Katie

I grew up in a broken home where my dad was not present for most of my childhood. My mom tried her best, but I often felt unloved and unwanted. I know now that I was suffering from a broken heart. I started using drugs and alcohol at a young age to try and fill the void left in my life. As I got older, my addiction continued to get worse and more dangerous. I hated who I had become and saw no worth in my life. I eventually lost everything and everyone I loved.

Thankfully, God had much greater plans for my life. While I was in jail, I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart. Since that time, my life has completely turned around. God is healing my broken heart and restoring my family.

“He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.”–Psalm 147:3

I graduated from the Adult and Teen Challenge long-term program in October of 2022. While in the long-term program, I knew that God was calling me to serve at Adult and Teen Challenge, which led me to apply for their SURGE program, an 18-month emerging leaders’ program.

During this time, I have continued my journey of healing and restoration while learning how to work in a ministry role and represent the freedom that can be found through Jesus Christ.

I now have the privilege of serving in the Community Office, where I have the unique opportunity to support and guide individuals who find themselves in the very situation I once overcame. God has given me a testimony of His faithfulness and goodness, and I am so grateful that I can use it to glorify Him and bring hope and healing to others!

A scripture I have seen come to fruition in my own life is Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

I felt like a prisoner to addiction, walking to death row. I had tried to break free many times. It started as a way to cope but became what consumed me. I lost my daughter, my family, and my health. Here, I found hope, love, life, and family. I completed the program and went on to join the SURGE leadership program. Everything I have ever been through, I now get to use for good, walking alongside others on their healing journey.

My life in addiction was chaotic. I didn’t have a sense of purpose or hope. I didn’t know what reality was anymore… I just made things up in my mind and I lived in fear. Today, I have joy, freedom and a community of support and I’m achieving goals!

On a dark path of substance use—marijuana, alcohol, and later, cocaine. My addiction escalated quickly, and I was stuck in a cycle of hopelessness and relapse. I tried to quit on my own. I’d manage to stay clean for a few months, but I’d always fall back into using. I felt trapped. At Adult & Teen Challenge, I discovered a God who loves me despite my failures, and I began to heal. Today, I’m proud to say I’m a full-time staff member at Adult & Teen Challenge, helping others who are walking the same path I once did.
“There’s hope, and it’s within reach for anyone who feels like there’s no way out.”

I struggled with drinking and partying, not realizing I needed help. My biggest challenge was being honest with my loved ones. Ready Now Recovery gave me the space to speak openly, first with the group and then with my friends and family. It showed me that I’m not alone—others are facing the same struggles.

I started smoking marijuana and doing cocaine, I quit working to grow and sell drugs. Soon after I joined a gang and survived a gang attack where my arms and legs were broken and I was stabbed multiple times. I realized many of my friends were either dead or in jail and I started thinking about my life. Since coming to Adult & Teen Challenge. My life changed so much, I’ve found Freedom thanks to God and I’m excited to help others!

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Head Office, Winnipeg MB
83 Kate St. Winnipeg MB R3A 1J9
888-822-9992

Our mission is to offer a full range of addiction, treatment and recovery services with compassion and excellence.

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At Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada, we respectfully acknowledge that our work takes place on the traditional territories of many Indigenous peoples. In Saskatchewan, we operate on Treaty 4, Treaty 5, and Treaty 6 lands, which are the traditional territories of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Métis peoples. In Manitoba, our services span across Treaty 1, Treaty 2, Treaty 3, Treaty 4, and Treaty 5 territories, home to the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene, and Métis peoples. In Ontario, we work on the lands covered by Treaty 3 and Treaty 5, traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, and Métis peoples.

We honor the enduring connection of these Nations to the land and commit to walking in partnership, respect, and reconciliation. Through our programs, we aim to foster healing, growth, and transformation, while acknowledging the rich history, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across these lands.

Katie

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