Testimonials
The struggle with challenges like mental health, family breakdown, poverty or literacy is most often a private one. People going through tough times do not feel comfortable sharing their story widely. United Way of York Region is committed to giving voice to the people we serve and the needs they face.
The following testimonials reflect the remarkable impact your donation to the United Way of York Region Community Fund is making in the lives of people in need. Please note, in some cases the names of the people in the stories have been changed to protect their privacy.
“It is generosity that is getting her the help she needs to grow strong and independent. It is donations that are making the difference in her life.”
Darlene
Darlene is a full-time letter carrier for Canada Post in Newmarket and proud grandmother of a beautiful two year old girl. The reason she believes in and supports United Way is very personal. She shares her story with others so that they can understand how their donation dollars work to make a better, stronger community.
Just two years ago, Darlene and her husband, Alan, had the joy and privilege of becoming grandparents when their daughter and son-in-law were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Megan. But Megan had to be rushed to Sick Kids Hospital because her system shut down right after birth. A dedicated team of doctors and nurses pulled her through an extremely rocky start.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. United Way funded agencies helped to ease the family’s burden as they provided an affordable place for the family to stay in while Megan was being treated at the hospital. Once she returned home, other agencies came to the home to help with recovery for the entire family.
Now, two years later, Megan is growing stronger each and every day. Megan’s dad says, “Megan has her own staff”, as she has a number of United Way funded agencies coming in to their home to help deal with her specials needs. Darlene explains it best, “It is generosity that is getting her the help she needs to grow strong and independent. It is donations that are making the difference in her life. You see, our family is now that 1 in 3 people who needed United Way and they were there. From my family to everyone who has donated, thank you. You make my heart super happy”.
Today, Darlene takes time from her regular duties to devote several months to help with the United Way campaign. She is a valued leadership donor and explains to others the need for their donation dollars. Darlene has seen firsthand how important the United Way is, and how, through generosity, we can achieve the remarkable, together.
“I had no idea how much I was in need…”
Diane
Diane loves her life. She has two strong, handsome sons who are 18 and 13 years old. Together with her fiance, she also has two great step children, a wonderful home, a fulfilling job, and dreams of continuing her education as her children grow and gain more independence.
Just a few years ago, Diane’s life and the lives of her children were in turmoil. She was raising her sons as a single mother and struggling both emotionally and financially. To add to her burden, Diane discovered that both of her sons have mental health issues. At very young ages, they both exhibited behavioural problems in class, refusing to do work, having disruptive temper tantrums when they didn’t get their way and acting out physically towards themselves, other students and even faculty. Her 13 year old son, Brandon, received his first suspension from school in Kindergarten and as each school year passed he received more and more suspensions. For Diane, most work days were spent wondering when she would get the phone call to pick up one or both of her children and what extra care arrangements she would have to make. Diane can’t remember the number of times she would search frantically to find a new babysitter or daycare on short notice as a result of the behavioural issues that also arose after school hours.
Diane never stopped trying. Every time a teacher or principal suggested a therapy, doctor, treatment or special classroom, Diane made sure to follow through on their advice. For years she attended appointments, meetings and therapies, but nothing was helping her children. Entrenched in a pit of self-doubt, Diane felt that the problem must be her parenting. The guilt she punished herself with was excruciating. She functioned each day, going to work and taking care of her children, but she was desperately sinking into a terrible depression.
By 2006, Diane had all but lost hope and almost given up. Then, miraculously, a Principal at Brandon’s school asked her if she had looked into The York Centre for Children, Youth and Families, a member agency of United Way of York Region. With Brandon being suspended almost weekly, he wasn’t functioning in school anymore. For his benefit and the school’s benefit, Diane made the call and reserved a spot at their orientation night for parents. On that night, she learned that the United Way funded agency, The York Centre, not only worked with children, but they extended their help to include the whole family through counselling, classes and support groups.
At this point, Diane still had not realized how much she needed this school and their services. The family worker she spoke with on that night was concerned about her and offered one-on-one sessions with a woman who soon became a lifeline for Diane. Diane was able to talk with her about anything, and did. As Diane looks back she reflects “I had no idea how much I was in need”. Because of these sessions, Diane was able to resolve issues which had troubled her throughout her life. She became a more confident woman and parent and began to develop a much more positive outlook on her life and the future for her sons.
