Doug* never knew what it was like to be loved. *Name changed to preserve privacy. When he was a child, Doug remembers spending days on end in his basement, with only a black-and-white television for company. “My mother didn’t want me, and didn’t know how to take care of me,” said Doug. “Today, I would […]
Monika Wiesner still remembers the day when, in the early morning hours, she found a young woman asleep on the steps leading into a downtown church. “She appeared to be under the influence of something… and in trouble,” said Monika. As she tried to stand up, she began sliding down the steps. Monika stayed with […]
It took 11 days in jail for Bruce* to be able to leave alcohol behind. That, and House of Friendship’s Live-In Treatment program. “House of Friendship saved my life,” said Bruce. “I don’t know where I’d be without it.” Ever since Bruce’s first visit to a bar when he was 19, alcohol has been a […]
Every Thursday morning, Victoria Hills Community Centre fills with loud laughter and the aroma of a home-cooked meal. The Multicultural Cooking program is one of many Neighbourhood programs offered at House of Friendship. Each week, people come together to cook, laugh, and spend time with others in the community. For many, it’s more than just […]
Food, Fun and Fellowship, a weekly program at Sunnydale, wrapped up for the summer with a vibrant community potluck. Tables overflowed with homemade dishes from around the world, each one carrying the rich aromas, favorite flavors, and heartfelt stories of the people who made them. More than just a meal, it was a joyful way […]
House of Friendship has always been a part of Linda Kruger’s story. Her mother, Agnes Eby, served on the board at House of Friendship in the 1970s. As a young university student, Linda volunteered, and covered the desk during weekly staff meetings. Similarly, Linda’s husband Chuck learned about House of Friendship while growing up at […]
A group of young men who connected through House of Friendship’s Boys in Leadership program are showing that they have what it takes to lead. Hiab, Rekik, Jaden, and Haben have created Youth Smile-Link, a program that offers many opportunities or youth like them to get together and have fun – and find a community […]
Jen will graduate from high school this year – the same year as her daughter. “It only took me an extra 20 years,” said Jen. “But I’m going to do it.” Now in her 40s, Jen became a mother as a teenager. She dropped out of school to care for her baby. Right at the […]
Marisa DeLuca loves that “a-ha” moment when a child figures out a homework problem. As a volunteer at our Adventure Learning program at Victoria Hills Community Centre, Marisa meets weekly with young students, providing support and encouragement. “I love seeing the development of the youth over the weeks, and being able to be a safe […]
A volunteer program at ShelterCare ensures that men experiencing homelessness can learn valuable skills to help them regain their independence. It also gives them a chance to give back. After losing his job several months ago, James has been staying at House of Friendship’s ShelterCare program. “I had never been homeless before, and I had […]
