Testimonies and personal stories
Tyson
I have enjoyed my time while living at the Victory Manor, it has helped me on my journey of faith in Christ. I have made lots of friends and felt as though I am part of a family; which has helped me continue to make strong moves towards giving myself a better life. Although it has been tough at times, walking in faith with Christ has helped me to step out of the bubble I was living in because I has lost complete faith in humanity. In my journey here, I have met many good people who have helped me out a lot in terms of addressing my health needs, spiritual needs, friendship, getting baptized and providing emotional support. I have enjoyed my time and being a part of Victory Housing as resulted in this place becoming very special to me over the last couple of years.
Letter of thanks to the Manor
Estranged from my with and children out of my career I was told to relocate away from where I'd lived for 30 years. I came to Calgary alone with the only hopeful next step on an otherwise dark horizon, a room at Victory Manor in Ogden. Matt met me and showed me my room. While small it was clean, warm and safe and gave me the basis to begin to rebuild, to find employment, fellowship and a place within the Manor family.
Over the next month, I found work, church fellowship and began the process of walking this new journey. A few months later I had opportunity to move into Victory housing in Forest Lawn and re-establish the normal routines of life while getting to know the neighbourhood.
I am very grateful for the grace and care received from Victory Manor, the step up and encouragement in a dark period of my life. Thank you.
~ Allan
Colin
Colin was born and raised in Newfoundland. But there were not enough jobs there, so he left his beloved home and went to Ottawa hoping to find work. He came back home to attend his dad's funeral and then resumed his studies to become a welder. With his certificate, he headed to Ontario and found steady work in Toronto for a few years. Colin lost his job, his old boss knew some people in Calgary who owned welding shops and was able to find work through this connection. In 1991, he found a good place to live with a steady employment in Calgary. However, due to his struggles with alcohol and health issues, he was unable to maintain both his housing and job. Consequently, he then had to rely on homeless shelters in Calgary.
When asked about his experience at Victory Manor, he fondly recalled his move-in day almost two years ago. He expressed his gratitude towards Matthew, the Program Director, for picking him up and assisting with the transportation of his belongings to his new home. Colin was pleased to find a safe building with his own spacious room, complete with a fridge. He also mentioned the accessibility to a meal program during the weekdays at a very reasonable cost. Colin enjoys utilizing the kitchens to prepare his own meals outside of the program. Before coming to Victory Manor, Colin had been striving to secure his own place, longing for personal space and privacy. He now finds this, along with a strong sense of community, and overall happiness at Victory Manor.
Colin’s health issues have become quite a significant challenge for him, as he was diagnosed with serious brain and lung cancers. Colin endured a couple months of treatment and surgery and miraculously returned to the Manor which was something that did not seem possible. Colin plans to visit Newfoundland for a long time this fall with his family. He also wants to move back there permanently soon as he is now receiving AISH, which provides him with a stable income to support the move.
Jo-Lynn
I was at the risk of being homeless as the “friend” I had been staying with was drinking alcohol after 7 years of sobriety. She became very verbally abusive toward me. I needed to get out. With only the money from the annual death benefits, I didn’t know how I was going to rent a place as the cost was way more than I had.
A friend from church suggested that I inquire regarding the transitional housing program. The answer was a very enthusiastic yes.
I moved in on February 1st, with tons of clothes and stuff in a smaller bedroom. The welcome was warm and inviting. Along with a warm place, food, WiFi, two bathrooms included in a beautiful house. The transitional housing saved me from being homeless. The weekly Monday meals and meetings were an opportunity to address issues that arose in the house and to share how each of use were doing in our sobriety and beyond. We were required to complete one chore a week, attend church services, Two 12 step meetings. And any extra seasonal stuff such as mowing the lawn, pulling weeds. As I have over 5 years sobriety, the meetings were already an ongoing practice. I also already been attending Eastside Victory Outreach church for several weeks before coming into this program I learned many things. Once a month a facilitator came in into the Monday meetings and had us doing practical exercises such as fun personality tests. I learned how to share space and how to be more mindful. Became closer to Jesus as I got more involved in the church. I began volunteering one day. Learned to sew baby quilts and cook lunch for the staff and volunteers.
l began volunteering at the Salvation Army. I am continuing on with my volunteering. This program provided a safe environment for me to obtain medical Alberta Works to enable me to address my anxiety and depression. This time also allowed for medical tests (there were several) , dental work and counseling. I was encouraged and supported throughout. I was confronted regarding my tendency to isolate and encouraged to interact with my housemates. The requirement to volunteer assisted me in getting out of my head and preparation for returning to a full working week. Besides it has been fun. The transitional housing program was instrumental in helping me become happier, more positive and productive. I would like to thank Victory Outreach for gifting me with this program.
Sincerely,
Jo-Lynn H.
Dennis
In late Spring of 2014, I was down on my luck and without a place to call home. After talking with a friend I came to the Victory Manor to put in an application for residence. In my first meeting with the Program Director, I told him my problems and of my checkered past. I was informed that a room was available two days after my meeting and was asked if I wanted it. I did, and moved in a week later.
The first month of my arrival, I kept to myself for the most part only attending our program meetings each morning and on Tuesday nights. But from these came an awakening within myself and I began to attend Church services and Bible studies offered at Victory Outreach. Before long I became a born-again Christian and was baptized – an experience that I invited my family to come and share in a month later.
In mid-November of the same year, I was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes and the following week I was informed that I had leukemia and needed to go to the hospital immediately for treatment. This period of time was incredibly trying for me. I was in ICU for a month and at the time, did not feel like I could go on. But many people from the Manor came to see me, and between them and my own family, I began to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Now, nearly a year later, I am cancer free and I live my life joyfully, sharing meals with my many friends at the Manor.