Hope and Help for a Sudden Caregiver

Michelle lived with few responsibilities until she was chosen to care for her two younger teenage siblings. This meant a huge change in a short amount of time. Finding it hard to cope and feeling alone, she reached out to The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

“After being introduced to Pathway of Hope, Michelle accomplished goals such as financial stability and pursuing her education,” says Captain Peter Kim.

“Throughout my time at Pathway of Hope there has been nothing but growth and positive change,” says Michelle.

“Throughout my time at Pathway of Hope there has been nothing but growth and positive change.”

Before moving to Grande Prairie, Michelle lived in the beautiful mountains of Alberta. She had moved to be close to her aunt who was battling terminal cancer. The transition was difficult, and her intentions were to stay for a couple of months. Her aunt had custody of her two younger siblings and would choose Michelle to be the caregiver after she passed.

“With budgeting assistance, she became financially stable and her spiritual care representative helped her with life skills and health goals.”

“The adjustment was difficult,” says Michelle. “I was grieving my aunt while gaining guardianship of my siblings.”

Michelle had to find a new home, secure a reliable vehicle, and register the children in their new schools. One of her biggest stressors was employment, as she wanted a change.

“With help from her caseworker, Michelle applied and was accepted into a Kinesiology Diploma Program,” says Kim. “With budgeting assistance, she became financially stable and her spiritual care representative helped her with life skills and health goals. Today, she uses her new-found organizational skills to keep track of her activities and her ‘to do’ list.”

By Linda Leigh

About Pathway of Hope

Pathway of Hope isn’t just about helping individuals and families finding a way out of poverty. It is a framework designed to strengthen communities, provide support no matter the challenge and offer a

listening ear to anyone who needs it.

Through Pathway of Hope, participants set goals to make positive change, increased stability and hope, happen in their lives. Intensive case management supports individuals and families who have a desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis while intentionally surrounding the family with spiritual care for access to spiritual growth and development.