What began as a place to learn has become a place where our whole community can discover their strengths, build confidence, and step forward to support others.
For more than two decades, Quoc and Van Truong have found support while helping others navigate the challenges of caregiving and recovery from mental illness through their Cantonese Family Support Group.
Today, we are proud to share that this peer support model, which has since evolved into Canada’s first Culturally Competent Recovery College, is now receiving international recognition.
Last month, the story of our 40+ year journey to establishing our Recovery College in 2019 was published by the International Mental Health Collaborating Network (IMHCN) and ImROC (Implementing Recovery through Organizational Change), a leading international organization advancing recovery-oriented mental health care around the world.
Their piece, entitled “HF Care and our Culturally Competent Recovery College“, highlights how Recovery Colleges can be adapted to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse communities. It recognizes HF Care’s commitment to co-production, peer leadership, family involvement, and culturally responsive mental health care for East and Southeast Asian communities.
Since it’s launch, the Recovery College has supported hundreds of participants through courses, peer support groups, family programs, wellness activities, and leadership opportunities.
The publication affirms what our community has known for years: recovery is strengthened when people are met with understanding, belonging, and the opportunity to contribute.
We are grateful to the peers, family members, volunteers, staff, and community partners who helped build this program together. This recognition belongs to all of you.
Read the full publication here, and explore upcoming Recovery College programs and peer support opportunities on our program calendar.
Want to see more stories from our recovery college?
The Recovery College is built on the experiences of people who have found strength, connection, and purpose through community. Explore more stories from peers, caregivers, and families across HF Care.
Ling (Cantonese)
After a serious illness changed her life, Ling found support through HF Care’s Peer Support Programs and transformed her experiences into a source of strength for others.
Rita (Korean)
With support from HF Care’s Korean Clinic and Recovery Programs, Rita rebuilt her confidence and independence, becoming a proud working mother and advocate for mental wellness.
Kim (Vietnamese)
What began with small steps grew into years of leadership, community involvement, and confidence through HF Care’s Recovery Programs.
Hong (Mandarin)
Through HF Care’s Supportive Housing and Recovery Programs, Hong found connection, rebuilt her confidence, and discovered a new sense of purpose supporting others on their recovery journeys.
