Early years
IRIS House was the vision of the late Frank and Alice Sheehan, parents to an adult son living with schizophrenia.
Growing Concern
Frank and Alice were heavily involved with the since dissolved Schizophrenia Society of Ontario. Through this involvement, they met many parents and siblings of people living with persistent serious mental illness (PSMI). Every loved one of someone with PSMI shared the same concern:
Who will care for my loved one with PSMI when I can no longer do it myself? 
1999
After a meeting in Frank's dining room, the non-profit charity Iris Residential Inns and Services is established in October of 1999. Founding board members include Francis Sheehan (Chair), Richard Renaud (Vice Chair), Rosemary Marentette (Secretary), Anne Ryan (Treasurer), Thomas McCarthy (Director), and Roy Desjardins (Director).
2002
The early vision of Frank and Alice becomes a reality when Iris House opens its doors in September of 2002. This was made possible through the support of all three levels of government (Federal, Provincial, and Municipal), a private developer, and many individuals.
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Board of Directors, 2025
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