In May 2007, Brandon started at the United Way funded program at The York Centre. Diane did receive a phone call that day because he ran off school grounds. With her stomach in knots she spoke to the teacher – certain as to what was coming next. Instead, she was informed that Brandon was fine and there was no reason to pick him up. You see, children are not suspended at The York Centre. For a brief period, Brandon tried everything he could to get suspended. But for each instance that he remained in school and was given another opportunity, a feeling of security and acceptance grew.
At the same time, Brandon and Diane were educated on his learning disability, his ADHD and his anxiety. They were both taught how to resolve potentially volatile situations and ensure that Brandon did not reach the point where he felt the need to lash out.
After three months at the United Way funded program at The York Centre, Brandon was a very different boy. He was actually enjoying school. He had stopped arguing, slamming doors and putting on his “angry” face. He was happy and family members were noticing and commenting on what a wonderful change they were seeing in him.
Brandon graduated from The York Centre in June 2008 and started high school in September. He has the brightest future ahead of him and Diane will be forever grateful to The York Centre for providing the tools to help her son realize that his dreams and goals are achievable. With funding from the United Way of York Region, The York Centre helped to give Diane and her family a new outlook on life and a reason to be happy each and every day.
“I could see caring coming back to me.”
Amita
Amita lives with her husband and two sons in Markham and, as a trained volunteer with The South Asian Outreach Project (SAOP), provides community outreach support to women and their families.
Five years ago, Amita felt she was living in seclusion from the world around her. She felt constantly ill and isolated and was uncomfortable leaving her home. After being in Canada for over 20 years, she began to withdraw from others, including her family. Spiraling feelings of dread left her emotionally drained.
Then, at a Health Fair at Milliken Mills, Amita found SAOP, a collaborative union between the Social Services Network (SSN) and Family Services York Region (FSYR), two programs funded by United Way of York Region. Through SAOP, Amita learned to love life again. With support from her Program Leader, Amita had the opportunity to meet with other people. “Every little thing they have done has encouraged me to take one step forward,” explains Amita, “I came to SAOP in isolation and with feelings of dread. It helped me to see others with problems too. This broke my cycle of churning in self pity. I could see caring come back to me.”
According to Amita the best aspects of SAOP are that the group provides support in a non-judgmental and welcoming environment. She sees it as a ’safe haven’. Here, woman are able to discuss issues that are often seen as ‘taboo’.
Amita says that without SAOP, “I would not have blossomed the way I have. This experience and the people have encouraged me in ways they didn’t know.” Amita has recently been exploring her passion for writing. She has had articles published in the local newspaper and a poem that was written for the SAOP group has also been published in the FSYR AGM.
Now, after several years of volunteering with SAOP, it is plain to see that Amita has come a long way. She is a strong public speaker and advocate for South Asian women. She is interested in pursuing social work and feels there is a need to reach South Asian women and to address violence against women and the issues surrounding violence: self-esteem; family dynamics; communication, addiction; and positive parenting.
Amita thinks that the program could have a positive impact on many more lives with additional funding. There is a great need for the service, but there are not enough programs operating at a variety of times in enough communities. The emotional well-being of any parent is critical to the health of a family. The presence of SAOP in our various communities will have positive impacts on those families that it helps for generations to come.
Amita wrote the following poem as a dedication to her colleagues on their training ‘graduation’:
Let’s Stand Tall
We came,
Each of us, with a reason unique to self
And a purpose quite generic;
In helping our kin folk we shall find
Peace and happiness within.
We stayed,
Through the laughter and the tears,
Frolicked in a little silliness from time to time,
Our goals never ventured far from sight.
Anxieties now converted to anticipation,
Kindled friendships anew;
The respect and openness to embrace our diversities,
Truly has been a humbling experience.
We part,
A little apprehensive, but with great pride,
For while the learning and participation here
Become the backbone of confidence,
Our need to help and serve
Keep us motivated and strong.
So friends, STAND UP TALL
And congratulate yourselves and each other!
GOD BLESS!
Amita (2008)
“I went from being shy to encouraging others to play.”
Kayla
Kayla is fifteen years old, loves basketball and is a valued volunteer with Jericho Youth Services.
Only four years ago, Kayla was a shy and introverted girl. An accident and illness had left her wheelchair bound, but it was the lack of interaction with others that made her feel alone. Concerned about Kayla’s isolation and continuing withdrawal from society, a good friend brought her to Jericho Youth Services with the hope that the counsellors would be able to coax Kayla from her seclusion.
