Mental Health
A case study

From burnout to breakthrough: investing in mental health on the front lines

Working in the social sector, Shoba Rao from Making Changes Association often pours all her energy into helping others. By mid-2025, the emotional toll of the work, coupled with personal challenges, left her feeling depleted. “I was struggling with anxiety and burnout,” Shoba says. “I felt like I was running on empty, making it hard to show up fully for my team and the people we serve.”

While the need for support is profound, resources in the sector are scarce. Her feelings reflect a growing, sector-wide crisis. A recent industry survey found that 68% of social sector leaders report surging demand for their services. Another survey, this one commissioned by the ATB Community Foundation, found that 35% of Albertans working in the social sector have had their productivity impaired by their own mental health.

While the need for comprehensive mental health support is clear, providing it is a major challenge for many organizations. It was to fill this critical gap that Making Changes was invited to participate in the Mental Health Possibility Project, a groundbreaking partnership between ATB Financial and GreenShield offering free, essential mental health support to Alberta’s social sector. Shoba took the leap, accessing virtual counseling and the transformation was profound. “It was life-changing. I realized that taking care of my own mental health wasn’t selfish—it was necessary,” she says. The program didn't just provide a service; it shifted Shoba’s entire perspective, fostering an improved attitude toward her health and happiness. This strengthened her ability to lead and support her team.

"The high rates of burnout and fatigue in Alberta's social sector are more than a concern—they are a critical barrier to our province’s well-being," says Carlen Scheyk, Director of Collective Impact at ATB Financial. "By enabling free access to essential mental health services, we are making a strategic investment in the resilience of those on the frontlines of addressing complex social issues. This is our purpose in action. When we uplift the people who strengthen our communities, we build a stronger Alberta for everyone." 

Shoba's powerful transformation testifies to the program's impact. She now regularly uses the skills she learned in counseling to manage stress, and she has become a vocal advocate for mental health in her workplace. “The confidence and tools I gained have made me a better leader and a more balanced person. ATB and GreenShield made it possible for us to prioritize our well-being, which ultimately strengthens our organization’s ability to serve our community,” Shoba says.

This two-year pilot project offers free mental health care to participating social sector organizations. So far, ATB has invited 285 organizations to join—and that number is still growing. By investing in the mental health of those on the front lines, we reinforce the foundation of a stronger, more compassionate province for all.

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The ATB Community Foundation champions a thriving, resilient and equitable society for current and future generations.  If you’re part of an organization dedicated to creating meaningful change for your community or equity-seeking group, we want to know you.