What happens to vulnerable populations during COVID-19 pandemic?

Vita Mens Sana helps people with mental illness, development disabilities

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 7, 2020
Simone Joseph

People struggling with mental illness and those living with developmental disabilities are both considered two very vulnerable populations. So, what happens to them and to the organizations they rely on when a pandemic hits?

Vita Mens Sana is a non-profit agency encompassing two organizations: Vita and Mens Sana. Vita serves adults with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis (a developmental disability and mental illness). Mens Sana serves adults with chronic mental illness.

Whether it’s day programs being put on hold or the cancellation of a major fundraiser, it’s been a difficult time for these populations and for their organizations.

For those reliant on day programs, having them essentially cancelled was “life-changing,” said Adam Smith, executive director of Vita Community Living Services and Mens Sana Families for Mental Health.

Without these programs many clients “stayed home, isolated," he said.

Day programs provide essential respite for families, according to Smith. “It’s a chance to get things done. It allows them (caregivers) to work.” Many caregivers are aging. Day programs provide them with relief and respite, he said.

“It’s a chance to socialize, build skills, find employment. It’s a safe place. They can learn individual skill building. When people lose access, it’s very stressful.”

The organization had to try to make its services and programs accessible while maintaining safety. Staff came up with a strategy to engage day program and drop-in members through virtual participation sessions.

Physical therapy and art therapy began being offered online.

The pandemic also threatened to have major financial ramifications for Mens Sana. The Friends of Mens Sana Committee has been at the forefront of organizing the annual Mens Sana gala dinner fundraiser. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled for the first time in 30 years.

This organization is traditionally funded by donors. In any other year, the gala dinner, including auctions and speeches, would have raised $250,000 in one night, paying for the organization’s operating expenses.

In the end, historic donors came forward, along with the community.

But Adam Smith is still concerned with the uncertainty of the future, especially the question of where funding will come from.

Smith worries about the impact of the pandemic on donors. Some may lose businesses or not be in a position to donate to charity, he said. “We don’t know what next year will look like."

COVID has been “a tremendous strain on the organization” -- a financial, human resources and stress-related strain, he said.

But he also pointed out the bright side to this downturn.

“It’s been really inspiring to look at our community development services sector. They’ve been positive, creative, heroic. We’re managing.”

Vita Mens Sana has locations in Toronto, York Region and other areas of the GTA. VITA Community Living services is funded mostly by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Go to friendsofmenssana.com or vitacls.org for more information.