The program offered at Jericho was accessible to Kayla, in more ways than one. It offered a place for her to go in her own neighbourhood where she could move freely with her wheelchair. Most importantly, Jericho provided a safe environment in which Kayla could express herself. At first, Kayla would arrive at Jericho and play in isolation. But as her confidence grew and the staff and other service users at Jericho encouraged her, Kayla found that she was neither shy nor introverted. She was, and is, a leader.
Now, Kayla initiates games and persuades others to participate. “I went from being shy to encouraging others to play”, exclaims Kayla. She volunteers at the centre, enjoys helping with the drop-in services, and is a mentor to other youth. The self assurance she’s gained at Jericho has filtered through into other areas of her life. She is doing better in classes, participates more freely, and felt the confidence needed to deliver a speech at her school.
Kayla feels that Jericho Youth Services is an extremely important place for many youth, and states that without it she would still be alone and isolated. She loves the people who work there, and declares that the staff and kids are the best thing about Jericho. She has made many friends. Jericho gives troubled and shy youth the opportunity to learn about themselves, gain confidence and have fun, providing services and opportunities for recreation, positive growth and community involvement.
As someone who is now intimately involved with the program and committed to its success, Kayla feels that Jericho still could be improved. Extra volunteers would allow for more one-on-one time with kids and more funding is needed to provide better sports equipment and computers.
To Kayla, Jericho is a magnificent place. It’s the best thing in the community. Every kid should have a Jericho in their neighbourhood.
“I had to turn my car around.”
Tammy Ziskos Picheca
Signode Canada Packaging Systems
Manager, Human Resources
As the Employee Campaign Chair for Signode Canada Packaging Systems’ United Way campaign I was happy to do my part to help people in need. I had no idea the experience would impact me so profoundly.
Living in a region widely recognized as affluent and healthy, I couldn’t really relate to statistics that talk about poverty in my neighbourhood. I was surprised to hear that over 70,000 people in York Region live below the low income cut-off. I know a lot of people who feel the financial pressure of living in York Region, but I couldn’t really fathom a situation where working parents could not afford to pay for the essentials of life like food, shelter and clothing.
My perspective changed on a cold day in November. It’s a day I will never forget.
I was rushing home after a hectic week. My four children were in the van. They were hungry. I was tired. We were all looking forward to getting home. I spotted a man who was sitting on the sidewalk near Yonge Street and 16th Avenue. He was about my age, was wearing good warm clothes to protect himself from the frigid temperature. And he was holding a sign. As I sat at the red light I strained to read the words.
“I need work. I have two kids to feed.â€
We are all well aware of the picture of poverty in big urban centres. Perhaps too well aware, too often we are able to look right by it. But this guy was right here in my neighbourhood. As the light turned green and I turned right to continue my travels home, it struck me how much I had in common with this man.
We’re both parents. Both in peak income earning years. Both living in York Region. I could only assume he had dreams for himself and his family. And I wondered what had happened in his life that brought him to this day. Reaching out for help in such a public way. Sitting there on a cold sidewalk for all to judge.
Through my rear view mirror I looked at the reflection of my kids, they were oblivious to the man, his plight, and the thoughts that were racing through my mind. I felt blessed that I could protect my children’s innocence. And at the same time I knew I couldn’t drive away from that man without doing what I could to help him. I had to turn my car around.
I navigated around the traffic and piles of snow to find a place to park. I took some cash out of my wallet. I approached the man. Although he had moved me in such a profound way, I really didn’t know what to say to him. So I simply tried to smile as I offered him the cash. His appreciation was genuine.
It is hard to describe the feelings I had as I got back in the car. I knew the man and his family had problems that the money I just gave him wouldn’t solve, but it felt good to know it would provide just a bit more comfort on that cold November night. And I thought of United Way.
The time I spent organizing our employee campaign, my own donation to the Community Fund; the impact of all of that took on new meaning. By supporting the United Way campaign I was helping thousands of people struggling with life’s challenges, just like this man, gain access to social service programs in my neighbourhood all year long.
It left a remarkable feeling in my heart.
Neighbours react to news of woman slain by abusive husband
“I didn’t know she was in trouble. I wish I could have helped.”
Family violence is hard to understand. If you have never experienced it, you can’t imagine why victims don’t do something to protect themselves. If you’re tangled up in it, it’s harder to find a way out. At a recent United Way campaign kick-off event, employees of a York Region company heard the story of a woman who almost escaped the comfortable suburban home that had become her prison.
The story struck a nerve for the group – as it turned out, some people in the audience knew the family.
