A Promising Tomorrow
Nineteen-year-old Alex has endured heartache and trauma that many wouldn’t experience in a life time.
Trust has been a hard and slow process. Volunteering at The Salvation Army’s school lunch program in Newmarket, Ont., has not only helped Alex overcome trust issues, it has protected his mental well-being and helped him put into practice important skills, such as teamwork and communication.
Alex’s Story
At age six Alex’s parents’ decision to divorce was thrust on him, leaving him with enormous uncertainties. At nine he was abused by someone outside of his family. At 10, unable to reach his dad by phone, he went to his apartment and found him lying unconscious on the floor. The 49-year-old never recovered from the stroke.
Depression and anxiety led to drugs and self-harm. In 2012, a friend who’d attended the Army’s school lunch program suggested Alex tap into the church’s resources. Alex knew about The Salvation Army. He’d attended a Salvation Army camp when he was younger.
Before long Alex was setting up and tearing down tables at “Mercy Street”, a school lunch program for neighbourhood kids. He interacted with students over Ping-Pong and hung out with them on the church’s basketball court. He also volunteered with Christmas kettles and toy and food drives.
“I discovered new purpose in my life,” says Alex, who plans to be a social worker. “While my recovery is still hard, the Army has helped me learn and understand things that I’ll be able to share with other kids to support them on their journey.”
Kids Count on Us
Located in the shadow of the local high school, The Salvation Army in Newmarket is a weekday home to more than 200 students throughout the school year. Every Monday the atmosphere is electric as kids gather for a free hot lunch, games and a place to relax.
The program started 10 years ago as a response to youth who gathered on the streets at lunch with no place to go. It wasn’t long before conversation and connection gave Salvation Army staff and volunteers opportunities for mentoring.
Students have asked for job references, help with job-skills training, and some have asked where they can go if they can’t go home.
“Situations can bear down on kids,” says Major Brian Bishop, church pastor. “Kids need to feel secure and comfortable enough to share what’s happening in their lives. The lunch program has been a great place to start to build that trust.”
