The following Principles will Guide the Services of the Branch:

Self Determination:  We believe that each person must have control and autonomy regarding his/her own life, and that supports must show respect for and responsiveness to each individual's preferences and needs.

Empowerment: We believe in all people having the opportunity to develop, recognize and act from a conviction of their own power, and that supports must foster and sustain the self-worth, abilities and growth of each community member.

Choice: We believe that each individual has the right, ability and responsibility to make decisions concerning his/her present and future, and that supports must offer all the knowledge, resources and encouragement necessary for people to make informed choices.

Citizenship: We believe that every person is entitled to equal access and opportunities to exercise and enjoy the rights and responsibilities of full citizenship, and that supports must incorporate and reflect these community values in their interactions with the individual.

Full Participation: We believe the participation of all people in the varied aspects of community life is essential to the well-being of each individual and to society as a whole and that supports must foster and encourage the inclusion and contribution of every person.

Holistic Approach: We believe that the well-being of each person is best served when s/he is regarded and treated as a whole being, and that services must consider and include the physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, sexual and relational needs, wishes and abilities of every individual.

Mutual Interdependence: We believe that support relationships should be reciprocal, and that services are most beneficial when they are based on mutual trust, collaboration and caring.

Respect for the Individual: We believe that every person offers unique and irreplaceable contributions to our society, and that supports must honour and advocate for the dignity of each individual, in order to support his/her sense of self-esteem as well as his/her value and respect in the community.

Excellence: We believe that the fulfillment of people's lives will be enhanced by supports that have an ongoing commitment to exceptional services, through integrity of values, responsiveness in relationships and effectiveness of action.

Innovation: We believe that people's preferences, needs and expectations alter throughout their lives, and that supports must meet this challenge through continued openness to change, flexibility, creative approaches and shared leadership.

To find out more about CMHA Grand River Branch please contact us at (519)766-4450, toll free at 1-866-448-1603 or by email.