At age four, Stuart was diagnosed with Autism, a complex neurological and developmental disorder affecting 1 in 88 children.

“My dad beat my mom until she was a rag doll,” says 49-year-old Billy. “At times I thought he would kill her. That’s only one of my childhood memories.” Billy’s dad was drunk all the time. And his heavy drinking resulted in physical altercations. Every night Billy cranked up the volume on his radio to  […]

Thomas first encountered The Salvation Army when he was a child. As an adult, he turned to a Salvation Army food bank in Toronto to help supplement his family’s needs. Today Thomas volunteers with The Salvation Army so he can give back to the community.

“It feels a lot safer here,” says Bev who’s just recently checked into the Women’s Integrated Supportive Housing (WISH) in Calgary. The WISH centre provides support services for women such as emergency and transitional beds plus a variety of skill building programs. Prior to arriving at WISH Bev was sleeping in her car. “Coming here  […]

“Something wasn’t right,” says Susan Williamson of her son, Stuart. “He couldn’t imitate sounds, his eyes looked empty and he was unresponsive to people. When my husband and I sought out medical attention, we were sideswiped by the end results. Life would be very different than we’d ever expected.” Stuart’s unusual behaviours started in infancy.  […]

Due to the rapid growth of the senior population, Day Cares for the elderly and adults with impairments have become important facilities for communities across Canada. Seniors have given immeasurable value to our people and country and The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing innovative and effective services that support their continued dignity and honour.  […]

It’s one of the first of its kind in Ontario. The Salvation Army’s Lawson Ministries in Hamilton is teaching people with developmental disabilities how to use the public transit system—something many of us take for granted. Twenty-one year old Richard battles with Autism, and has great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships. Since graduating from  […]

For as far back as he can remember, Keith was told he was worthless and stupid. The emotional and verbal punches of his father cut deep, but the physical abuse that followed pierced even deeper. “The only thing I was terrified of as a kid was my dad,” says Keith. While Keith’s father was well-respected  […]

Dealing with Devon’s severe epilepsy and developmental disabilities was challenging and exasperating for his parents Dan and Carolyn. Then when Carolyn unexpectedly became a single parent, she blinked “low battery” and wanted to shut off. But she refused to curl up and surrender. Devon’s questionable behaviours began as young as four months old. His eyes  […]