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Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC PLAN

2024 - 2027

STRATEGIC PLAN 

2024 - 2027


TABLE OF CONTENT


  1. OVERVIEW
  2. MISSION AND VISION
  3. OUR VALUES
  4. OUR GRANTS
  5. OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
  6. STRATEGIC GOALS 2024-2027
  7. ACTION PLAN
  8. SWOT ANALYSIS
  9. KPI
  10. OUR TEAM AND OUR FUNDERS
  11. MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD


OVERVIEW


As we embark on a new chapter in the journey of Mental and Emotional Health Awareness Renaissance (MEHAR), we proudly present our strategic plan for the next four years, a blueprint guiding our path forward in the evolving landscape of mental health and artistic expression. Since our inception, MEHAR has stood at the crossroads of art and mental well-being, pioneering an innovative approach to health awareness that harnesses the transformative power of the arts.


In a world where mental health challenges have been magnified by global events, the role of artistic expression in healing and awareness is more vital than ever. We recognize the profound impact that art can have, not only as a tool for personal expression but also as a medium for community engagement, education, and therapy. Through our strategic vision, we are committed to expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and responding to the changing needs of our community.


This plan is a testament to our journey thus far and an ambitious roadmap for the future. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our community, partners, and funders, who share our belief in the power of art to transform lives. Together, we embark on this exciting new phase, driven by our mission to promote mental well-being through the universal language of art.


VISION AND MISSION

MEHAR’s core belief is that art has the power to heal, inspire and stimulate our mind to be aware of our wellbeing.


VISION

Promote well-being through various forms of art.

MISSION

To create individual and community awareness of well-being through various art forms.


OUR VALUES


  • Empathy and Compassion
  • Partnership and Collaboration
  • Innovation and Creativity
  • Inclusivity and Integrity


OUR GRANTS

  1. $94200: In 2024,Ontario Trillium Foundation approved the grant of $94,200 to create a short film on Anxiety Disorders and launch therapeutic education as one of our core services. 
  2. $13,000: In 2024, Region of Peel approved a core grant for the personnel cost of MEHAR operations. 
  3. $25,000 approved by Advance Brampton Fund as a matching grant for the project “ Reels and Melodies over mind in 2024. 
  4. $63,000 was approved by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to rebuild and recreate the theatrical project in digital version and create a short film on Addictions in 2022. 
  5. $12500 Ontario Trillium Foundation approved the capital grant in 2023.
  6. $12500 was approved by the Advance Brampton Funds as a matching grant for Melodies Over Mind to connect music with mental well-being in 2023. 
  7.  $25,000 was approved by Advance Brampton Funds as a matching grant to create 2 short films on Mood Disorder and Schizophrenia and organize a Mental Health Film Festival in Brampton in 2022. 
  8. $21,475 was received from New Horizon for Seniors to organize the Multi-Gen Dance Festival in 2022. 
  9. Received $12,500 matching grant from Advance Brampton Fund to create a short film on the mental health and addictions faced by immigrant youth in 2021.
  10. $14,000 was received from the City of Mississauga for poetry and short story projects.


OUR ACHIEVEMENTS


MEHAR has made significant strides in raising awareness and fostering understanding of mental health issues through our artistic initiatives:


Documentaries and Short Films: We have created two documentaries and four short films on critical topics related to mental health and addictions. Our films have been pivotal in raising awareness.

Film Screenings: MEHAR has organized six screenings of our films across three cities in the Halton-Peel region, reaching diverse audiences.

Community Reach: Over 700 community members have attended these screenings.

Artist Engagement: More than 30 artists from the theater and film have enhanced their understanding of mental health through our orientations and workshops.

Theatrical Presentations: We have organized four theatrical presentations to impart vital mental health education. Over 200 community members attended these events.

Musical Events: Our two musical events have attracted over 500 attendees, providing a unique platform for mental health awareness through the universal language of music.

Diverse Representation: We have engaged a broad spectrum of artists, storytellers, and film professionals, reflecting the diversity of our community and enriching the cultural dialogue on mental health.


STRATEGIC GOALS

2024 - 2027


STRATEGIC GOAL 1

Strive to reduce stigma and educate the community about mental and emotional wellbeing


STRATEGIC GOAL 2

Strengthen Community Engagement and Collaboration


STRATEGIC GOAL 3

Amplify Awareness and Advocacy for Mental Health


STRATEGIC GOAL 4

Ensure Organizational Growth and Sustainability


STRATEGIC GOAL 5

Establish a Tailored Therapeutic Education and Referral Services to Meet the Needs of the Community


ACTION PLAN


STRATEGIC GOAL 1

To strive to reduce stigma and educate the community about mental and emotional well-being

OBJECTIVE # 1: Develop high-quality artistic projects to raise awareness of mental and emotional health. 

Action Plan: 

Produce an annual short film focusing on different aspects of mental health. 

Present an annual theatrical performance and a series of monologues depicting personal mental health experiences. 

Innovate and implement new artistic formats and platforms for content delivery.

OBJECTIVE # 2: Expand the reach and accessibility of our artistic resources. 

Action Plan: 

Partner with online platforms and streaming services for content distribution. 

Create an interactive website to host all MEHAR productions and educational materials. 

Provide subtitles and translations for all content in South Asian languages. 

Extend the distribution of artistic resources to new regions, cities, and towns.

STRATEGIC GOAL 2

Strengthen Community Engagement and Collaboration

OBJECTIVE # 1: Build and nurture partnerships with mental health organizations, educational institutions, and community groups.

