Mental health care and support varies across the country. From province to province, individuals are eligible for different services and the paperwork to get access to the services can also be tricky to navigate. 

When Jason was 17, he hitchhiked from Ontario to Calgary to find work. He had been homeless since the age of 16 and was looking for a job but also for some general support as a minor. 

“Not many services would help me out, but CUPS did.” Jason’s first meeting at CUPS was for medical support. He was hungry and wanted to make a long distance phone call. During his early days with CUPS, he had some teeth pulled through the dental services. That initial medical support has expanded to other areas, giving Jason the support he needed to find a more solid footing. 

Integrated care coordination

Support at CUPS is rooted in the foundation of integrated care, helping clients access a wide range of services that all contribute to building a more resilient future. Clients face an initial assessment to figure out what support they need and then our care coordinators work with them to help navigate everything from housing to healthcare, parenting support and more. 

For Jason, that navigation support was vital. 

One of the biggest challenges Jason faces is with ADHD and OCD. He gets sidetracked and “it takes me forever to do something.” He considers CUPS his motivator. They keep him focused and help his anxiety stay at bay. Instead of getting the runaround with government offices and paperwork, CUPS has helped Jason navigate the system to get access to the support he needs…without some of the stress. 

Paying it forward

Throughout all of the challenges he’s faced, Jason still puts others first. 

In May 2022, Jason arrived at CUPS to get his first COVID-19 vaccine — step one to get on a plane to go and help his father back east. As part of CUPS’ COVID vaccine incentive program, he received a grocery gift card. Jason’s initial reaction? He would share it with a friend who had been having a tough week.