I returned to Winnipeg from the reserve. I was 4 months pregnant and not employed. I began to job search. Well, I didn’t have luck finding a job. As soon as I told them I was pregnant I was not considered for the position I applied for. I didn’t experience discrimination like this before, it felt awful. So, I ended up on employment and income assistance. Not a good feeling either, I was made to feel even more ashamed for accessing help. The first EIA worker I dealt with made me feel so low about myself that I wondered how people can go through this, on a daily basis. I was given a hard time by this worker and was shamed for coming for help. That didn’t stop me though because I needed help. What an awful experience to go through. After that, I met up with an old friend who told me about PFSS (now Thrive) and that’s where my peace of mind began. I was introduced to an organization that would help me get back on my feet and made me feel good about myself again.

I attended prenatal sessions there. I also utilized the free counselling services. Counselling helped me get a hold of my thoughts and feelings and helped me to put things into perspective. I felt empowered by talking to another woman who helped me see the light again. I was alone and broken down when I first came here, then I met the staff and felt the love. This organization helped me with baby supplies and emergency food when I needed it. I took comfort in knowing that there was no judgment and no shaming.

I participated in the activities at the Resource Center and enjoyed meeting other people who understood what I was going through. As my daughter was getting older, I put her on the waitlist for the childcare. When she was two, she was enrolled at the child care centre. The child care staff helped us with the transition and was very understanding and reassured me, it’s ok. She will be ok. Well, my girl was ok. My daughter flourished after enrolling in the daycare. I took the parenting classes i.e.. Nobody’s Perfect and Positive Discipline. The classes are a great chance for parents to build on the skills that we all have and can utilize. What a way to feel good about being a parent. I learned many new skills and built upon the skills I was already using.

I signed up to volunteer for the summer, as I waited for school to start. I was pleasantly surprised when I was offered a casual position with the agency and began work at the Community Resource Centre. My self confidence went through the roof and I began to feel empowered again in a different way. I just couldn’t believe it. This organization has seen me at my lowest and brought me back up to my highest that I have been in awhile. They believed in me enough to hire me and work with community members. The agency provides a vital service to community members and beyond, the doors are not subject to catchment areas. I am so grateful for this organization helping me become whole again. PFSS (Thrive) is a very important organization to this area and to the people it helps. This world is tough and has many obstacles. If we can make it a little bit easier for someone to have a better day, why not help others?

Hi. My name is Adoar. People called me Teddy.

This place has really helped me. Helped me quit drinking. The services are good, I didn’t realize till about 2 and a half years later I didn’t drink. I stayed sober. My friend would ask me to go drink and I would say I can’t, because I have to come volunteer here.

I have been coming here for 8 years. A friend of mine told me about it. I was short on food one week, I got talking to one of the staff here if I can get help. Next thing you know I’m at the office asking if I can start volunteering.

I used to pick up clothing , food at harvest and help set up for Thrive events. I used to clean up the garbage. I really like volunteering here. It’s helping me stay sober a lot. And it keeps me busy.

Thank you for everything!

I’m 44 yrs old and I’m clean now. I want to start by telling you how I became this man. I now understand how my anger, low self-esteem and wanting to be normal opened the door for addiction and created a person I was not.

As far back as I can remember, I knew I was different. As a boy, I could notice I had learning disabilities. I would not sit still, couldn’t focus on a single task for long. By the time I was a teenager I knew I had this “Twitch”, a movement of the head. At the age of 22 I found out I had tourette’s syndrome. My addiction has mostly been about self-medication and the ADHD/OCD I’m diagnosed with too.

 In 2010 I had been incarcerated for six years already, I was introduced to a man named Stan. He was brought into help men here to offer guidance and support, upon their release back into society. I have maintained contact with Stan over the years, even in my struggles. Stan was promoting the men’s program at Thrive Resource Centre. He asked me a couple of times to take part, I wasn’t sure at first. I gave in and haven’t missed a meeting since the first two. I have been an active participant always. I have found a place I can be open, honest, and truthful without feeling judged too. I now have become an active member / volunteer of the group, the Resource Centre and the Thrift Shop. I’m starting to get to know staff, volunteers and some clients too.

 As I build supports, and friends here I feel they are truly caring people too. I can recall missing a day recently, two staff members reached out to me, just to say; “We care about you”. It truly lifted my spirits. I now find myself building a foundation of supports, and friendships too. I look forward to my days there, I never feel alone or different either.

Thrive is truly and honestly becoming my “Circle of Support”.