 Action Plan:

  1. Establish a partnership program with at least four new organizations by 2027. 
  2. Organize biannual community events and workshops in collaboration with local partners. 
  3. Develop joint initiatives and campaigns with mental health advocates and influencers.

OBJECTIVE # 2: Foster community involvement and feedback in our projects. 

Action Plan: 

  1. Create a Community Advisory Board to involve in project development and execution. 
  2. Implement a feedback system for viewers and participants to share their thoughts and suggestions. 
  3. Launch a volunteer program to involve community members in MEHAR's activities.

STRATEGIC GOAL 3

Amplify Awareness and Advocacy for Mental Health

Objective # 1: Conduct comprehensive advocacy campaigns to enhance mental health awareness.
 

Action Plan:

  1. Launch an annual advocacy campaign focusing on varied mental health issues. 
  2. Utilize social media and digital marketing to extend reach. 
  3. Collaborate with public figures and influencers to magnify our message.

Objective # 2: Promote mental health education in academic and professional settings.

Action Plan: 

  1. Develop and distribute educational toolkits for teachers and employers. 
  2. Conduct training sessions in at least 50 schools and 30 workplaces by 2026. 
  3. Collaborate with educational experts to develop a mental health curriculum.


STRATEGIC GOAL 4
Ensure Organizational Growth and Sustainability

OBJECTIVE # 1: Secure diverse funding sources to support MEHAR's initiatives

Action Plan:

  1. Apply for core grants from governmental and private foundations.
  2. Launch a donor campaign targeting individual and corporate sponsors. 
  3. Organize fundraising events and crowdfunding campaigns.

OBJECTIVE # 2: Build a strong and efficient organizational structure.
 

Action Plan: 

  1. Recruit skilled professionals to join the MEHAR team. 
  2. Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for staff, board and volunteers. 
  3. Implement effective management and operational systems to enhance productivity.

STRATEGIC GOAL 5

Establish a Tailored Therapeutic Education and Referral Services to Meet the Needs of the Community

OBJECTIVE # 1: Add systematic intake of requests generated for additional support after programs and customized therapeutic education and referral service.

Action Plan: 

  1. Design an intake form, service contract, and consent form. 
  2. Develop a model for the Intake Process and a guiding document for customized therapeutic education, referral to mental health resources.
  3. Create a database of mental health resources and establish collaborations for referrals. 
  4. Establish a secured system for documentation and records.

SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

  1. Proven Track Record of Successful Events: Organized numerous art events to raise awareness about mental health.
  2. Strong Community Engagement.
  3. A solid base of passionate artists, audience, supporters and partners.
  4. Diversity in Artistic Expres: Utilization of various art forms (theater, poetry, film appeal to a wide audience. 
  5. Successful Fundraising Efforts: MEHAR is able to secure grants, sponsorships, donations. 
  6. Unique mandate, mission and vision
  7. Board represents diversity.

WEAKNESSES

Resource Constraints: 

  1. Limited staff and volunteer base might restrict the ability to scale up operations.
  2. Need for Digital Expansion: MEHAR has some digital presence, however,there's a significant potential for growth in digital content delivery, especially important in post-pandemic recovery. 
  3. Expertise in New Areas: A gap in the current expertise to grow into new areas like different digital and virtual therapeutic art forms.


OPPORTUNITIES

Technological Advancements:

  1. Utilizing digital platforms for virtual events could reach a broader audience. 
  2. Partnerships with other Organizations: 
  3. Collaborations with healthcare providers and social/cultural organizations for program delivery. Increasing Global Recognition for Need for Mental Health Support and Awareness:The societal shifts toward greater recognition of existence of mental health challenges in the post pandemic period will facilitate more community engagement.
  4.  New Funding Sources: Potential to tap into new grants focused on mental health, arts, and community well-being post-pandemic.

THREATS

Economic Uncertainty: Economic downturns could affect funding and donations. 

Changing Policies: Shifts in government policies regarding nonprofit funding or mental health services could impact operations. 

Public Health Issues: Ongoing or future public health crises could limit the ability to host in-person events, a core aspect of MEHAR’s outreach.

EVALUATION AND MONITORING

ANNUAL REVIEW

  1. Conduct an annual review of strategic goals and objectives to assess progress.
  2. Adjust action steps and timelines based on feedback and changing circumstances.


KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

  1. Number and quality of artistic projects produced and distributed. 
  2. Growth in community partnerships and engagement levels. 
  3. Reach and impact of advocacy campaigns.
  4. Success in securing funding and organizational growth metrics.
  5.  Effectiveness and uptake of new programs and services added to meet community needs.


OUR TEAM

  • 1 Executive Director and Creative Head 
  • 6 Directors on Advisory Board 
  • 4 Directors on Operational Board 
  • 8 Dedicated volunteers


OUR FUNDERS

  1. Ontario Trillium Foundation 
  2. Advance Brampton Fund
  3. Region of Peel
  4. New Horizon For Seniors Program
  5. Dedicated corporate donors


MESSAGE FROM MEHAR BOARD


MEHAR's Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 outlines our comprehensive vision and strategic goals aimed at advancing mental health education, empowerment and advocacy through the power of art. 


MEHAR is deeply committed to creating impactful artistic resources including skits, short films, documentaries, musical projects , monologues and theatrical presentations that offer a multisensory understanding of the complex issues surrounding mental and emotional well-being. 


Our mission is to leverage the unique capabilities of art to educate, engage, and inspire our communities to understand, accept and prioritize mental wellbeing. We believe that through these strategic efforts, MEHAR will make a significant and lasting impact on mental health education and awareness. We invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Your support and collaboration are invaluable as we strive to build a community that truly values and understands mental and emotional well-being. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and communities.


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