Stories to Share

80 Years of Stronger Together

Posted on: January 17th, 2019

Staff at House of Friendship celebrated its 80th birthday in the best way possible – by spending it together as a community. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, three separate celebrations were held throughout the day, with staff gathering to share stories,  reflect on the past, and look towards the future. The “House of Friendship For All […]

Hope and Healing for the McKenna Family

Posted on: January 11th, 2019

“When Damien went in to 174 King, I had lost hope. I was looking for him to be someone else’s problem.” When Eileen McKenna’s husband Damien entered House of Friendship’s men’s residential addiction treatment program, she was ready to move on. She was ready for a new chapter in her life.  She never thought her family […]

Getting Closer to Home

Posted on: December 28th, 2018

Every day we get a little Closer to Home in Cambridge – thanks to you! So much is taking place at 562 Concession Road, home of House of Friendship’s future men’s residential addiction treatment facility that these few photos don’t quite do it justice. It couldn’t be a busier hive of activity these days. Floor […]

You Can “Change the Odds” for Families Living in Poverty

Posted on: December 21st, 2018

We all have potential. Yet, some families are not able to reach their potential because poverty stacks the odds against them. Research says that families living on low income regularly face a struggle for food, fewer opportunities for education, more health problems and a shorter life span. The odds say that if poverty continues their […]

Thank You For Feeding Families in a Time of Need

Posted on: December 14th, 2018

  Mavis and Joe Punambolam had a history of helping others. They never thought they’d ever be in need themselves. Mavis and Joe both had steady work, in good paying jobs. They managed to pay their bills on time, and were helping their three oldest children go to university. They didn’t have any extra set […]

Christmas Hamper Program and Turkey Drive Now Underway

Posted on: December 7th, 2018

WATERLOO REGION – Everybody deserves a special holiday meal, including a turkey. That’s the inspiration behind the annual Turkey Drive of the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club. Now in its 12th year, the Rotary Turkey Drive helps ensure that no family is left behind at Christmas time. Every year, more than 4,000 hampers are delivered to local […]

Changing the Odds for Fredlyne

Posted on: October 13th, 2018

Fredlyne is thriving in her community and growing as a leader, thanks to your support of our Neighbourhood programs including House of Friendship’s Courtland Shelley Community Centre! Fredlyne is one of many children who benefit each year from our preventative work in low income neighbourhoods throughout Waterloo Region. Research is clear that poverty stacks the […]

Your Support is Changing the Odds

Posted on: September 21st, 2018

Sarah is focused on one goal these days – finishing her studies, and geting a job as a personal support worker. She can see the goal on the horizon – after several years of study, Sarah hopes to complete her training this December. “I can’t wait to work,” said Sarah. Sarah, 33, came to Canada […]

Author Shared Family’s Harrowing Journey at Friendship Dinner

Posted on: September 7th, 2018

It took Tasneem Jamal a long time before she was able to approach writing her family’s story. There was just too much emotion. “It gestated for decades,” said Jamal. “When I finally sat down and wrote it, I was 40.” Jamal’s family story, as told in Where the Air is Sweet, chronicles an Indian family’s […]

Lydia Has Found the Strength to Begin Again

Posted on: August 10th, 2018

The first time Lydia tried crack cocaine, she was hooked. “I did crack once, and I was addicted. It was an instant downhill from there.” Lydia had turned to drugs to numb the anxiety and panic triggered by recurring memories of a childhood trauma. She was in her mid-30s with a job, a family and […]

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