A Journey from Despair to Hope

“To me, the term ‘rock bottom’ means you lost or are about to lose something more important than your addiction,” says Ward, who has been in recovery for 19 months. “That’s where I was two years ago.”

The 60-year-old army veteran says he abused alcohol for 38 years, but his mother never stopped encouraging him to seek help. “She knew how bad things had gotten,” he says.

A good friend of Ward’s mother put him in touch with a Salvation Army program director. Ward was then enrolled in the Pathway of Hope program, which provides intensive individualized support for men and women who struggle with substance use disorders and financial challenges. The program director also suggested that Ward attend his first support group meeting that very night.

“There’s been a seismic shift in my world…from where I was to where I am now.”

Ward felt supported and says God has been with him every step of the way, from the conversation with his mother’s friend to that first meeting at The Salvation Army and his introduction to a support group. Now, he is not only in recovery, but also giving back to his community.

Ward continues his involvement with The Salvation Army by volunteering to help at outreach events that provide meals for people living on the streets. He is also a board member of a veterans’ organization and shares the many ways veterans who are facing similar challenges can receive help.

Today, Ward looks forward to a future filled with hope and helping his neighbours in need at every turn.