Miguel
Miguel was happy to receive his new home, but though he was housed, he still felt the pain of loneliness. For Miguel, loneliness is the most horrible experience a person can have, as it can destroy one’s hope and will to live. Miguel isn’t as lonely anymore since being matched with his two volunteers; they help relieve him of the pain of isolation and give him hope for the future. Charlotte
Charlotte has been struggling with mental illness, and appreciates the Welcome Home program for giving her the support she needs to cope with her challenges. She enjoys seeing her volunteers and often calls to confirm their meetings repeatedly because she doesn’t want to take any chances that she will forget and miss the visit. Charlotte was especially thankful for her volunteers when she recently lost her cat, which was a very difficult time for her. Charlotte completed a six month match and though her volunteers were unable to continue meeting with her because of family illnesses and busy schedules, Charlotte has been re-matched with new volunteers for another 6 months. She has found the program to be very helpful, and plans to send thank you notes for her first two volunteers. Philip
Phillip loves going out to meet with his volunteers. For the first time in his life, he was able to attend a play and says that he really enjoyed it. His volunteers were able to purchase hockey tickets with money from the “activity fund.” Phillip was overjoyed to be able to attend. He hadn’t been to a hockey game since the 80’s, so he was excited to be able to share this experience with his new friends. Suzanne
Suzanne met Mayor Mandel in a coffee shop in downtown Edmonton one day. The Mayor bought Suzanne something to eat, and offered her information about the Housing First Programs in Edmonton. Thanks to the Mayor’s help, Suzanne was successfully housed, and her Follow up Support Worker told her about the Welcome Home Program. Welcome Home matched Suzanne with a young couple, they have been meeting together now for over six months. Though many areas of Suzanne’s life are looking up, she continues to struggle with her family, who financially and verbally abuse her. When her sister passed away, she was devastated that she could not travel to attend the funeral in Newfoundland. Suzanne’s volunteers arranged a memorial service for her sister, which they attended with her. She feels her volunteers are the positive relationship she needs in her life. They took Suzanne to a movie and she was overjoyed, as it was the first time she had attended a movie since childhood. Suzanne often says she is forever grateful for the continued support of the volunteers in her life. Cheryl
Cheryl discovered the Welcome Home program through her support worker and has been matched for over six months. Since joining Welcome Home, Cheryl is re-building a relationship with her daughter. With support and encouragement from her volunteers, Cheryl has maintained a good job that she enjoys and is proud to say she has become financially independent. She works out of town, and on her one week off each month continues to visit with her volunteers, as she values their continued support. Recently, one of Cheryl’s neighbors committed suicide. The shock and grief Cheryl felt were very difficult to cope with, and Cheryl was deeply grateful for the support she received from her volunteers. She often expresses her gratitude for the friendship given through the Welcome Home Program, and the time she spends with her amazing volunteers. Gordon
Gordon was shy and didn’t feel very comfortable with his volunteers at first. He often cancelled their meetings at the last minute, or didn’t show up because he was nervous about spending time with new people. He wondered if, like others in his life, they would give up on him. Though Jessica and James wondered if Gordon was going to be a good match for them, they continued to try and meet. Eventually Gordon went from being late and often the first to leave meetings, to being early, full of conversation and quite enthusiastic in setting future meeting times. Gordon, Jessica, and James have all expressed what a great experience it has been to get to know one another. They get together for coffee often, and their meetings are full of conversation and laughter. James and Jessica describe Gordon as witty and endearing, and they are enjoying the growing connection. Gordon recommends the program to others in his building. He feels that it is very nice to spend time with people who are clean and sober, and a good opportunity to get out of the house. |