I was crying for help

Jacinta’s Story’s Story

“I was a person to just accept offers thinking nothing is going to happen to me — but really, on the inside of my body I was crying for help.”

At the age of sixteen, Jacinta’s life took a turn as she began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. After getting kicked out of school and not finding any other schools that would accept her, Jacinta’s childhood dream of becoming a nurse practitioner began to fade away. Eventually, Jacinta’s addiction led her to homelessness. In the winter she would couch surf — but that never felt safe. As soon as it was warm enough, she would set up her tent on the outskirts of Edmonton.

“In that kind of life, you’ve got to be tough.”

Jacinta would occasionally make trips back to her reserve to spend time there. One time while she was at her reserve, she was sitting in church praying to God and asking him for help so that she could escape this life of drugs and addiction. Right in that moment, God sent someone who encouraged Jacinta to join him for AA meetings.

After going to some AA meetings, Jacinta had a conversation with her chief about how she really wanted to quit. He encouraged her to pray and ask God for help. It wasn’t long after this conversation that Jacinta took the steps that led her to Hope Mission’s Wellspring Program.

“I’m very proud of myself. I feel so much of a woman — a strong, native woman who just wants to make something better for her life, kids, and people back home.”

By the grace of God, Jacinta is now ten months sober and in the final phase of Hope Mission’s one-year recovery program for women. Soon, she hopes to pursue her childhood dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner — an opportunity for her to give back and spread love to the community.

For Jacinta, access to safe shelter and meals were a core part of her recovery — especially the special holiday meals that made her feel at home and gave her hope to keep pushing forward. Today, Jacinta has hope for a better future.

“Hope Mission has changed me. It gave me a shelter to live in. It gave me a place to redeem myself. The meals there are really appreciated — because it got me through to where I am today. If it weren’t for them to cook the way they do, I don’t think anyone would survive the street.”

Pauline's Story

Pauline came to our doors after losing everything. She had experienced heartbreaking childhood trauma, and in order to numb the pain, fell into addiction.

Jake's Story

After losing everything and with nowhere else to stay, Jake began sleeping in the river valley at night - with only a sleeping bag to keep him warm.

Will's Story

Will had lost it all to alcoholism and was living in a tent in Calgary...

Vicky's Story

13-year-old Vicki struggled to make good friends at school. At home, she struggled with persistent hunger...

Ell's Story

“Before Hope Mission, life wasn't going too well,” 16-year-old Ell shares. “My family doesn't really have that much money to get food.”

Dustin's Story

Dustin calls his former life of addiction “one of despair.” He knew something needed to change, but didn’t think it was possible.

David's Story

David moved to Edmonton to start over. He knew he needed to ask for help. David joined Breakout, Hope Mission’s year-long addiction recovery program for men.

Danielle's Story

Danielle does her very best to meet the needs of her two kids. But like many families, life has gotten so much more challenging the last few years. Danielle found support through Hope Mission.

Stephen's Story

A beautiful story of transformation and hope.

Jacinta's Story

At the age of sixteen, Jacinta’s life took a turn as she began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. After getting kicked out of school and not finding any other schools that would accept her...

Bonita's Story

After Bonita was evicted from her home she didn’t know where to go. In her desperation, she discovered that there was a place that could offer her meals, shelter, and hope. Bonita eventually found her way to Hope Mission.

Mike's Story

Mike worked in the trades as a pipefitter for years. After experimenting with drugs, he fell into full-blown addiction. His life spiraled out of control: he lost his job, home, his membership in the union and crashed his car.

Rory's Story

After years of growing up with an alcoholic father and grandfather, Rory eventually found himself caught in the same addiction.

Miguel's Story

After separating from his wife and rarely seeing his son, Miguel numbed his pain by drinking and taking drugs. His addiction took over his life and he became homeless for three and a half years. Miguel found himself in a desperate situation.

Cameron's Story

As a child, Cameron didn’t see his father much — he was constantly in and out of prison. When Cameron became a father as a teenager, he supported them the only way he knew how: by selling drugs.

For many, a simple meal can be the beginning of a journey towards healing, hope, and transformation.

GIVE MONTHLY