When I became homeless, with nowhere to turn and facing criminal charges, I realized I had hit rock bottom.

My family had cut me loose after years of giving me countless chances. Even my friends, who had once offered me  a place to stay, told me that I was “too much” and couldn’t help anymore. Isolated and consumed by despair, I felt like there was no way out.

An overdose of pills became a grim turning point.

I woke up in the ICU, cuffed to a hospital bed and disoriented by psychosis. The harsh reality I  had tried to escape loomed larger than ever. With legal troubles mounting, my  future seemed bleak.

Faced with the court’s ultimatum—attend an inpatient treatment program or face long jail time—I  chose treatment. I enrolled with a United Way-supported organization, determined to avoid being put behind bars, but I was sceptical of what lay ahead.

Recovery felt impossible at first. Weighed down by trauma and shame, I doubted I  could change. But as the days passed in the 33-day program, something began to shift.

The trauma-informed care and compassionate staff created a safe, supportive space that made me feel  truly understood for the first time in years. Their encouragement, coupled with their own lived experiences, gave me  something I hadn’t felt in a long time —hope.

The program helped me unpack the emotional pain I  had long buried, showing me that recovery wasn’t only possible, but it was worth fighting for.

I  embraced the support I  received—attending 12-step meetings, working through recovery steps, and staying accountable. By the end of the program, I began to rebuild my  life. Slowly, I regained my  confidence, rebuilt trust with my  family, and found a sense of purpose.

My journey didn’t end there – I wanted to give back.

I’m proud to say I now work as a client advocate at the same treatment centre that saved my life. In this role, funded by United Way, I support others navigating the difficult road to recovery. I also help lead aftercare programs, providing a safe space for alumni to share successes, address struggles, and stay connected to their recovery.

Thanks to United Way, I now have a second chance at life. From feeling hopeless and alone, to now becoming a source of hope for others, my  journey has come full circle. 

United Way didn’t just save my life—they gave me the tools to rebuild it and the chance to help others find theirs.