Employment Can Transform Lives

Creating a community where everyone, regardless of mental health or past challenges, has the opportunity to contribute, belong, and succeed.

By Anita Lloyd

picture of Anita Lloyd

As the Executive Director of Stride, my connection to the organization runs deep. I’m continually inspired by the courage of the individuals we serve and the dedication of our team who help people overcome barriers to employment while managing mental health and addiction challenges.

Stride’s mission is important to me because it reflects my core belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, belong, and find purpose through meaningful work. Seeing the difference that compassion, understanding, and the right supports can make in someone’s life reminds me why this work matters so much - both to individuals and to our community as a whole.

What I’ve most loved about Stride’s work is seeing how employment can transform lives. Helping individuals manage mental health and addiction challenges while building confidence, purpose, and independence is incredibly meaningful.

I appreciate Stride’s compassionate, person-centered approach and our role in reducing stigma by showing what’s possible when people are supported to reach their potential. It’s also inspiring to work alongside community partners who share our belief in inclusion and belonging for all.

I would love to see Stride continue expanding opportunities for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges, helping even more people build confidence, skills, and meaningful employment. Strengthening community partnerships to create collaborative, supportive networks is also something I’d like to see grow.

I’d like to see Stride continue growing its impact by reaching more individuals in need, strengthening community partnerships, and innovating programs that support long-term employment, well-being, and inclusion.

To make our next steps successful, we need the support of the community in creating more inclusive workplaces and opportunities for our clients. Partnering with employers who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to help the individuals we serve secure meaningful, sustainable employment and thrive in their roles.

If all these efforts came together, we could create a community where everyone, regardless of mental health or past challenges, has the opportunity to contribute, belong, and succeed. Inclusive workplaces and stronger support networks would mean more individuals achieving meaningful employment, greater community connection, and a stronger, more resilient Halton.

Story curated by Rishia Burke _________________________________________________________________________

This post is part of a larger CDH Member Story Project. The intent is to share the depth of our non-profit sector, name how community can support and imagine together what is possible through the non-profit sector to ensure Halton is a health, inclusive and resilient place to live. Are you a CDH member and want to let your story to the project. You can get started HERE.