Taking Risks for Recovery - LOFT Community Services

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Taking Risks to Support Recovery
For the population of clients served by LOFT, the term “Recovery” does not have the narrow
meaning of “cure”. For us, the concept is much broader, embracing the recovery of control over
one’s life and the recovery of one’s dignity, self-respect and quality of life. It means being able to
live with as much independence as possible, and being able to choose to accept support when it
is needed. Two wonderful examples of recovery in action are St. George House and John Gibson
House. Both are fully staffed, high-support homes for men and women whose serious mental
health issues prevent them from living on their own. SGH serves adults and JGH serves seniors,
and both are wonderful communities of people who have been severely marginalized, and who
have recovered their joy in live.
St. George House:
Capacity - 26
Number of people served last year – 31
Percentage of residents with mental
health challenges – 100%, with physical
health challenges – 82%
Number of residents who have lived at
SGH for 2 years or less – 5; 10 years or
more – 10; more than 20 years – 2.
Number of residents with paid
employment last year – 2; number with
volunteer employment – 11.
Taking Risks for Recovery
John Gibson House
Number served in 2011/12 – 77
John Gibson’s oldest resident ever – 97
Longest number of years a resident
lived at JGH – 50 (he moved in before it
became a LOFT program)
The stepping stone Project supports
at-risk seniors to make the transition
from hospital so they can live safely with
appropriate support in the community:
Number of JGH beds dedicated to The
Stepping Stone Project – 12
Number of hospitalized seniors who
transitioned through The Stepping Stone
Project this year – 39
Number of these clients who have moved
to greater independence this year – 29
“When you first come out
of rehab you don’t know
what to do. You don’t know
how to live sober.”