When Christmas Is not a Happy Time

For some people, Christmas isn’t always the ‘Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’ Alysse, 34, recalls the times she couldn’t afford to put gifts under the tree. But poverty wasn’t the only issue. Today, thanks to The Salvation Army’s New Choices program in Hamilton, Ont., and hard work and commitment from Alysse, she is in recovery from substance use, studying to be a social work and is grateful that she won’t have a Christmas without.

“It eases a lot of pressure knowing I will have toys and books—more than I can offer—for my son to open on Christmas morning,” says Alysse.

“It eases a lot of pressure knowing I will have toys and books—more than I can offer—for my son to open on Christmas morning.”

At a young age, the effects of her mother’s substance-use disorder began to unfold on Alysse. Her self-worth was in jeopardy, and she turned to substances to cope with her emotions. She was 10 when she first smoked weed. By 14 she was addicted to hard drugs. For many years, she struggled with substance use.

“Substance use prevented me from doing well in school and a whole lot more,” says Alysse. “I sold drugs—lived with men who took advantage of me– stole from my family. Then my daughter was removed from my custody. I never wanted to use needles and hated how I felt. But I couldn’t stop the desire to do it.”

“Substance use prevented me from doing well in school and a whole lot more.”

In 2020, shortly after her son was born, Alysse was referred to The Salvation Army’s New Choices program.

“New Choices is a community-based program for pregnant and mothering women with children under the age of six who identifies having substance use concerns,” says Kristin Baughan, program manager. “Mothers and their child(ren) attend program one day a week. Services provided include addiction and parenting education, individual counselling, opportunities for women and children to play together and practical support.”

With help from her addiction counsellor and the professionals at New Choices, Alysse is in recovery.

“The Salvation Army has everything to do with where I am today,” she says. “I am studying to be a social worker and want to help others like The Salvation Army helped me. And I can’t say enough about my counsellor, Jill, who is always there with a listening ear and a word of encouragement.

“The Salvation Army has everything to do with where I am today.”

“Because of New Choices, I can parent my son sober and healthy. I’ve put the tools they taught me to good use, and I am a better mom because of the program.”

Meanwhile, along with other mothers and children from New Choices, Alysse is looking forward to their upcoming Christmas luncheon.

“I heard we are having a party,” she says. “Hopefully, Santa will be there.”

By Linda Leigh