Read what some of our folks are sharing about the Chaplaincy
and the impact that it's had in their lives:
and the impact that it's had in their lives:
Brian's Story*"It was 8 years ago when I first came to the drop-in at the Chaplaincy. I found out about it through the community but didn't get involved until a few years later. Soon after coming, I started volunteering with the Hospitality Program at the drop-in and for the community meals.
That was a rough time for me in my personal life. The doctor said that I wouldn't be able to work anymore and my income went from three thousand down to three hundred per month. It was like looking at the bottom of the barrel, and trust me, it was not nice. My whole outlook on life changed, but not for the best. When I started volunteering at the Chaplaincy, it gave me a sense of purpose. I felt young again! The volunteers have such pride here and they work as if they were being paid. They get such joy from their jobs. I believe that we are unique because most of the work done in this place is by volunteers. My dream for the Chaplaincy is that it would expand and that this organizational model would spread to other agencies! It's made a big difference in my life." |
Francis' Story*"I started coming to the Chaplaincy about 20 years ago! Sue Taylor, the Chaplain at the time, invited me in for a free cup of tea and I've been here ever since!
Coming to the Chaplaincy has been very good for me. I'm now able to talk to more people, to be friendly with more people, and to get out of my apartment. This has helped me be a better and healthier person. Without these programs, I'd be in my apartment, all by myself. Here, I participate in the Bible Study and the Women's Group. I have friends here, it make me more active, and I feel much better. When my mom passed away, my friends at the Chaplaincy gave me their sympathy and told me that I could talk to them anytime. Because of this, I felt so much better during that difficult period. I know that I have somewhere to go and someone to talk to. My friends here are so helpful. I also like going to the community dinners and brunches. It's a nice meal out and my friends are always there. I never used to want to be around a crowd before, but now, since coming to the Chaplaincy, I want to be around people. I am happier because of this place and I'm not lonely. I hope that the Chaplaincy continues to be here forever! I wouldn't change a thing about it. It really does help me be a happier and healthier person." |
*Names changed to protect anonymity.
Donna's Story"I first started coming to the Chaplaincy in the fall of 2013. It was just by coincidence that I met Theresa - the leader of the Women's Group - while I was at the community centre. Even though I have lived in Ontario for six years I never knew about this place! At the time I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer. Right away, after joining the Women's Group at the Chaplaincy, I began to volunteer on the Hospitality Team and with the Creative Path program. Honestly, everything that I was looking for was all in this one little place. I get to sit with neat people and talk every time I come! I didn't make any friends in this area until I started getting involved at the Chaplaincy. I was amazed and beyond myself!
This place is very spiritual to me. When I'm upset, I come here because it helps. It's where I can talk to people and get the support I need. Before, when people used to ask me where I lived, I was hesitant to tell them Carlington because of its reputation. Now, since getting involved at the Chaplaincy, I'm very proud to say that I live in this area. That's because of all the good work that we're doing here. Ever since getting involved, my family notices a difference in me. They see that I'm more content. That's because of the people that I've met here and the work that we do together. I don't volunteer for praise. I volunteer because it's a need of mine. It's like medicine and it's very healing. My dream for this place is that it keeps going and never stops! I hope that all the programs continue because they help so many people, like me." |
Sarah's Story"My family and I have been blessed by the Fairy Godmother Program (a.k.a the Family-to-Family Sponsorship Program) over the last several months. In that time we have come to experience something much greater than simply gifts for our two small children (Penelope-Rose 4 years and Cordelia-Mae 4 months). While the gifts have been, simply put, made with love (handmade clothing for both girls, matching outfits for their teddies and several items for mama too!), it has been the unparalleled feeling of being the recipient of a truly random act of kindness. Our family has grown happier and healthier knowing someone out there is thinking of us, the magic this program has provided my daughter is a miracle.
I recently decided to pursue a position on my neighborhood's steering committee in order to implement the same program for families in my own community. I am a firm believer in karma and knowing the joy and appreciation it has brought us makes me want to pay it forward ten-fold. I can't thank Rachel and the Chaplaincy enough for facilitating this incredible opportunity for our family and I continue to struggle with any vocabulary that could possibly begin to express the depth of our gratitude to our Fairy Godmum and Godpop." |