Finding Hope: Rebecca’s Transformative Journey with The Salvation Army
Rebecca has faced many challenges in her 33 years, but thanks to The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope (POH) framework she is now rebuilding her life one small step at a time.
Growing up in London, Ontario, her household was filled with illness and tragedy. When she was just 11, her father passed away from cancer. Not long after, her older half-sister, who had battled brain cancer, succumbed to the illness when she was in Grade 8.
Her struggles didn’t end there. Rebecca was diagnosed with celiac disease just before graduating high school, adding chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health struggles to her challenges. She also dealt with anxiety and depression and learned she was on the autism spectrum. These experiences left her with an uncertain future and the trauma of seeing the people she loved suffer.
“I was becoming completely overwhelmed with different social aspects because I was struggling with different things that impacted my family relationships,” she says. “I went through my adolescence thinking that I wasn’t really going to have a future.”
A New Path Forward
Working closely with her first Pathway of Hope caseworker in the spring of 2022, Rebecca developed a better understanding of herself and her needs, while setting manageable goals, including counselling and finding an employment agency specializing in clients with barriers to employment.
“Pathway of Hope helped me break down challenges into manageable steps that allowed for effective problem solving,” Rebecca shares. “If one idea or plan didn’t work out as imagined and hoped, it was easier to evaluate what parts worked if any and to come up with alternative plans and approaches.”
With her current caseworker, Dante Zage, Rebecca continues to make significant progress in her life. She quit smoking, improved her diet, and started to feel better physically and mentally.
“Rebecca has made great strides in her life, and it has been rewarding to see her growth through Pathway of Hope,” Dante says. “During her journey, I noticed increased control over her life, hope for a more fulfilling future, greater confidence in her resourcefulness, and strengthened commitment to build a better future for herself.”
A Sense of Belonging
Rebecca now enjoys a life filled with confidence. She is exploring the idea of becoming a music or art therapist, inspired by her family’s love for the arts. She’s also considering becoming a peer support worker, hoping to help others as she was helped.
She says one of the most impactful aspects of Pathway of Hope has been the feeling of belonging and her increased self-esteem has led to improved relationships with her family.
“I’ve been able to build a sense of community, increase the trust in my own judgment, and feel confident moving forward toward a more successful life,” Rebecca says. “The program in my experience has not told me who to be; it’s helped me to actually find myself and to figure out my own pathway. The Salvation Army stepped in at a really good point to be able to help me.”
Rebecca’s story is one example of the life-changing support provided through The Salvation Army Pathway of Hope. With compassion and guidance, individuals like Rebecca can thrive. Help give hope and make a difference in the lives of people across Ontario. Donate today at www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
