Kate’s childhood and early years were filled with trauma and significant challenges; a family with a history of addiction and her mother, a crack addict, who left when Kate was 12. Before long, addiction was a family legacy that thrived when Kate spent her early adult years partying and abusing alcohol and drugs. “I was  […]

For 38 years, Lawrence used hard drugs to wipe out the memories of the sexual trauma he experienced while growing up. Last year, he graduated from a Salvation Army drug treatment program in Ottawa. “I’m glad I came here,” says Lawrence. “My life needed to change.” From an early age, heartbreak shattered Lawrence’s self-worth and  […]

Meagan, 28, grew up in a small town, in a good family, and excelled in school and sports. But after a soccer injury, she turned to drugs to dull the pain and cope with the disappointment of being unable to play. That was the beginning of her downward spiral that led to years of drug  […]

Jay Barnard, best known as Chef Recovery, recently returned to the scene of his redemption, the Ottawa Booth Centre. He came to thank The Salvation Army for his recovery and to humbly celebrate 10 years of sobriety. A Life Out of Control Ten years ago, on Feb. 11, 2008, Jay checked into The Salvation Army’s  […]

Thirty-year-old Cory nearly died from a suicide attempt. After weeks in hospital, he googled “recovery centres.” That’s when he came across the website for The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in Halifax. “Without The Salvation Army I’d either be in an institution or dead,” says Cory. “I am grateful to everyone who has assisted me.”  […]

Before Deena (not her real name) entered a Salvation Army community-based drug treatment program she used daily, struggled with anxiety and depression, and did not have a good relationship with her mother. Today, Deena is drug free, coaching sports, working and is in university. “The program fills a gap in the community to provide local  […]

Tia, 19, was raised in a dysfunctional family that struggled with poverty. Father figures came and went. At age 14 she was kicked out of the house and quickly ran out of couches to crash on. With lack of stability she spiraled out of control. Today, she is grateful for The Salvation Army and that  […]