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  […]

As a single parent living in poverty, Christmas is a challenging time for Becky. “Many people don’t know what it’s like to tell your children they have to go to bed hungry,” says Becky. “Or watch them cry as Christmas approaches because there are no presents under the tree.” Becky’s story Becky had worked in  […]

Depression is now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, with more than 300 million people suffering. “Depression put me in a dark place,” says Rob, 58. “I couldn’t see a future or an answer for any of the problems in my life. Depression affected my whole world and everything in it.” The downward spiral  […]

For Leena, single parenting and poverty go hand in hand. “I’m struggling,” says the 38-year-old. “But without The Salvation Army I’d feel worse. Hope wouldn’t be there.” In 2014, Leena’s husband of 16 years abruptly left the marriage. “I received a phone call at work to say my husband was home collecting his belongings and  […]

For many people, the new year is a time to get a fresh start on life.  But picking up the pieces and beginning again isn’t always that easy for young, vulnerable mothers. “I was 18, pregnant and alone when I found The Salvation Army,” says Shannon. “They helped me to stay strong and move forward.”  […]