Finding Hope After Loss

Julie Jackson had been living with her boyfriend of 10 years. He was her main source of financial support. When he passed away suddenly, Julie’s life was turned upside down.

“I felt totally alone and vulnerable. It was horrible,” Julie recalls.

Without financial security, putting food on the table became a challenge. Julie turned to The Salvation Army in Vernon, B.C., for help at the food bank. Despite assistance, the emotional toll was overwhelming. Grief began to take over.

“I was suicidal. I was drinking daily and barely eating,” Julie says. “My life was in ruins and I couldn’t see a way out.”

“My life was in ruins and I couldn’t see a way out.”

During a visit to the food bank, staff at The Salvation Army informed Julie about the Pathway of Hope program.

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program is offered at various locations across Canada. It provides individualized support to help participants set and achieve both short- and long-term goals, empowering them to move forward through life’s toughest challenges.

“My goals when joining Pathway of Hope were to eliminate my suicidal thoughts and find ways to be able to support myself,” Julie shares.

Through the program, Julie was connected to financial and mental health support.

“They walked me through everything during a time when I thought I was going to end up homeless,” she says. “They gave me numbers to call whenever I felt I was going through a crisis. They also referred me to organizations that could help me. They assisted me with my taxes and gave me access to computers as well as a family doctor. They helped me a lot.”

“I would be lost without The Salvation Army.”

Julie also felt seen and heard.

“There was never any judgement and that was so important,” Julie says. “The staff are wonderful people. I would be lost without The Salvation Army.”

Since joining Pathway of Hope, Julie’s life has improved significantly. Although she is still working toward financial stability, Julie finds relief knowing her mental health has taken a positive turn.

“It has changed everything. I don’t want to die anymore. I know there’s a life for me and I am so grateful,” she shares. “I now have more of an income due to getting referred to proper channels. I do suffer from food insecurity, so I still go to the food bank.”

Julie also believes her time with The Salvation Army has inspired her to become a better person.

By Juan Romero