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Bob Heeney

Location: Whitby, Ontario

Biography
I have been working in the field since 1973. My early experiences include residential care, education and community clinics. My wife and I had a group home for 2 years. We moved in to take care of 6 children, ages 6-12. Our first born daughter, Heather was 6 months old at the time we started that position. This was an opportunity to experience a very fast learning curve.

Presently I am community development coordinator and professional practice leader at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and chair of the Durham Talking About Mental IllnessCoalition (T.A.M.I.). I have coordinated the delivery of researched based anti stigma/mental health promotion material to more than 15,000 youth and professionals in the past 8 years. Last year, I had an article published in the Ryerson Journal of Relational Child and Youth Care Practice and have also presented our findings nationally and internationally.

How I came to be in this field
That is a great question. My father was a successful business man who offered to send me to Cornell University in the states to study business administration. Prior to that I had heard some kids at high school talking about the CCW program at George Brown College. The president of George Brown at the time was living across the street from me, so I went over to talk to him about coming to his college. He thought I was coming to talk about their highly acclaimed restaurant administration course, and I told him I wanted more information about the CCW course. He connected me with the course coordinator and I never looked back. The important point for me in all of this was that my father totally accepted my choice and never judged or questioned my decision. He respected my path and I will never forget that.

A favorite saying
“The cry of an anguished person has the power to awaken the cry that exists inside every person.”

This is a quote from Patricia Deegan who talks about her recovery from living with schizophrenia. Patricia delivers a message of hope that needs to be heard by all who work with clients who are living with a mental illness. This quote reminds me that we all have a lot to learn each and every day, and one of the best sources of learning comes directly from those we care for.

A few thoughts about child and youth care

• A lot of good things can happen for you if you maintain your creativity and remember to ask for support and acceptance of your ideas
• We have more work to do
• Don’t stop reading, learning and experiencing

Last thing I read, watched, heard, which I would recommend to others
“Extra Ordinary People” a full length documentary by Laura Sky. “We often use argument and logic to convince others to change their minds about discrimination directed at people with mental health and addiction problems. But the people who live with that stigma can persuade us to change our attitudes through personal experiences of discrimination and oppression when they are shared with compassion and hope. This documentary is an example.” Laura Sky

A favorite Child and Youth Care experience
Having a long phone call with Mrs. Joan Sepp, Krista Sepp’s mother in 2004. I learned so much about the power of the personal story, dealing with loss and grief, and the strength that can come from within. It was an inspirational moment that I wanted to share and I eventually arranged for Joan to be a keynote speaker at the 2007 Provincial Conference in Sudbury, where she could share her story with more than 200 CYCs.

A few thoughts for those starting out

• Take your time—you will be challenged
• Never give up hope
• Be creative, honest and nurturing

A recommended child and youth care reading link
https://www.cyc-net.org

My favourite child and youth care-relevant link and why
www.daretodreamprogram.ca
This link has the ability to empower and support youth who are interested in delivering mental health and anti-stigma projects right in their own schools and communities.

A writing of my own
http://www.ontarioshores.ca/tami.htm
Heeney Watters Summit Article

Influences on my work
My wife and partner for life, who is not only a CYC, but an inspiration and an example of what a professional Child and Youth Care really is.