The woman had reached out to Yellow Brick House, a United Way funded agency which provides support to abused women and their children. After months of putting plans in place so she could cope financially and help the children transition, she was finally a couple of days away from making the break. Her husband got wind of the plan. His promise to kill her was not made in vain. The story of her brutal murder made the headlines.
The media attention has since passed. Life goes on in the neighbourhood. But the woman’s children and family members are still coping with the tragedy. Their recovery will be a long tough haul.
Most of her neighbours and coworkers said they had no idea the family was in turmoil. They would have helped had they known.
Your donation to the United Way of York Region Community Fund plays a vital role in ensuring help is available to families in crisis.
Growing up just shouldn’t be that hard
“I loved my Mom. She was all that I had. But I was also learning about street life and ways to make money, so I could leave home.”
Bobbi’s* story is told by Barbara Trieloff. She is a Senior Lead in Training and Development in the financial services sector, and her passion is helping kids. Her experiences as a volunteer youth mentor lead her to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of York, a United Way member agency that helps children focus their futures in a positive way. Barbara is now a member of the agency’s Board of Directors and Vice President on the Executive. Stories like Bobbi’s continue to inspire her.
This is Bobbi’s story:
In many ways, Bobbi’s life was quite typical of many youths you see on the street who can’t handle what goes on at home. For them, drugs, gangs and street territory are emotionally safer and more predictable than the out of control world they live in at home.
Bobbi could make people nervous just walking by him on the street. His ‘I’m cool’ swaying walk, oversized jersey and baggy pants barely resting on his hips – and major attitude — could be intimidating. That was his intention. As he walked down the street his eyes were constantly on the lookout. He knew trouble could come at any moment.
Bobbi had been just a kid when his Dad moved on. He had remarried and made no effort to raise his son, or even stay in contact with him.
His Mom suffered from severe depression and mood swings. At Bobbi’s house, the days were unpredictable, the nights were often violent. Most often she escaped into a hazy world of alcohol and drug abuse. As a child Bobbi learned the emotional patterns of her depression, retreating outside when he couldn’t handle it at home any more.
When Bobbi was 15 years old everything changed.
Bobbi walked through the door of his home one day and witnessed his Mom taking her own life. Bobbi later told me he had no idea how long it was before the police got there, or even if he had called them himself. His only memories are sitting blankly in front of the television set, pictures flashing across the screen, no sound, just the heavy silence of the room. The door opened and he felt people entering. There was a lot of movement. A hand touched his shoulder, resting there until he looked up. He said he will never forget the feeling of that warm hand on his shoulder, the kindness of her touch, the compassion on her face. He wasn’t accustomed to kindness.
Unfortunately, there was tougher stuff to come.
With his Dad still showing no interest in his well-being, Bobbi hit the street full time. His past had been beyond his control, he was determined to take control now. His world became a territorial life of violence and retribution. It wasn’t an easy life. But Bobbi had never had it easy.
Then one day, as he sat in the subway he looked up and saw a familiar picture on a poster: street kids, homeless and unwanted. Kids like him. Bobbi had heard about this agency before, in fact he had probably seen that poster a hundred times. For some reason, that day, the poster moved something inside him. Bobbi reached out for help.
Thanks to a youth mentoring program, and some really hard work on Bobbi’s behalf, his life has taken a new direction. He is working now, he’s a delivery boy for a large company. He is going back to finish school, high school matters to him now. He walks with a purpose. He has plans. And, finally, he has some control – control he mistakenly thought he could find on the streets.
Growing up just shouldn’t be that hard.
Imagine what Bobbi’s story may have been like if his Dad had been a positive force in his life. Imagine what may have happened if Bobbi’s Mom had received help for her mental health and addictions’ challenges. Imagine what may have happened if a positive adult role model had been available to help Bobbi deal with the tough stuff as he was growing up.
Thanks to your support for United Way, and mentoring programs like those offered at Big Brothers Big Sisters — youth in York Region neighbourhoods have someone to turn to when life gets tough to handle.
Danny almost didn’t make it home
Danny’s nursery was ready and his parents, newly immigrated to Canada, were filled with anticipation. A sad twist of fate turned their excitement to despair. It would be a full year of heart wrenching complications before Danny would finally sleep in his own crib.
