65 years of helping. Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services marks milestone

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Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services is celebrating 65 years of helping those struggling with life’s challenges.

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“Woodview’s connection to Brantford goes back decades,” Flora Ennis, Woodview’s executive director, said. “We began here with a residential program and over time shifted to what families told us they needed most – services in schools, homes and the community.

“Today, Brantford is one of our anchor communities and we’re proud to walk alongside local children, youth and families every day.”

Starting as a small local service, Woodview now offers more than 30 mental health and autism programs and serves more than 5,000 children, young people, adults and families annually.

Woodview opened its doors at 643 Park Rd. N. to members of the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant for a “Business After Hours” event this week. It was an opportunity for chamber members to learn more about Woodview and the services it offers.

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Participants toured the building and visited various rooms to learn about the agency.

“Woodview is Brantford proud,” Nicole Schween, Woodview’s clinical supervisor and area manager, said. “This community has been a vital part of our story and in 2015, we were honoured to be named the lead agency for child and youth mental health in Brant.

“That leadership role reflects both our history and our deep commitment to serving families here.”

Chamber members also had the opportunity to see for themselves the Smilezone murals that in late 2021 transformed the facility into a bright welcoming place for clients. The Smilezones also include sensory tables and accessible seating and are suitable for those with sensory sensitivities.

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The Smilezone Foundation based in Oakville is a registered charity founded in 2012 by Scott Bachly of Bachly Construction and former NHL player Adam Graves. Its goal is to brighten the day for children receiving treatment in hospitals and health-care facilities.

The building also features a quilt titled “Our Story” in the building’s lower level and a wall of hope, which is part of the waiting room.

“Every year during mental health week we partner with CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk and together we hold a lot of different activities covering mental health and wellness,” Christine Dragojlovich, Woodview’s director of services, said. “The quilt was one of those activities and we encouraged people from the community to contribute inspiring quotes.

“Some of our staff then stitched it together and now we have this beautiful quilt.”

One of the messages reads “you will face many defeats in life but never let yourself be defeated.”

Another quote reads “look for the sunshine.”

The wall of hope also includes inspirational quotes like “you were born to be real, not to be perfect.”

The agency also has facilities in Halton Region and Hamilton.

To learn more about the programs offered by Woodview visit www.woodview.ca/our-programs/.

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