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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, November 9, 2012 · 26 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 excitement or humour. He sounded flat. He began to stare into space, his face expressionless. Samantha grew increasingly concerned when Chris told her his coworkers were conspiring against him. He stopped eating because he was believed his food was being poisoned. Drug tests came back negative. UWO is funding programs to help those with mental illness S 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 died and Samantha was alone to look after her brother. She turned to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Halton and found the information and support she and Chris needed. Chris became involved in CMHA's group therapy and art sessions. Slowly, with medication and therapy, Chris started to become himself again. But Chris wanted his independence back. He was referred to Support and Housing Halton -- that operates housing and support services for persons living with mental illness -- and with its help, he found a place to live. He was also referred to STRIDE (Support Training and Rehabilitation in Diverse Environments), the only Halton organization to provide employment support for persons with mental illness. Together, they found Chris a job in Oakville. It was not an easy path, but Sam and Chris managed with the help of agencies right here in Oakville. Canadian Mental Health Association, Support and HousingHalton and STRIDE are all United Way Oakville (UWO)-funded agencies. UWO can help the community because it knows how and where funding is needed. When you give to United Way, your donation is combined with others for maximum impact. About 20 per cent of Canadians -- one in five -- will experience a mental illness in their life according to CMHA. Almost 100 per cent will be indirectly affected through a friend, family member or co-worker. Help UWO fund programs to help people living with a mental illness, like Chris, gain their independence and life back. Visit www.uwoakville. org. -- Submitted by United Way Oakville 1st Annual Christmas Craft Show & Bazaar Saturday, November 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 304 Spruce Street (at Reynolds) · Oakville 905-845-1563 Gift baskets · Christmas wreaths · Artisans · Baked goods · Used books · Household treasures and much more Free Admission and Parking KITCHENS $ includes Cabinets and Counter Top 2,999/sq.ft. Starting from LAMINATE 12.3mm from ENGINEERED $ 1.29/sq.ft. HARDWOOD CANADIAN PAINT SALE 50 from $ 2.99/sq.ft. HARDWOOD $ from 3.99/sq.ft. PARA ELITE, ULTRA & PREMIUM INTERIOR PAINTS LIMITED TIME OFFER % off* Visit our showroom HWY #403 Vega Blvd. Ridgeway Winston Churchill Mavis DESIGN CENTRE 3345 Laird Road, Unit #4 Mississauga, Ontario Ridgewood Design Centre Laird Rd. N Kitchens · Paint · Flooring and more... 905.607.2468 Dundas Q.E.W.