#MyBestMoments – David Adam, Social Worker

In our #MyBestMoments campaign, staff, physicians, and volunteers from across our organization share the moments that have mattered most to them in their careers at Lakeridge Health. Read David’s story below. 

David Adam’s career in social services started when he was just 21 working at a homeless shelter while in university. Today, he is part of the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT), working with people with severe or persistent mental illness to support their well-being in the community. 

“There are a few reasons I was compelled to work in social services and specifically mental health,” explains David. “While I was doing my undergraduate degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Carleton University in Ottawa, my friend was working at a local shelter and suggested I work there. I went to check it out and ended up working there for over five years. I discovered this type of work really appealed to me and I completed my master's degree in social work.”

On a more personal level, David shares that “mental health has pervaded my family and I wanted to do something that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

“What I love about my role with the ACTT, is being able to build long-term relationships with my clients. We work with some patients for 20 plus years, as there is no limit on how long patients can be a part of the program. You really get to know the patient’s family and become an extended member of their family in some ways.”

The ACTT is a community-based mental health program that supports adults with severe and persistent mental illness.

“We meet with patients in the community and provide support in their recovery process,” says David. “Whether it’s supplying medication, counselling, or addiction support, my role as a social worker is to support their well-being in the community.”

For David, seeing his patients succeed is what stands out the most. “My most memorable moments have been seeing people succeed over time,” shares David. “I’ve seen people return to university, live on their own, and have more stability in their life after many ups and downs. Those are the moments that stand out to me.”

Although David and the ACTT spend most of their time in the community connecting with patients, the team is based out of the new Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre. “It’s the ultimate team environment because we work so closely with the addictions specialist, vocational specialists, and occupational therapists,” says David. “It’s a very cohesive team that depends on each other a lot and we’re excited to continue working together in this new space.”