Salvation Army Helps Client Overcome Some of Life’s Biggest Challenges

The Salvation Army has been there for David during low points in his life. The organization has helped him in different ways during different stages.

As a teenager in the late 1970s, David moved to Calgary searching for a job. At that time, oil companies in Alberta were facing difficulties, with many shutting down. Finding a job was challenging.

“I had a few dollars in my pocket and did day jobs here and there. I lived in a cheap hotel until my money ran out,” he shares.

 First Encounter

David walked the streets looking for ways to survive. He noticed a sign advertising The Salvation Army and, since he had heard good things about the organization, he decided to seek their assistance.

“They found me a place to crash, put food in my belly and gave me warm clothes for the upcoming winter.”

“I dropped in to see if they would be able to guide me to different Government programs that could help me find shelter and food. They certainly did that and more,” says David. “They found me a place to crash, put food in my belly and gave me warm clothes for the upcoming winter, all while I was looking for work.”

Shortly after, David found a job in Toronto. Before leaving, he had the opportunity to spend Christmas at The Salvation Army. This experience left a lasting impression and inspired him to support the organization in the future.

“I went to The Salvation Army and had Christmas dinner. It was a very joyous time, no matter how down on our luck we all were,” David recalls. “That is why I started donating funds on an annual basis. The Salvation Army welcomes you with no judgments. They help you believe that you can achieve your goals in life and that you are worthy of their help no matter your circumstances.”

In the following years, David’s situation improved. He was employed, started a family and moved to Nova Scotia where things ran smoothly for many years.

 A Second Chance

 In 2015, David encountered legal troubles that resulted in a two-year prison sentence. With uncertainty about his future, The Salvation Army re-entered David’s life during this challenging time.

While incarcerated, David took part in The Salvation Army’s Positive Lifestyle program, a course that helps clients needing a fresh start focus on self-discovery, self-understanding and personal development.

“They help you believe that you are worthy of their help no matter your circumstances.”

“The program opened my eyes to many things I had to do differently going forward,” he says.

Upon his release, David stayed at a Salvation Army halfway house to begin his reintegration process. He spent six months there and laid the groundwork to rebuild his life.

The staff guided him to access resources he needed to get back on track, such as job opportunities and information about potential education and housing. They also assisted him with other things like getting a driver’s license and his Social Insurance Number.

“This help was very important for me to start on a new path,” says David.

 Giving Back

David now lives in Ontario. He has a stable job and continues to support The Salvation Army as a monthly donor. In the past, he has also volunteered by ringing bells during the Christmas kettle season.

“The Salvation Army welcomes you with no judgments.”

David is incredibly grateful to the organization for the help he got throughout the years.

“I still get tears in my eyes when I think about or talk about these times when I needed a helping hand. I am forever thankful to The Salvation Army,” he says.

By Juan Romero