St. David’s hosts an annual Dinner and Silent Auction on the last Friday in November. The proceeds are divided equally among the mission and ministry of the parish and a local or distant charity. In 2018 we donated $2,355 to Our House Edmonton, a year-long residential rehabilitation program for men who are overcoming addictions.
On Sunday, February 10, 2019, St. David’s welcomed Program Supervisor of Our House, Rebecca Bernard, as well as two current residents. During coffee hour, Rebecca shared about the different program components (self, relationships, sexuality and spirituality) at Our House, which is operating at its capacity of 60 residents and has a waiting list. We were shocked to learn a mere 10 per cent of their operating budget is covered by government funding.
Once Our House clients have completed their treatment program, they receive ongoing support to become healthy participants in their community. However, Rebecca spoke of the scarcity of follow-up transition housing (e.g., sober-living houses) for men who have completed their one-year program.
We were particularly blessed that the two young men, who are nearing completion of the program, were willing to share some of their own stories of healing and recovery. The courage and commitment of both men to embrace their journey to sober living and provide a positive example for those around them was amazing. We saw resurrection life at work in them.
Inspired by their journey, St. David’s is considering how we might continue to encourage and support the work of Our House in the future.
Submitted by Renee Desjardins, rector of St. David Anglican Church, Edmonton
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