Danny was born with severe disabilities caused by Jacobsen Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. His parents, unable to speak English and without a family support system in Canada, were terrified they wouldn’t be able to provide the special care Danny needed. Unaware of the support systems available to them, they saw only one option. Rather than taking Danny home to the nursery they had lovingly prepared, Danny was put into foster care. The following months were heart- breaking. They visited Danny often and prayed that somehow they would one day be able to bring him home.
Their story became even more desperate when adoption proceedings began – they feared they would never see their son again. Fortunately, they found Community Living York South, a United Way funded agency. The agency helped the couple overcome language barriers, provided support through the lengthy custody process, and connected them with parent support resources so they could learn how to provide the care Danny needs.
Life isn’t easy. And, as Danny gets older, there will be many hurdles to overcome. But thanks to the generous support of United Way donors like yourself, this York Region family has a real chance to conquer the challenges before them.
Joel gives back
Sixteen year old Joel balances high school and a part time job at Jericho Youth Centre, a United Way of York Region funded agency. His long term goal is to work with children. He says he wants to help them reach their limits and go beyond.
But Joel wasn’t always a guy with direction and goals. In grade 2 he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and learning disabilities. He was teased by the other children and struggled to make friends. Unfortunately, Joel discovered giving the other children candy was a sure road to popularity. The problem was, he couldn’t afford to buy candy, so hungering for peer approval, he started stealing from the neighbourhood store. As Joel got older, he got into more and more trouble at school and in the neighbourhood.
Joel’s family was struggling with a number of challenges at the same time, not the least of which was his dad’s battle as a recovering alcoholic. Recognizing Joel’s need for direction and structure, his school principal referred him to the After School Program at Jericho. Joel blossomed.
Reinforced by positive role modeling and guidance, Joel started making – and keeping – friends. Step by step, life started to make more sense to him. Once he started feeling better about himself, the years of struggling to fit in started to fade. He moved from program participant to volunteer, and was eventually hired as a part time staff member.
Today, Joel is a young man with dreams. And goals. And the tools he needs to reach his limit, and beyond.
Five year old boy handed life sentence
The article below is written by a client of York Region Abuse Program (YRAP), a United Way funded agency. Frederick C. shares his experience to help raise awareness of the horror of sexual abuse.
My name is Frederick, and I am no longer ashamed.
A long time ago I made a decision to deal with things the best way I knew how. I did not know then what I know now. There existed a shell around me. My wife and children did not know it existed, nor did other family and friends. Neither did I. From the outside I was well poised and promoted. On the inside there sat turmoil and self abuse.
From the very first contact I had with York Region Abuse Program, I began to believe there was hope. I was introduced to an approach I found unique. An ability to communicate. I had never had a way of understanding myself.
For 27 years I held on to a secret. An existence which began as innocent and pure abruptly ended when I started school at age 5. I became a victim at the hands of two experienced young teens. I was educated by them to be ashamed of what was happening and led to believe lies, of ‘what would happen’ if my mom or dad found out. I was tormented, tortured and abused sexually, mentally, physically and emotionally. I became very good at focusing away from the pain by creating and existing in an alternate world in my mind. Sometimes the pain was so intense I would lose consciousness. This was a ‘regular’ daily expectation of what life was like for me for 6 months. They tried to kill me and failed. At the age of seven I had tried to let it out. This was an attempt that failed.
From there I could no longer live with the pain I held inside. I attempted suicide, but when the gun misfired, I was left more empty and alone than how I felt when the abuse was taking place. My daily life had become a chore, methodical coverage of the underlying truth.
Thanks to YRAP, I no longer awake with my fists clenched as I battle the demon who haunted my past as I slept. Feelings of rage have been changed to focus. With the counselling that YRAP subscribed me, I am no longer alone inside. For the first time in my life I feel complete. A mind, body, spirit and soul. All can now interact. I am an individual capable of healthy emotions and feelings. There is no reward in suffering. YRAP has provided me the tools to change myself and taught me how to use them. I feel gratitude for the giving shown to me by all of the YRAP team. It takes a lot of very special people to do what they do, unravel the past and show us that a better future can start now.
Only if you have existed as a victim can you fully appreciate that YRAP not only gives you the opportunity to live as a survivor, but the tools and encouragement to be a regular person. I always wanted to be me. Now I can. What happened to me when I was 5 did happen and that will not change. But it no longer rules the here and now… I do. I have been given a power over my past and now I’ll have a future. I exist, not because I have to, but because I want to. Thank-you YRAP for helping me to be me.
“You gave me my mom back – thank you.”
