"I started from the bottom and worked my way up to the top."

Jesse Allen gets up every day at 7:00 a.m., has his coffee, and goes to work with his father building modular homes and doing landscaping jobs.  

However, life hasn’t always been this straightforward for Jesse. Several years ago, Jesse was diagnosed with Schizophrenia, a mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. “I was hearing voices on a daily basis,” said Jesse.  

Jesse spent three years at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, before moving into the McKay House – one of the Residential Programs offered by Durham Mental Health Services (DMHS) through Lakeridge Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program. Clients at the McKay House receive help in areas such as daily living skills, problem solving or coping skills, and with accessing needed services.  

“Jesse was so motivated during his recovery journey,” shared Residential Counsellor, Dan DiPede. “He displayed such positivity and kindness and was always willing to help out and support his peers when the opportunity presented itself.”  

“Being a nice person is important to me,” explained Jesse. “I’m a pretty happy guy and I get along with just about anyone.”   

As a result of Jesse’s efforts, he was able to move into the Smith House, a semi-independent, low support tier of the housing program. He has also since been able to buy his own truck and tools and has been enjoying working and maintaining an active social life.   

“Thanks to the medical support I received, I hardly have any lasting symptoms of my illness.” 

Looking ahead, Jesse shared the next goal that he is working towards. “My next step is to get my own apartment,” said Jesse. “The whole experience has put me in a better position. I went through hell to get here, but I started from the bottom and worked my way up to the top.”