Rebuilding a Broken Life

For decades, Graham, 41, suppressed traumatic memories of growing up with an alcoholic mother and an absentee father. Stifling the neglect and emotional badgering insured survival. When disturbing images resurfaced, he used alcohol as a coping strategy. Today, he credits The Salvation Army for saving his life.

“In 2017, I was homeless and walked into the doors of The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in Halifax,” says Graham. “They gave me food and a safe place to sleep. For three years, I was in and out of the shelter. If it wasn’t for The Salvation Army, I would have died on the streets.”

Graham carries dark memories of his early years. His father abandoned the family when Graham was four, and his mother’s alcohol addiction impaired her sense of responsibility for his well being. Yet, his  struggles didn’t stop him from excelling at school. He won a scholarship and went on to graduate with a degree in commerce. He had a high-paying job and lived in a condo. But his success was short-lived.

“If it wasn’t for The Salvation Army, I would have died on the streets.”

“In my late 20s, I backpacked across Europe. Alcohol was available everywhere—in planes, trains, buses and on the streets. I drank every day for months and came home an alcoholic,” says Graham.

Meanwhile, memories of his turbulent childhood began to surface, which affected his mental wellness. With no coping strategies, his alcohol abuse escalated, and he lost everything.

“If I need anything, The Salvation Army is there for me.”

“When I came to The Salvation Army, I was surrounded by a big family of people who truly cared about me,” says Graham.

Graham attended the Army’s addiction recovery program and was assigned a housing support worker. Today, he lives on his own in subsidized housing.

“I have relapsed many times,” Graham admits. “I don’t enjoy drinking. I drink to escape memories.”

Graham receives therapy to help with his anxiety and panic attacks. As time passes, more healing is taking place. While he is unable to work, he receives food support from The Salvation Army, which gives him one less thing to worry about.

“I was surrounded by a big family of people who truly cared about me.”

“There are times when the cupboards have been almost bare,” says Graham. “And it’s impossible to afford healthy foods. Fresh fruit and vegetables from The Salvation Army give me a properly balanced diet. It boosts my self-esteem when people tell me I look healthy.

“If I need anything, The Salvation Army is there for me,” says Graham. “I will never forget their compassion and care.”

By Linda Leigh