Once addicted to drugs, Susan Small now uses her passion for cooking to inspire others. “If you had met me just four years ago, you would have taken one look at me and crossed the street,” says Susan. At that time, Susan was addicted to painkillers and alcohol, and was facing time in prison. “I  […]

When Shawn’s life came to a stop, it was the people at The Salvation Army that helped him with the many small changes it took to get him to hope and trust again.

Babe grew up feeling he didn’t fit in. By age 12 he was abusing alcohol and illegal drugs to numb the pain of rejection. When, as an adult, he lost two infant children, he couldn’t get past the sadness and his abuse became more of a problem. Babe’s life of addiction was dangerous, destructive and  […]

Réjean had an ugly secret. He concealed it to protect a family member—but had no idea the depth of personal harm that would cause. Revealing the traumatic experience was the only thing that could set him free. And the longer he waited, the more destructive was its impact. “At age 12 I was abused by  […]

Former drug and alcohol addict, Babe, is using The Salvation Army’s Anchorage program in Ottawa to heal so that he can help others who are still struggling with their addictions.

Nikki’s grandfather was supposed to protect her from harm. Instead, he drugged and sexually assaulted her. At age 24 this was a trauma hard to overcome and lingering consequences left Nikki broken and almost beyond repair. “Facing the reality that my grandfather did this to me was devastating,” says 31-year-old Nikki. “In the heat of  […]

For 20 years Shawn participated in organized crime, battled drug addiction and hurt the people who loved him most. Today he is living proof that change is possible. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without The Salvation Army,” says Shawn. Shawn grew up in the Ottawa area and suffered both physical and sexual abuse  […]

“I didn’t understand the danger I was in,” says Keith of his drug abuse. “I just wanted more and more.” At age nine, Keith’s mom passed away. “That’s when things changed drastically,” says Keith. The family moved. His dad remarried. Then, after seven years of sobriety, his dad returned to active alcoholism. “He was a  […]

Toronto, ON May 21, 2013 – A new report from The Salvation Army, released as part of Dignity Month, reveals that despite a rebounding economy, many Canadian families and young people are still struggling to make ends meet. “Youth in Need: The Economic Challenges,” revealed that since the recession began in 2008, 66 percent of  […]

Ron’s life was a mess. His problems were gigantic. Then one day he stumbled on The Salvation Army, and his life became a different story. By age five Ron had faced the reality of his life. His mom was an alcoholic who was always passed out, and his father was physically abusive, constantly picking fights  […]