Driven by Hope at The Salvation Army Recovery Community Centre
For 45 years, Billy was caught in the grip of hard drugs and alcohol, making a living by selling. The 62-year-old drank excessively every day and used drugs regularly, often isolating himself to avoid judgment or questions about his destructive habits. After years of hard work managing his addiction, Billy is looking to the future with positivity.
Realizing he had a serious problem with substance use, Billy checked into a rehabilitation facility, successfully overcoming his drug addiction. However, while running a bar in Ontario, he swapped one addiction for another, continuing to drink heavily. To escape people urging him to get help, he retreated to a life of homelessness.
“I just went away and moved onto the street. I had money in the bank, so I was going in and out of motels and on and off the street depending on the weather,” Billy recalls.
As he tried to quit drinking, his body craved more.
“I went into convulsions and ended up in intensive care. That happened three times. Everyone told me I should go into some kind of treatment program,” he remembers.
A Life-Saving Intervention
During one of those hospital visits, a doctor informed Billy that there was no space to admit him, suggesting The Salvation Army’s Withdrawal Management Centre at the Centre of Hope in London instead.
“Call it divine intervention; I think it might have been,” Billy reflects. “Next thing I know, I’m in an ambulance on my way to detox. That was the first time I began listening to what people had to say.”
The Withdrawal Management Centre offers non-medical support during acute withdrawal, treatment planning, recovery education, on-site twelve-step programs, peer support groups, and referrals to community resources and treatment options.
After overcoming his alcohol addiction with the help of The Salvation Army and external treatment facilities, Billy moved into a room at the Recovery Community Centre (RCC) within the Centre of Hope, which offers a holistic approach to recovery, combining psychoeducation, spiritual support, peer-led activities, life skills programs, yoga, meditation, and music to guide participants on their journey.
Rebuilding Trust and Confidence
“I quickly realized I was surrounded by truly kind, caring people here at The Salvation Army,” Billy says. “I felt like I had this monkey lifted off my back for the first time in my life.”
Billy’s caseworker, Diana Rank, recalls that when she started working with him, he needed guidance to set his goals for a more productive life. After a year and a half of hard work to rebuild his self-esteem and decision-making skills, Diana now considers Billy a true success story at RCC.
“Billy’s journey is a testament to the power of determination. He embraced every challenge enthusiastically, made his own choices, and now stands as a shining example,” Diana says. “Life rewards effort and Billy’s growth as a productive member of society is truly inspiring. He is the poster child for what The Salvation Army’s transformative programming can achieve.”
Looking Forward and Giving Back
Billy anticipates that later this year he will have the keys to his own place while he continues to attend support meetings and remains substance-free – volunteering with The Salvation Army is another short-term goal.
“This place didn’t just save my life—it changed my entire world. I’m forever grateful and will do anything for The Salvation Army.”
Your support ensures ongoing care and assistance for people like Billy across Ontario. Donate today at www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
