At Creative Centre Society, we know that our success depends on the success of our clients. That is why we are so proud of the journey some of our clients have undergone and the success they have achieved. Take a look at some of our favourite success stories below to find out where some of our clients started out and where they are today.
When I started attending the clubhouse I was a terrible mess and suicidal. It took everything in me to enter the doors. Once I gathered the courage to go in, I was greeted by members and staff as if I was already a friend. It did not take me long to breakdown crying as I didn’t feel deserving of their kind words. A staff member took me to a private area where she spent time listening with compassion and helping me understand my emotions. She stayed with me until I felt safe. I left there feeling that this was a place where no judgement was cast and you were met with compassion and understanding. I was scared to leave my home to go anywhere. A staff member would contact me for a wellness check until I decided to take the WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) program which would start me off to understanding my emotions and how to overcome my negative thoughts. I was on the road to recovery. I went on to take all of the programs I was offered that would benefit me.
Now I’m doing great with my mental health. I will always be grateful for all the support and tools I got from the clubhouse. I’ve needed them for different hurdles in my life since. The programs are very helpful and beneficial for other parts of life other than mental health.
I had the best experience in the SIL program and would highly recommend it. Being someone with ptsd and social anxiety, I have gained much more confidence in going out and having my independence grow. Oriana was truly amazing to work with, I learned so much from her, like coping skills, tips on stress management and community resources. The support I got was awesome and I’ve learned so much. I can proudly say I’m finally on the right track with my mental health journey and am forever grateful.
I became a member of the Cheamview Clubhouse in 2011 and since then the staff has supported me in finding gainful employment. The Clubhouse also encouraged me to run a program in the community for people to come together and talk over coffee. I was hesitant to run a program in the past. But, running a program has given me an incentive to wake up and get going and increased my confidence. There have been some hard times for me in life, but the clubhouse has always been there for me while I weather the storm.
I will always be grateful for the programs and outings that the staff have got us members involved in. I feel like they really care about me, and the other members, as a person, and as a result, have given me confidence to carry on in this world. Being a member of the Clubhouse has given me a sense that I belong to a community.
My name is David Weirmeir. When I first moved to the Fraser Valley 6 years ago, I was a broken tormented soul. I was homeless and destitute. I was introduced to the Creative Centre Society and their Supportive Independent Living Program (SIL). Through both, I have managed to stay off the street the entire time. At times it has been tough, but through the caring, unconditional support through the people I’ve met through the Society, I have managed to rebuild my life. During this time, I have returned to my career as an artist, reaffirming myself by winning my first international award for my work! My art is now featured in museums and galleries here in the Fraser Valley. I survived open heart surgery and married the love of my life. Personally, I’d like to thank everyone I’ve met at the Creative Centre Society for encouraging me to get on in my life, and for giving me the confidence to pursue my dreams through some dark, difficult moments. Truly, I have found my smile!
ABBY CLUB HOUSE AND ME
With a background of being a paramedic in Federal Job in India and doing technical mountaineering for 25 years, I started working with Mental Health and Assisted Living in Canada.
A freak accident in Nov 2020 , while working alone at night changed my life forever. I pushed myself to get back but ended up in Post Concussion Syndrome and Postural Vertigo, Limitations of MOVEMENT of shoulders, Pain in Neck and lower back.
Such a life changing injury damaged me financially and destroyed my relationship with my family. I was a liability and this deterioration in quality of life perhaps pushed me into depression and suicidal thoughts. I felt this is not the life I wanted to live and this is not called life at all. I was referred to Abbotsford Mental Health Center and after undergoing various modules of counselling by Ms A. Saini, I was referred to Abby Club House, it was here I met Ms Christine, Ms Surveer and Ms Jamie.
Abby Club House is my point of contact with society, with outer world. First time in my life I was painting but failed to make friends and at this time Christine suggested to me South Asian Group. That was a turning point in my life – at least I was talking with people, interacting with them, trying to understand their lives and realized- I am still able to make some difference, I am still able to help someone. Abby House plans activities after discussing with everyone and we enjoyed those activities.
Abby House is a great source of feeling alive – interacting with Ms Cristine and Ms Surveer was a positive experience. Now, I have started looking for any activity I can join.
There is also room for improvement- I have realized some people have various barriers and they need someone to help and guide them how the system works, where they can apply, what resources they can approach.
Ignorance further escalates frustration, hopelessness, vulnerability and depression specially when one is already struggling with issues.
Hi my name is Tey’ka Hall, I am a 32-year-old recovering addict. I came to Abby House after a stay at the hospital after receiving multiple mental health diagnoses. Abby House helps with me getting back on track by attending groups weekly and has made me feel at home in the community. This helps with my mental health a lot. Thank you Abby House.
