Village of Hope Stories – RW

Before I came to DSYTC I was numb to most emotions and was always thinking about my next high. I had isolated myself for months at a time and put a strain on relationships with friends and family. Eventually I was homeless and only associated with people that would benefit me. Eventually after being convinced by many family members I decided to come to DSYTC.

At the centre I met new people that I could relate to about my previous struggle that also had similar goals about recovery. During my time at the centre I learned safe coping strategies, improved communication skills and problem solving, and learned how to control anger. I learned it’s okay to feel certain emotions and how to be mindful of them. I learned to find happiness internally, and no longer relied on external things to be happy. I was able to catch up on lost credits in school and also get volunteer hours. I found new interests and hobbies during the recs and prosocials and started to get active in the gym and outside with peers. I was able to rebuild some relationships here with family and friends and I’m finally able to think clearly again.

Thanks to DSYTC I will be able to move forward with a balanced life. I can get back to school without being setback, I can apply for a part time job, rebuild relationships from the past and I have many new tools and life skills to use in the future.

R.W. is a graduate of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre.