Open Minds Open Windows is a Canadian Registered Charity operating in the Nanaimo, B.C., Canada area since 2002. Currently we conduct our activities with approximately 15-20 volunteers structured as a Board of Directors with Sub-Committees.

MISSION STATEMENT:

To reduce the stigma and Prejudice surrounding people with mental health issues thereby permitting these people to integrate successfully into society.

In order to achieve MISSION, we are focused on two groups of people:

1. Our friends with mental health issues
2. Our community (where one out of every four will suffer with a mental health issue) and it’s awareness of both mental health issues and mental wellness.

We believe that the Creative Arts (music, dance, theatre, arts and crafts) and the powerful emotions they can evoke is a very effective way to engage the problem of stigma.

We recognize that:

1. Our friend’s sense of belonging and connection to our world is accomplished through the joy of friendship, participation, and contribution to society and from a feeling of dignity, of being cared for and by caring for others.
2. Many people in our community who suffer from mental health issues need support in their journey to wellness and assistance throughout the process of becoming active community members.
3. There is presently a lack of initiatives which provide opportunities for our friends to achieve belonging and connection within our community.
4. The community must get involved with the initiatives to address the alienation from society of our friends..

Open Minds Open Windows is working to:

• Improve our community’s awareness and understanding of mental health issues through the presentation of our annual “It Only Takes a Moment” concert.
• Create and maintain a variety of initiatives which seek to enhance the health and wellbeing of people with mental health issues.
• Provide regular opportunities for our friends to interface with the general public during community events.
• Encourage and support the artistic efforts of our friend through displays and distribution opportunities.
• Partner with other like-minded mental health organizations.