailments – a common condition found in major depression. From her struggle came a strong desire to get better, and to help others overcome addiction and manage their mental health.

“My husband got help, and then we got adequately housed,” says Lise-Ann.

Lise-Ann’s support was right around the corner. “It was the authenticity displayed at the Hub that slowly pulled me in.” 

Now Lise-Ann is bringing that same authenticity to her additional role on PBCC. She’s honored to participate in health-system change conversations that will benefit her community and to help organize events that connect people to health and social services, right in their own backyard.

When the PBCC held its first in-person health fair in June of this year, Lise-Ann was surprised to see a former Hub client-turned-friend show up. The person had not received social services support – outside of the odd visit to the Hub – in over 40 years.

“They always gave me a hard time at first,” says Lise-Ann. “Many people feel disheartened by the system, and I guess I was their outlet to voice those frustrations.”

Through the fair, this person was connected to mental health support, therapy, a doctor and housing. It’s a success story that Lise-Ann attributes to her patience and willingness to make connections with those who are vulnerable.

“When I tell people that committees and organizations are listening to what we patients, caregivers and community members have to say, it gives them hope,” Lise-Ann says.  “All our voices are transforming healthcare and it’s truly fulfilling.

 

If you or someone you know is living precariously, or with addictions and mental health conditions, please visit the resources below to find help.

 

Housing support:

 

Mental health and addictions services:

  • Virtual urgent care offered by CAMH

WTOHT