From Mental Health Patient to Volunteer: How SHN Supported Janie’s Journey
At 30, Janie Leopold hit her lowest point, she was experiencing borderline personality disorder, a diagnosis she describes as “all-encompassing” and attempted to end her life. For over a decade, SHN’s mental health services supported Janie, helping her to confront trauma, manage rejection, and work through dark periods, especially during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stigma of mental illness often left her hesitant to seek care. “It was hard to be still in silence—I take things to heart,” Janie reflects.
“When I came to SHN’s emergency department, I was in full tears, shaking, and overwhelmed. I didn’t know what to expect, but the team was incredible,” Janie remembers. “They got me an appointment the next morning, and I met with a team that showed such warmth and acceptance. It changed my world.” she says. The ability to access compassionate and innovative care gave patients like Janie the strength to persevere.

Janie decided to give back to the hospitals that helped her. She has volunteered extensively for the Mental Health team and also became a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council for Mental Health, working to help others receive the care and dignity they deserve.
The new SHN Community Mental Health Centre opened in June 2024 at Warden and Eglinton, which was fully donor-funded through our Love, Scarborough campaign. This innovative facility provides stigma-free, accessible mental health care for Scarborough’s diverse community, featuring inclusive services like group therapy, psychiatry, and specialized clinics for youth and seniors.
With this incredible milestone achieved, SHN is now turning its focus to improving the experience for those requiring inpatient treatment for mental health challenges.
The new Inpatient Mental Health Centre at Birchmount Hospital will revolutionize care for individuals facing some of the most complex mental health challenges. This dedicated floor will feature a consolidated adult inpatient area, increasing capacity and ensuring more patients can access the support they need. The Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit will also grow, providing a secure, nurturing environment for our most vulnerable patients to focus on recovery. Additionally, the centre will include thoughtfully designed spaces for families, staff, and learners, such as a lounge, a family waiting area, a consult office, and dedicated areas for training and education.
As a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council, Janie contributes her knowledge from her own experiences and offers insight to help make the centre safer.
“I gave input on the blueprint related to safety, best practices, how to evacuate and the best ways to protect patients and staff. It is nice to have a voice and feel heard,” she says. “This project is exciting because it will be hopeful, free of stigma, and will keep people safe.”
Janie’s story is just one example of the lives touched by SHN’s dedication to mental health care. As Ontario’s second-largest community-based mental health program, SHN supports over 65,000 outpatients, 7,500 inpatients, and processes more than 10,000 referrals annually. It’s a staggering number that highlights the importance of accessible, equitable, and stigma-free mental health care in our community.

As SHN continues to transform mental health care for Scarborough, the community’s support remains vital. Donor support will directly improve the lives of countless individuals like Janie by helping us create a space where patients can heal, recover, and rebuild their lives. Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to the care they need.
Donate now to help build a brighter future for mental health in Scarborough.