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.
I joined the Abby Clubhouse in 2022 when I was 41 years old.
Before joining the clubhouse, I often felt like I was sinking in quicksand due to a lack of available support. Many of my past experiences have made it difficult for me to ask for help. I felt stuck by my own fear of failure and feelings of low self-worth. At the time, it didn’t seem like there was much hope in trying to learn how to navigate some of the more challenging aspects of my mental health.
Now, I feel more curious and open to exploring a world full of possibilities and discovering new opportunities for growth. I took part in groups focused on mental health, well-being, mindfulness, and creative activities. Working through a Wellness Recovery Action Plan with others helped me understand myself better and feel more at ease being open and honest about my feelings. I was also introduced to a wonderful Peer Support Program.
The staff have been great role models and mentors to me. They showed me the importance of acceptance, belonging, and community. They also introduced me to the idea of Ubuntu, which is the understanding that we are all interconnected, and that caring for others also helps us care for ourselves.
My experience with the clubhouse — and the unwavering support I’ve received from its staff members — has helped me build a strong foundation that includes not only personal responsibility, but community connections as well.
Today I am enrolled in university, work part-time in the field of mental health, and enjoy a healthy, adaptable lifestyle.
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.
For about 20 years I struggled in poverty with addictions pulling me down, like an undertow.
My mental health was declining steadily. Then, the intervention happened. I was bound legally by the mental health act and forced to recover. It was difficult for a long time for me. It slowly got better. 919 sober days later, I am shining! I got my license back, I bought myself a car, I learned how to budget effectively. I am no longer in debt. I am very grateful for what I have.
I decided to check out the Cheamview Clubhouse, to see if the friendly folks down there could help me to find work. They set me up with TVP, and I took on Adopt a Block. The program paid me $50 to $100 a month, depending on how many hours I contributed, and that was steady for one year. I found the program very beneficial for me. Dave, Jordan, Shelly and the rest of the staff there are good people. Very kind, helpful and resourceful. I know I can confide in them.
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.
