A Chance to Pay it Forward

Dwight has been in and out of shelters for many years. He often managed to hold down a job but spent a lot of his earnings on his growing addiction. Now, at age 46, Dwight is turning his life in a new direction and says it’s time to look forward, not back.

At The Ottawa Mission Dwight is not only working hard on his recovery through our addiction treatment programs, but he also has his sights set on another long term goal.

Dwight is studying at The Mission’s Stepping Stones Learning Centre and hopes to soon be able to write the GED, or secondary school equivalent exam. With support from our teacher, he’s taking math and literacy courses and art workshops, where he’s creating pieces like the one in this picture. Once he completes his GED, Dwight says the next goal will be to take Theology courses at college to help him achieve his dream of being a minister.

Dwight knew at a very young age he wanted to be a minister even though he was raised in a family that didn’t attend church and wasn’t encouraged to pursue his goal. During his time at The Mission, he has finally received the caring and practical support he needs to help him realize his dream.

Dwight is determined to one day share his blessings with others who are suffering by providing spiritual guidance to people in a shelter like this one. God speed, Dwight.