LakeCity Works supports people living with mental illness to build on their strengths, take on responsibilities, and access work experience, education, and employment. Their goal is to empower each person to reach their full potential. By connecting people living with mental illness to paid employment opportunities, LakeCity facilitates entry into the workforce. Furthermore, they also offer career coaching services, various programs and skill-building activities, as well as recreation and therapeutic volunteer opportunities. On average, as a charitable organization, LakeCity serves over 300 people a year. We spoke with Tim Vassallo, Director of Development and Partnerships, to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
LakeCity Works is a charitable organization that supports people living with mental illness to build on their strengths, develop skills, and access meaningful work experience, education, and employment. Each year, we serve roughly 300 people through employment programs, job coaching, recreation, and therapeutic volunteer activities. Our vision focuses on the Whole Person, creating Impactful Opportunities, and building Inclusive Communities. With 80+ Supported Employees working in our various social enterprises, LakeCity Works is among the vanguards of nonprofits leveraging social enterprise as a catalyst for change. Our purpose is to empower people to be their best selves and thrive. Guided by our values—Empowerment, Positivity, Teamwork, Accountability, and Impact—we create supportive pathways to training, work experience, and paid employment for people facing mental health barriers.
What problem does it aim to solve?
LakeCity Works is working to create meaningful, long‑term change in the lives of people living with mental health challenges—both at the individual level and within the broader community. The organization’s work is driven by the belief that everyone has strengths, value, and the ability to thrive with the right supports and opportunities. Reducing barriers and increasing mental health inclusion is at the centre of our goals. As well as helping people feel connected, supported, and included—part of a community where they matter.
When did you start/join it?
I started at LakeCity Works in 2022, but have worked in the inclusive employment for people with disability-based barriers sector for 20 years.
What made you want to get involved?
Personal experience and a real desire to be part of the change that I wanted to see in my community.
What was the situation like when you started?
I noticed that many people who wanted to be more engaged in their community were held back—not just by architectural barriers, but by attitudinal ones. While progress has been made in reducing physical barriers, I saw that stigma and misconceptions were often harder to overcome. That motivated me to work both with individuals facing barriers and with the employers and community members who have the power to include and support them
How has it changed since?
While more individuals living with mental health barriers are being included in the workforce, there is still significant work to be done to reduce stigma and create environments where they can truly thrive. Invisible disabilities—especially those related to mental health—often challenge societal expectations and are frequently misunderstood. Fostering greater understanding, empathy, and acceptance is essential to ensuring that people with mental health barriers are fully supported and valued in the workplace
What more needs to be done?
Employers can become more willing to provide opportunities for people living with mental illness by increasing their understanding of mental health, learning to see the strengths and skills individuals bring, and recognizing that supportive workplaces benefit everyone. Simple steps—such as offering small accommodations, being flexible, and creating a welcoming environment—can make a meaningful difference. Sharing positive stories and offering ongoing support can also help employers feel confident and prepared. At the community level, acceptance grows when people have regular opportunities to connect, learn from one another, and see mental illness as a natural part of human diversity. Public education, positive representation, inclusive language, and community events that bring people together all help reduce stigma. By promoting empathy, visibility, and shared experiences, communities can become more inclusive, supportive, and respectful places where everyone has the chance to belong and thrive.
How can our readers help?
Individuals can help by practicing empathy, learning about mental health, and challenging stigma when they hear it. Small actions—like using respectful language, showing patience, and offering support to friends, coworkers, or neighbours—make a meaningful difference. Being open to conversations about mental health and treating people with kindness helps normalize the topic and reduces fear or misunderstanding. People can also support inclusive workplaces and communities by promoting acceptance, participating in awareness events, and encouraging others to see mental health as a natural part of human diversity. Together, these everyday actions create safer, more welcoming environments where everyone feels valued.
Do you have any events coming up?
LakeCity Works operates several social enterprises that community members can support, knowing their contribution has a direct and positive impact on our supported employees and program participants. We are also introducing a new “Giving at LakeCity” program, inviting individuals and businesses to offer financial support so we can continue delivering high‑quality programming and meaningful supported employment opportunities.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Healthy Minds Cooperative is a peer-led, member-driven non-profit organization that supports mental well-being in our communities.
