Sarah’s Story: The Light at the End of the Tunnel
November 3 2020
Hi my name is Sarah. I’ve lived through the YWCA’s housing programs for the last few years. In the time I came to the YWCA I was broken in so many ways.
In the time I’ve lived at the YW’s St. Catharines Shelter, I have gotten help with my mental health with the support of the Women’s Advocates who have set me up with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). I have also been an addict for just over 11 years so I have also been connected with Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON). I think I would living on the street if I never came into the YWCA housing program as well as never been able to accomplish some of the things I have been able to.
The advocates have also helped me go away to treatment for 5 weeks and I was able to complete the program. I have had a lot of things happen to me, bad and good. The advocates have helped me find a doctor, that lead to me being connected with psychologist. Having a psychologist has helped me understand why I am the way I am and ways that I can cope without spiraling. I have been given 6 different diagnosis, and am slowly getting the help I need.
If it was not for the advocates seeing something in me, that I could not see for myself and when there was no light at the end of the tunnel, the advocates were always there assuring me I could believe in myself and showing me there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. All of the advocates at the YWCA have helped me and for once I have hope and am not ready to give up just yet.
I am so incredibly grateful for the YW shelter and staff and for everyone who makes it possible for this shelter and services to be accessible to me free of charge. Thank you to this team and to the donors who have made my recovery possible.
Thank you,
Sarah
