help

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    The ripple effects of stigma

    Imagine a university-aged youth who has just experienced his first episode of psychosis, a common symptom of psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. Let’s call this young man Ben.  Research has shown that early intervention treatment programs in young people with a first episode of psychosis can have a huge positive effect on the trajectory of…

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    Impact investing

    In 2011, while on a trip to Uganda, Chris Bosch had an “aha!” moment. Bosch, then working for World Vision Canada, had a chance meeting with Margaret, an entrepreneur whose efforts to help 6,000 farmers improve and grow their farms was stymied by lack of affordable loans. “She needed $5,000 for her project, but she…

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    Ask for help

    If you’re new to my column, two of our four kids, Rachel and Janneke, are disabled teens who live with significant needs that require complex care. Recently, the dietician assigned through the home and community care agency asked for updated weights of the girls. When Rachel and Janneke were younger (and lighter), I would hold…