Chris: Working in a Meaningful Way

Imagine waking up one day with no job, no relationships and facing bankruptcy. This was the reality for Chris, 5 years ago after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Chris struggled to find the balance and suffered through several ups and downs in his recovery. Working in shipping and receiving a year and half ago, he went on sick leave and then on long term disability.

Chris knew that he wanted to make a change so he became a member at Coast Mental Health’s PACT Employment program. Previously during his struggles, Chris was a member at the Clubhouse and completed vocational testing that proved to be very useful when meeting with his PACT employment counsellor.

Wanting to use his creative and artistic skills, Chris and his employment counsellor created a plan to return to school to complete a graphic design program at Vancouver Community College.

With the support and encouragement of his counsellor, Chris completed a proposal for HRDC to receive full funding for his program. Since completing his 9 month program in May 2009 Chris speaks with confidence and pride about the work that he has completed since.

Now 34 years old, Chris thinks back and says, “The same time this year, I was depressed.  Now I am really enjoying the work that I do.”

Chris would like to use his talents in raising awareness for social issues through design. The new look and feel of the PACT brochure and marketing materials were completed by him.

“PACT has made a large impact on my life,” says Chris. “Without PACT this would have never happened.”