Jayline’s Story

“When I first came to Winnipeg from Dauphin, I didn’t know where to start. I had no clue where to go for help with housing, food, or anything. That’s when I found Thrive Community Support Circle.

I’ve been coming here for a year and four months now. What I like best about Thrive is how supportive and helpful they are. I’ve struggled a lot with my mental health and with trauma from sexual assault. Other organizations I went to before didn’t really help me. At Thrive, it feels different—they’re there for me in every situation I’ve been going through.

There’s one program I really want to join: the Women’s Support Program. I know it will help me heal and grow even more. I’m also hoping to get involved as a volunteer, especially helping with clothing donations and being part of the Women’s Support Program.

I think Thrive’s new building project is so important. So many people need help with addictions, family support, food, and clothing—not just for themselves but for their pets too. Thrive is resourceful for everybody. I’ve seen so many walks of life come here, and people always find support.

For me, Thrive is also about safety. Where I live downtown, it’s scary. There was a murder in my building, and just last night I heard gunshots three times. A girl nearby was stabbed over something as small as a cigarette. It feels like there’s so much evil in the park and not enough police presence. Sometimes, I go out at night anyway—not because it’s safe, but because people need someone to talk to. I try to be there for young girls and others who are struggling, but I’m only one person.

When I come to Thrive, I can grab bread, bagels, or other food, and I share it. I make sandwiches and hand them out to people in the community. I walk around with my dog, checking in with people, asking what they need. I even put together a grab box at home with baby supplies, women’s clothing, and men’s clothing, and I hand those out with help from a friend. It’s my way of giving back.

But it’s not always easy. I didn’t always get the help I needed. My mental health worker from another agency wasn’t supportive, and after a traumatic experience, I even tried to end my life. It felt like no one cared. That’s why Thrive matters to me so much—because Thrive is there every day.

Right now, I don’t have a job and I don’t have much education. Most of the time, I just sit at home watching TV. But Thrive gives me a reason to get out, to connect, and to keep moving forward. For me, and for so many others, Thrive is hope.”