Thanks to a recent commitment of $1.5 million from The Slaight Family Foundation, Humber River Health, in partnership with Lumenus Mental Health, Developmental and Community Services, will be able to provide extended mental health care to even more youth who come through our program.

This gift was part of an astounding combined $26.5 million donation from The Slaight Family Foundation to 19 organizations with the goal of expanding local mental health services.

The Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Addictions Program at Humber River Health currently partners with Lumenus, a community-based agency providing support through a single part-time Child and Youth Worker, as youth transition from inpatient or day care at Humber into community care services. Previously, budgets have limited the partnership’s capacity to only 45 out of 180 patients in need annually.

The Slaight Family Foundation’s gift will support this crucial partnership for 3 years, providing extended transitional mental health care to the young patients who receive in-patient or day program care at Humber.

The Slaight Family Foundation’s $1.5 million grant to Humber River Health will support this crucial partnership for 3 years, providing extended transitional mental health care to the young patients who receive in-patient or day program care at Humber. Additionally, the grant will allow the program to double the follow-up time for each patient from 6 to 12 weeks, leading to an enhanced continuum of care and improved support during their critical transition period!

“We have found a true partner in Lumenus,” says Sandra Sualim, President & CEO of Humber River Health Foundation. “We stand united by our shared philosophy of providing a comprehensive mental health “wrap-around” treatment for young patients and their families with a focus on delivering care close to home. Lumenus and Humber River Health, together, can ensure a seamless continuum of care that extends beyond discharge.”

For each patient’s treatment, Lumenus and Humber function as a unified organization, with Lumenus staff becoming an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team. The transition Child and Youth Worker is involved right from the initial stages, ensuring a seamless integration of services. This holistic and coordinated approach to patient care maximizes the effectiveness of their treatment journey and facilitates a smoother transition to community-based support.

“Expanding our partnership further will positively impact more youth mental health patients in our community and influence future generations.” says Sandra. “Ultimately, this initiative aims to create a more resilient and empowered youth population, positively influencing not only their immediate mental health needs but also their long-term well-being.”

Thanks to the generous support of The Slaight Family Foundation, we can offer all of our most vulnerable youth an opportunity for a healthier outlook on life, while also providing a well-defined plan of action for accessing essential resources, outreach programs, and ongoing support.