For 38 years, Lawrence used hard drugs to wipe out the memories of the sexual trauma he experienced while growing up. Last year, he graduated from a Salvation Army drug treatment program in Ottawa. “I’m glad I came here,” says Lawrence. “My life needed to change.” From an early age, heartbreak shattered Lawrence’s self-worth and  […]

On October 12, 2018, Jeromy, who has experienced homelessness, and over 80 people from the community of Fort Frances, Ont., spent the night lining the main street with chairs, sleeping bags and mattresses to raise awareness around the issue of homelessness and funds for winter shelter. “People experiencing homelessness are sleeping in the bush, on  […]

Alcohol and bulimia had taken over Sharon’s life. Then, following the death of her mother, she lost all hope and the desire to live. With a bottle of pills in the palm of her hand, Sharon called The Salvation Army in St. John’s, N.L. “I wasn’t looking for attention,” says Sharon. “I was ready to  […]

Take (pronounced talk-ee), a former auto mechanic, knows how it feels to be homeless. He was at an all-time low when he walked through the doors of The Salvation Army’s Anchor of Hope in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. “I was ready to die in the cold,” says the 52-year-old. “I’m lucky to be alive.” Life began  […]

Mental illness is one of Canada’s major public health issues and world mental health day, October 10, exists to promote the awareness of such issues. Last year, The Salvation Army helped over 1.7 million Canadians, many of whom struggle with mental health challenges. As we provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness, rehabilitation for those struggling  […]

When Arlene gave birth to her daughter, Lauren, in May 1986, she knew something wasn’t quite right. After a series of tests, Lauren was diagnosed with having partial trisomy 13, a chromosome disorder that causes severe intellectual disability and many physical abnormalities. “We went to her pediatrician who said the best thing you can do  […]

“I want people to know that they’re not powerless when it comes to bipolar disorder,” says Harriet, 53. “I have a strong support system that includes The Salvation Army. But I wasn’t always healthy and happy.” Sixteen years ago Harriet came to The Salvation Army’s Parent Child Resource Centre in Kitchener, Ont. “I was a  […]

Jay Barnard, best known as Chef Recovery, recently returned to the scene of his redemption, the Ottawa Booth Centre. He came to thank The Salvation Army for his recovery and to humbly celebrate 10 years of sobriety. A Life Out of Control Ten years ago, on Feb. 11, 2008, Jay checked into The Salvation Army’s  […]