When Providence Care Psychologist Dr. Christine Rose works with clients in the Forensic Mental Health program at Providence Care Hospital, she helps them rediscover the joy and value in activities that make them feel like they’re contributing meaningfully to society. 

For client James, who wished to be identified only by his first name, that means using some of his sessions with Dr. Rose to create care packages filled with toiletries for Kingston’s unhoused community. 

“I want to help people on the street realize that someone does care,” explains James. “I remember when I was on the street, I had a hard time getting things to comb my hair and that, and these backpack gifts are to help out my brothers and sisters on the street because I’ve been there and done that and it’s hard to get your hands on stuff like this.”  

James, with the help of Dr. Rose, created 50 backpack care packages full of things like toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, a razor, washcloth, winter gloves, tissue, floss, and, for those who need it, menstrual products.  

“These little care packages will show that there are people who care and love them, people need that,” explains James. 

The Forensic Mental Health Program at Providence Care includes a number of programs that provide services to individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system both in hospital and in the community. The inpatient Forensic Mental Health program at Providence Care Hospital (PCH), provides court-ordered assessment for individuals on remand and specialist forensic mental health services to clients who are under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Review Board, namely those found Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) or Unfit to Stand Trial (UST) on account of mental disorder.  

Dr. Rose shares that many of the people served by the inpatient Forensic Mental Health program at PCH, live with serious mental illness and have developed a lot of negative beliefs about themselves. For James, putting together the care packages is an important part of his treatment and holistic care plan.  

“When treatment-resistant symptoms prevent participation in traditional therapy, focusing on a quality-of-life approach can help,” she explains. “While current treatments may not lead to symptom remission for everyone, we can help individuals make choices aligned with their values. Research shows that living in line with our values enhances quality of life. This holistic approach, like James’ individualized care plan, helps him challenge negative self-beliefs by acting opposite to them, improving both his mindset and overall well-being.” 

James pulled from his own experiences when choosing the items to put in the care packages. Funding for the items came from the program, the staff on the unit and even from James himself.  

“When I was living on the street, I was pretty lonely,” says James. “I had no one to turn to, no one to talk to, no one to help me with anything. I just want to help them [the unhoused community] out the best way I can.” 

Dr. Rose was inspired to incorporate charity work into her programming at Providence Care after witnessing its success firsthand with individuals in the federal prison system.  

“When I worked in the prison system, I was inspired by colleagues who created group programs that were centered around charity work. For example, one colleague started a community garden project where prison residents would plant a garden, grow the crops and then donate the food to local organizations like Martha’s Table.  Another colleague of mine started a program called Free Spirit and one of their charity projects used decommissioned institutional clothing to sew dog beds and then donate them to the Humane Society.” 

In doing charity work, Dr. Rose says she saw improvements in individuals struggling with their mental health, especially those who found it difficult to participate in traditional talk therapy. She explains that engaging prison residents in structured leisure activities, which directly impact the communities they will be released into, helps lower the risk of reoffending and supports their successful reintegration into society.” 

“This type of approach to treatment is more behavioural. It’s helpful because it gives individuals a distraction from their symptoms and the opportunity to perform a behaviour that creates a sense of joy and fulfillment. Over time, repeating that behaviour helps in recovery. The individual may continue to live with symptoms, but symptoms are showing up differently and they’re getting a break from some of the negative internal narrative that might be happening with their symptoms too.” 

James says his experience with incorporating charity work into his treatment sessions has helped his own wellness and improved his mood.  

“If I could, I would take everyone off the street and give them a home,” says James. “I hope this becomes a blessing to the people who receive it.” 

James delivered the bags to Kingston’s Integrated Care Hub on a cold day at the end of 2024 to the delight of the staff members who promised to hand out the care packages to those in need. James’ giving initiative was such a success, Dr. Rose has made it a goal to create a program for more clients to participate in. 

“Ideally, I would love to create an on-going charity group called Giving Back, which would allow our clients to engage in volunteer work to create generosity-based behaviors. But you know, these types of programs take funding and resources, especially if we want to do something to contribute to the community.  I am hopeful that one day we can find a consistent funding source to make this idea a reality” 

James says his small act of generosity has helped him reconnect with his sense of purpose while improving aspects of his day-to-day life. It’s a reminder of the transformative power of giving to others, working in community and kindness. 

Are you interested in giving back like James or contributing to a charity group that can help Providence Care clients? Your generosity transforms healthcare, one gift at a time. Visit uhkf.ca to learn more.