On July 19, 1976, a group of 20 concerned individuals prepared a brief addressing the need to develop a support service for individuals who were or had been receiving psychiatric treatment in the community.
The mandate of this group was to provide "care" as a complement to existing treatment facilities by attempting to enrich lives, broaden personal and social horizons and encourage participation in community life.
It was intended to offer a low key, softly directed social, recreational and life skills program. The contribution of literally hundreds of members, board of directors, staff, volunteers and community " friends" nurtured this dream into a remarkable reality.
Our Mission
Our Mission is supporting people with mental illness to lead healthier lives.
We:
- provide housing, employment, advocacy and support services;
- raise awareness of mental health issues and break down barriers for people with mental illness; and
- promote inclusion of people living with mental illness in all aspects of society.
We use the expression “mental illness” in the mission statement to relate information to the general public. We acknowledge the stigmas and barriers associated with the use of this language.
Our Vision
Vision Statement to 2013: The Kettle will be a leader in providing member-driven mental health services.
Our Mandate
The incorporated purposes of the Society are:
- To work with individuals who have been or are presently in psychiatric treatment in the community by providing a centre for socialization and assistance in coping with life skills;
- To promote an independent low-key, softly directed program on a consistent and regular basis, not as a treatment facility but as a complimentary services to all other existing facilities;
- To provide housing services for individuals who have been or are presently in psychiatric treatment in the community;
- To operate as a charitable organization and to receive donations of cash, lands properties or otherwise towards such objects and to apply for all necessary grants in aid of said objects;
- To do everything incidental and necessary to promote and attain the foregoing objects.
The Kettle believes in valuing our relationships, therefore we
- strive for respect and trustworthiness;
- are forthright and honest;
- respect difference and value diversity;
- are compassionate and caring; and
- foster mutual respect, encouragement and support.
- see ourselves as working partners with our members, volunteers and staff;
- maintain an open door policy in completing our work;
- are accountable to the members, volunteers and staff;
- stay current with the needs of our members, volunteers and staff;
- are fully committed to mutually beneficial outcomes from our work; and
- recognize successes.
- consider the implications and effectiveness of our actions;
- are dedicated to our work and to achieving meaningful outcomes;
- understand and maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality and privacy;
- complete our work in a timely manner;
- are accountable for all our decisions and actions;
- recognize and use innovation;
- adapt quickly to new initiatives while paying attention to detail; and
- regularly evaluate our work and our organization.
- take responsibility for the safety and security of the members, volunteers and staff;
- operate within an agreed set of organizational norms;
- encourage creativity and the free flow of ideas; and
- promote personal growth and support life long learning.
- maintain awareness of and are responsive to issues related to mental health;
- work as a complementary service with other community service providers;
- share information and promote collaboration and collegiality and
- strive to break down barriers and add value in the lives of individuals living with mental illness.
