Finding Freedom from Addiction Through The Salvation Army
Sharon’s life has been a battle against drug addiction, a struggle that kept her from realizing her full potential. Her journey is marked by resilience in the face of adversity, as she navigates the challenges that shaped her life.
“We were poor and always living off food banks,” Sharon recalls. “My mom was a Sixties Scoop survivor. She was taken as a baby, so I grew up not even knowing I was Native.”
When Sharon finally learned of her Indigenous background from her adoptive parents, she sought to reconnect to her roots. She returned to her First Nations community north of Wiarton.
However, Sharon struggled to find her place in the community. Feeling isolated and disconnected from her culture, she began using drugs, including fentanyl at the age of 18.
“I’ve been an addict my whole life, trying to leave behind the people, places, and things that kept me addicted,” she says. “I’ve been judged my whole life, and that made me retreat into my shell.”
Sharon was able to complete high school, and later enrolled in a college program to become a legal secretary but dropped out after the first semester as her addiction prevented her from furthering her education.
It was her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis three years ago that motivated her to leave her addiction behind and provide care for her mom. Reaching out to The Salvation Army in Wiarton for support through their transformative programs was her first step toward recovery.
This journey included completing the four-week Trades Start culinary training program, leading to potential restaurant employment. She is also part of the Odd Jobs Squad, gaining paid work experience building sheds, decks, planters, and maintaining gardens.
Now six months substance-free, Sharon lives with her 22-year-old son and sister. Her 23-year-old daughter also lives with addiction and Sharon looks after her as best she can by being a positive role model.
“Nobody thought that I could get clean, so if she sees that I can do it, there is hope for her,” Sharon says of her daughter.
Sharon’s goals include owning a home in her First Nations community, securing a safe future for her family, and remaining addiction-free. Sharon is thankful for The Salvation Army’s compassionate assistance and how it has transformed her life.
“I had a lot of doubts about people because I didn’t think they could be that happy and loving all the time, but coming here proved me wrong,” Sharon says. “Ingrid brought me out of my shell and made me feel proud. I didn’t think it was possible, so I recommend this program to everyone.”
Ingrid Reichard, a program coordinator with The Salvation Army Community Church, says Sharon has the passion, drive, and determination to better her life.
“I’m very confident Sharon has a bright future ahead. She’s a hard worker, smart, and clear on what she wants,” Ingrid says. “Even with her challenges, she was eager to bring about positive change, and The Salvation Army is there every step of the way.”
To assist people like Sharon in your community, please donate today at www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to support our transformative programs and services.
