Celebrating Our Award Recipients

Oct 6, 2025

At CMHA Grey Bruce, our people are the heart of everything we do. Every day, our team members bring compassion, integrity, and dedication to their work by supporting clients, colleagues, and our community with care and purpose.

This year marks the first time we’ve introduced staff-nominated awards to recognize team members who go above and beyond to live our values and strengthen our mission of cultivating hope, resilience, and community.

We’re proud to celebrate:

• Leah Brereton, recipient of the Integrity in Practice Award
• Jenna Elvidge, recipient of the Steady in the Storm Award
• Farren Milks, recipient of the Helping Hand Award

Please take a moment to read their stories below and join us in congratulating these outstanding members of our CMHA Grey Bruce team.

Integrity in Practice Award Goes to Leah Brereton

At CMHA Grey Bruce, our work is guided by the values of compassion, dignity, inclusivity, integrity, and choice. The Integrity in Practice Award recognizes a colleague who consistently lives out those values and is someone who does what’s right, even when it’s difficult, and inspires others to do the same.

This year, the award was presented to Leah Brereton, whose strong sense of fairness, transparency, and accountability makes her a trusted and respected member of our team.

Her coworkers shared heartfelt words that reflect her impact and leadership:

“Leah has a beautiful ability to advocate both for clients and her team who walk alongside her. She is present for her clients and team, willing to ask challenging questions with a compassionate heart and willingness to hear in order to best support.”

“Leah consistently demonstrates CMHA’s values of compassion, dignity, inclusivity, integrity, and choice. In any team meeting or conversation, her clients’ rights are at the forefront of the discussion. Leah is a strong advocate for her clients. She will choose to do what is right in difficult situations… Leah is a great role model for students entering the field.”

Leah’s integrity shines through in everything she does, from advocating for clients to supporting her colleagues with honesty and compassion. She sets an example for what it means to lead with values and heart.

Congratulations, Leah, on this well-deserved recognition.

Steady in the Storm Award Goes to Jenna Elvidge

At CMHA Grey Bruce, our staff often find themselves guiding others through some of life’s most difficult moments. The Steady in the Storm Award recognizes a colleague who models resilience, problem-solving, and leadership under pressure and is someone who provides reassurance and stability to both clients and coworkers.

This year’s award was presented to Jenna Elvidge, whose steady presence, compassion, and leadership have made a lasting impact on those around her.

Her coworkers shared these heartfelt words:

“Jenna could quite clearly be described as such; ‘steady in the storm’. Jenna is an invaluable colleague who demonstrates measured problem-solving daily, offering not only her clients but colleagues consistent unbiased and validating support.”

“Jenna is a steady, calming presence who brings clarity and confidence to challenging situations… Her ability to remain solution focused under pressure provides a strong foundation for the team, and fosters a sense of safety for all those involved.”

“She will go above and beyond to help her clients who are in the midst of their own storm by reassuring them and providing support in a friendly, and non-threatening way so that they can find the calm, while remaining calm herself.”

Jenna’s compassion and steadiness reflect the heart of CMHA Grey Bruce by sharing hope, resilience, and community even in the toughest moments.

Congratulations, Jenna, on this well-deserved recognition.

Helping Hand Award Goes to Farren Milks

At CMHA Grey Bruce, teamwork is at the heart of what we do. With so many programs and professional roles working together, collaboration and mutual support are essential to helping our community thrive. The Helping Hand Award recognizes a colleague who goes above and beyond to support others and is someone who steps in without being asked, shares knowledge generously, and helps create a workplace culture built on care and connection.

This year, the award was presented to Farren Milks, whose kindness, teamwork, and depth of knowledge make her an invaluable part of CMHA Grey Bruce.

Her coworkers shared the following words of appreciation:

“When I read, ‘consistently steps in to assist others without being asked,’ Farren was the first to come to mind. Farren is always willing to help with any task, whether it is something that needs to be attended to at the office, or help with a client. Farren has an encyclopedic knowledge of the system and resources. She has collaborated with the Mildmay Vet Clinic to offer Community Vets for Pets to our low-income clients. She creates a culture of caring and deeply cares about the clients she serves.”

“Farren is a wonderful example of unwavering support of colleagues across teams. She often offers her time, insight, and compassion, and will step in to ‘go the extra mile’ without being asked. She actively collaborates across programs in our Hanover office, helping to develop effective solutions for concerns that arise. Her genuine willingness to share knowledge and resources creates a supportive, team-oriented environment, which is needed to provide the most effective client-centered care.”

Farren’s willingness to help others, her compassion for clients, and her ability to bring people together truly embody the spirit of teamwork and care that define CMHA Grey Bruce.

Congratulations, Farren, on this well-deserved recognition.