Edie MacEachern looks like a million bucks. She has an amazing smile, outgoing demeanour, and exudes self confidence. Edie has overcome a world of heartache. Her story is one of human weakness – and human strength.
Edie watched her father hit her mom. Hard. Many times. Over many years.
As a child, she watched her father pin her mother to the ground, tighten his hands around her neck, and call her vile names children should never hear. She remembers huddling in a bedroom of their home with her brothers and sisters. They had no choice but to listen helplessly to the abuse on the other side of the wall, realizing there was nothing they could do to rescue their mommy. Edie can remember hearing a news story on the radio about a tragic murder-suicide and wondering if the announcer was talking about her family.
In 1988, after years of debilitating abuse, Ms. MacEachern’s mother turned to a United Way funded agency in Toronto. It was a decision Ms. MacEachern says saved her mother’s life, and changed her own.
Ms. MacEachern says, At one point in my life I did not like my mother. I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t strong enough to defend herself – strong enough to defend her own children. But watching the strength and courage she needed to escape the abuse and start a new life helped me understand the woman she truly is. My mother and I have become great friends, something I never expected would happen. I am so proud of her and love her so much. And every day I am so thankful that United Way funds programs that help families like mine.
Rather than allowing her past to taint her future, Ms. MacEachern uses the hardships her family has endured as an example of human strength and resolve. Now living in York Region, Ms. MacEachern is a member of United Way’s Speaker’s Bureau, volunteering to share her story to help donors understand the tremendous difference their support makes.
Ms. MacEachern says, United Way gave me back my mother. You can’t imagine how wonderful that feels.
Depression almost took his life
Mr. Lee lives in York Region. He works and raises his family here. He’s a respected member of his community. Mr. Lee is a talented man – in fact he would be described by many as an over-achiever. His fast-track career was stressful but he thrived on it.
A couple of years ago, to the puzzlement of everyone around him, Mr. Lee’s life started to unravel. From the outside it looked like he was living the perfect life. He’d recently been promoted at work, lived in a brand new home, and went on great family vacations.
But every day pressures started getting him down. He over-reacted to minor situations and had trouble concentrating. Gradually, his work started to suffer. Important details were slipping by him and colleagues
started complaining about missed deadlines.
The decline at home was gradual but noticeable too. He worried a lot about the new mortgage and the children’s orthodontic bills. He couldn’t fall asleep at night – but was tired all day. He no longer had the energy or the interest to play handball with his buddies. He felt like he was constantly disappointing people. Disagreements with his wife turned into arguments – arguments turned into nasty fights.
He started drinking. Too much. Every day.
Mr. Lee had become his own worst enemy. Eventually he lost his job. And his marriage. He feared his children didn’t love him either – and in his heart, he didn’t really blame them. There seemed to be only one solution.
The pills made him sick, but thankfully didn’t kill him. In fact, the attempted suicide may have actually saved his life. When he was finally diagnosed with depression, doors started to open. The Canadian Mental Health Association, a United Way funded agency, was an important part of his recovery. Ironically, he hadn’t even known the agency offered programs in his community. He had never thought about it before. It had been easy to turn a blind eye to social need until he himself was faced with a situation he couldn’t resolve on his own.
Mr. Lee’s struggle with depression has been frustrating and frightening. But it has also been enlightening. He knows more about human frailty than he ever thought he would. He knows how quickly life can change without warning. He understands that everyone needs some help now and then.
From suburbs to the street
Tara was a pretty typical teenager.
She was attractive, popular, had loving parents and did well at school. Even so – she just couldn’t cope with the mayhem she felt inside.
Growing up was so confusing. She couldn’t define the problem and couldn’t describe what she needed. She distanced from her childhood friends, her marks started to slip – and she just didn’t seem to care. The turmoil raging inside her masqueraded as an indifferent, insolent teenage girl.
She turned to alcohol and drugs as an escape from the chaos that had become her life.
Tara’s rebellion rocked the entire family. They did their best to help, but the plunge continued. Eventually, she ran away from home and wound up on the streets. It was 18 heartbreaking months before she reached out to Pathways for Children, Youth and Families of York Region, a United Way funded agency for help. She fought hard to make it back – and fortunately her parents were prepared to join her reawakening. United Way funded counselling helped pull them pull life back into order.
Tara graduated from high school and put herself through a two year college program. Now she’s in the workforce and making her own way in the world. Looking at her, you would never guess the troubles she once faced. It is extremely fortunate that United Way funded programs were there when she called out for help.
