Alannah’s story
Looking back at different parts of her life, Alannah, now 24, feels like they are completely different lifetimes. “I almost can’t relate because I’m not that person anymore,” she says. Alannah was placed into foster care at the age of three and, even from a young age, she felt she wasn’t wanted. “It felt like […]
Danny’s story
When asked what the most influential thing in his life has been, Danny has one word: boxing. “I thought I was a tough guy and stepped into the ring. I got humbled really quick,” he says. “It made me realize that you can’t always approach everything with sheer force — you have to think things […]
Kim shares her story through art
Ignite is the Calgary John Howard Society’s public awareness project that is showcasing art representing individuals’ experiences with substance use and the stigma associated with it. Kim, one of the Ignite participants, shares her story with us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oGGL-YXiDk Ignite is the Calgary John Howard Society’s public awareness project that is showcasing art representing individuals’ experiences […]
Alex finds a family at CJHS
Alex is a hockey enthusiast. He’s also a chef, athlete and gentleman. “But it’s just common courtesy,” the modest 23-year-old protests of his conscious effort to hold doors open for anyone nearby. Alex has been coming to the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) since he was 16, when the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) he […]
A stable, permanent environment gave Michael the chance to start over
It wasn’t long ago that Michael was battling his own addictions. Now, thanks in part to the home he found through one of CJHS’s housing programs, he’s able to use his lived experience to help others as a support and outreach worker. Michael’s childhood was unstable — he and his twin brother were removed from […]
Support from CJHS staff helped William prepare to go back to school to help others
At 61, William might not look like the average college student. Nevertheless, he’s determined to go back to school in order to help people who’ve struggled with the same things he has. “As an alcoholic, I can often be more helpful and understanding of the alcoholic’s mind and heart simply because I’ve experienced it,” William […]
Chelsea doesn’t let a disability define who she is or what she can accomplish
Chelsea was visiting the CJHS office on a college field trip when her ears perked up — there was an opening for a peer mentor for people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). “I saw the opportunity and I jumped on it,” Chelsea, who also lives with FASD, says. “I want to help people […]
Isaias discovered boxing to be the alternative he needed
When 17-year-old Isaias won his first boxing match this past winter, he was more than proud — he was elated. He had been training hard, going to the gym twice a day, every single day. He earned this. Isaias had started going down the wrong path at the age of 10, after discovering his parents […]
Katie is growing and believing in her future because of her supportive home at CJHS
Katie’s warm energy and infectious grin makes you feel welcome as soon as you step into her home at a CJHS youth building. The 20-year-old has been living there for two years. “I’ve never felt more supported in a place, ever, than I do here,” she says. Katie’s parents divorced when she was around 8 […]
Intensive supports are helping Thorn work towards a brighter future
Thorn* lives at Bedford House, a community-based residential facility for men exiting the justice system. Most men who live there are on parole, but not Thorn — he is actually choosing to live there because he knows the supports offered would give him a better chance of changing his life. Kym Jacobs is the Residential […]
