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19 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, October 23, 2009 UWO knows where help is needed in Oakville S amantha knew something was wrong with her brother, Chris. He had just graduated from Sheridan College and started a new job in advertising. But lately, his voice didn't have the same tones of excitement or humor. It sounded flat. He began to stare off into space for long periods of time, his face expressionless. Samantha grew increasingly concerned when he started telling her his co-workers were conspiring against him. He stopped eating because he was paranoid people were poisoning his food. Drug tests came back negative. Chris lost his job and his apartment. After numerous doctors and psychiatrist appointments, Chris was finally diagnosed with schizophrenia. Samantha was devastated and scared. Their parents had both died a few years ago and Samantha was left alone to look after her brother. That's when she turned to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Halton for help. There, she was able to find the information and support system she needed for both her and Chris. Chris became involved in CMHA's group therapy and art sessions. Slowly, with medication and therapy, Chris started to become his old self again. But it wasn't enough for Chris, he wanted his independence back. That's when Chris was referred to Support and Housing-Halton -- an agency that operates housing and support services for persons living with mental illness -- and with its help found Chris a place to live. He was also referred to STRIDE (Support Training and Rehabilitation in Diverse Environments), the only Halton-based organization to provide employment support for persons with mental illness. STRIDE worked with Chris and together found him a job in an Oakville company. It was not an easy path for Samantha or Chris, but they managed with the help of critical agencies here in Oakville. Canadian Mental Health Association, Support and Housing-Halton and STRIDE are all United Way of Oakville (UWO) funded agencies. UWO is uniquely positioned to help the community because it knows how and where funding is needed. They provide vital support to well-known non-profits like Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as charities that you probably haven't heard of and who likely wouldn't otherwise exist without their funding such as STRIDE. When you give to United Way, your donation is combined with others to have maximum impact in the community. Approximately 20 per cent of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their life, according CMHA. That's one in five people. Almost 100 per cent will be indirectly affected through a friend, family member or coworker. Help UWO fund critical programs to help people living with a mental illness, like Chris, gain their independence and life back. -- Submitted by United Way of Oakville EXPERIENCE THE HALTON VACUUM DIFFERENCE & power up! with a new Beam ... or a new Miele Portable Great Value Performer · 500 air watts · Powerful enough for most homes · Electric Powerhead and hose · Complete set of attachments Fall Special Edition Serenity 375 · 600 air watts · Ultra quiet serenity package · Beam electric power head with handle, 2 way switched hose · Complete set of deluxe attachments Cat & Dog Special edition uction power of a central vacuum uperior filtration uper quiet operation ghtweight and easy to use ectric powerhead & hose included ools on board For a limited time $ only 499 99 Bonus Bonus MOP HEAD INCLUDED Not exactly as shown. $ only 779 99 Bonus Model #0020E Model #BU200 $ $90.00 VALUE nly Save $270 OFF M.S.R.P. $770.00 #012268 Save $460 OFF M.S.R.P. $1240.00 699 SS ND A DU 99 ND A SS T. E DU Compare at $900.00 FREE MOP HEAD TOOL $50.00 VALUE INCLUDED ONLY WITH THIS AD Bonus SALES SERVICE · SELECTION SALES · · SERVICE · SELECTION · QUALITY BRANDS · INSTALLATION QUALITY BRANDS · INSTALLATION 905-257-6145 Beside Scotia Bank Mon.-Fri.10:00-5:30 Sat. 10:00-3:00, Sun. CLOSED RD Voted Best Vacuum Store Vac . Since 1999 UP PE AF AL GA R R M ID DL Oakville's healthy home headquarters! Trafalgar Ridge Shopping PLaza 2379 Trafalgar Road (in the Winners/HomeSense plaza) . T. W . TR ER D. E. N