Acknowledging this Season of Celebrations
Dec 1, 2022
A Message from Our Co-CEOs:
As the cold weather approaches, the days get shorter, and 2022 draws to an end, we often may enter a period of calm and reflection. This time allows us to think about the past year and the challenges and opportunities that have come our way. We are pleased to have been able to serve our communities throughout the region and grateful for the many partners and supporters who have worked with us over the last year. Without you, we could never have achieved what we have done!
As we move ahead into 2023, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the ways in which we can continue to work together. We are committed to listening to the voices of those we serve and to providing accessible, high quality addiction and mental health services and supports, as part of a vital system that is equitable, inclusive and diverse.
As part of our reflection and commitment to the future, we have an obligation to consider how we as individuals, collectives, or organizations are moving the needle on the acceptance and importance of equity, inclusivity and diversity in our community. In fact, the beginning and ending of a year is observed in many varying ways, marked by different cultural celebrations. Being aware of the differences in our celebrations is actually a way to begin the journey toward inclusion. There are many festivals, seasonal landmarks, and religious holidays that are observed by our friends, colleagues, and community members throughout the year, and we can recognize and join these multiple celebrations.
We will never find a single greeting or festive occasion that covers every event observed by everyone. Perhaps instead, we can start by learning about each other and what any particular day might mean to different people. Here is a resource that may help us begin or continue our journey to be more inclusive. It is a Diversity Calendar. In the words of Maya Angelou, let us remember “…in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
*Please note this webpage is English-only.
On behalf of CMHA Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services, we hope you have opportunities to reflect on the past, to imagine and plan for the future, and to spend time with friends and family in whatever way you may celebrate and observe the season. We can all wish for Peace on Earth!
Best wishes from Beth Mitchell and Linda Sibley, Co-CEO’s at CMHA TVAMHS