To provide services to those with PSMI to include Schizophrenia, manic depression and clinical depression.
To recognize that medical treatment must be primary in a treatment program with emphasis on housing and vocational opportunities, as well as, a comprehensive system of rehabilitation and support.
IRIS will attempt where possible, to allow ill persons to control their own activities.
IRIS will do its utmost to help families cope with these diseases.
Back To Top NextArtist Vincent van Gogh, who suffered from mental illness, painted ‘Les Iris’ the year before he died. He was well cared for in an asylum at the time. The iris has been regarded as the symbol of faith, hope and courage, one for each set of petals. It is also a symbol of the potential of those with PSMI.
IRIS hopes that residents will have an increase in hope, self respect, and courage in a caring and compassionate community.
IRIS is a partner in the conversion of the former hotel at 1280 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor, Ontario, Canada into a 24 hour lodging home for 55 people with PSMI. The conversion is expected to be completed by September 2002.
Help as a volunteer in various office activities.
Help as a volunteer to get involved with residents and their programs.
Show your support by joining IRIS.
Help to raise funds for IRIS.
Help us move into our new building.
Why A Homelessness Initiative Project?
By IRIS Residential Inns and Services
May 11 2000
History:
In 1999 at a planning meeting of the Ontario Friends of Schizophrenics, Windsor-Essex (now the Schizophrenics Society) two long term needs were identified. The first was the need for a variety of residences with various levels of support. The residences would vary in size from 10, 15, and 25 and up to 50 units.
The second need was for a Drop-Inn/Recreational-type Center in the downtown area where are dependants could come together for relaxation and recreation. These ideas were presented at a meeting to representatives of three mental health agencies. These agencies would not offer any assistance.
In 1996, a family member in our chapter wrote to the Minister of Health, with copies to the District Health Council (DHC) about the need for home psychiatric nursing support for the seriously mentally ill who had older parents. They spoke for many families who had the same needs. The purpose of the nurse is to increase the effectiveness of the psychiatrist. Some parents hired nurses at their own expense. Fortunately, in 1997, we were made aware of limited funds that were made available for this service through the Municipal Homemaker Program. Several families have made and still make use of this program. The psychiatric nurse, with the approval of the psychiatrist, assists the patient with medication compliance and life skills teaching.
In 1997, the then head of the Salvation Army and the head of the Schizophrenia Society convened a meeting of those interested in a residence for the homeless or those in danger of being homeless. A proposal was developed for the conversion of a number of buildings into residences and was presented to the Mental Health Committee of the DHC. We were told that no funds were available.
In February of 1999, six individuals, most of whom are members of the Schizophrenia Society, began plans to form a family driven corporation, which would provide direct services to the Persistently Serious Mentally Ill (PSMI). (The Schizophrenia Society does not provide this service.) On October 21 1999 IRIS Residential Inns and Services became a non-profit charitable corporation. Its first project is the conversion of the property at 1280 Ouellette Avenue into a Residential, Medication Management, Work and Social Center for those who have a PSMI.
Family driven corporations that serve the needs of the PSMI exist in Ottawa (SALUS), Peel (The Peace Ranch) and in Toronto (where members of the Toronto chapter operate one residence and have plans for more.)
There are from 3000-5000 persons with a persistent mental illness in Windsor-Essex (1500 with schizophrenia). About 150-200 gets a PSMI each year (80 with schizophrenia). Probably one-third requires residential support. This project will help address some of these needs!
Frank Sheehan
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