Bruce’s Odyssey of Hope

When Bruce arrived at The Ottawa Mission in 2014, at six feet tall he weighed just 140 pounds. His addiction had taken control of his life, and he felt that – after many years of struggling – he had reached the end of the road. What’s happened since then has awakened Bruce to a new life filled with sobriety, good health, and an abundance of hope. But it wasn’t easy…

Bruce tried to stick it out in our Stabilization program – where men receive counselling and support before entering long-term treatment – no less than three times. After three unsuccessful efforts, he was amazed when he was offered a fourth opportunity. As Bruce says, “I was about ready to give up hope of ever getting sober – but the people at The Mission wouldn’t let me. They cared about me and believed in me, and I finally came to believe in myself.”

Bruce made it through Stabilization on his fourth attempt and his now half way through our five month residential LifeHouse program. And he’s receiving the help – and the tools – he needs to rebuild his life.

He has also reconnected with his daughter and speaks to her every day. And he is finding great joy in getting to know his 7 year old granddaughter and year old grandson.

The gift of hope is a powerful thing indeed.