Parker’s story: From addiction to recovery, and hope
Parker’s descent into addiction began slowly enough. It started with drinking and smoking a “bit too much” pot. Then he fell into the wrong group. Seeking acceptance among a group of friends with similar struggles, he became hooked on smoking methamphetamine. Before long, he had cut off ties with his family and old friends.
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Jennifer’s story: From crippling fear to a joyful confidence
Before the Women’s Empowerment Network, Jennifer Nickerson was in a constanAdd Newt state of anxiety. Her fear of failure and the unknown was crippling. She was afraid of interacting with strangers. Meeting new people terrified her. Then she enrolled in the Healthy Self-Esteem program at the Women’s Empowerment Network, part of the Saint John Learning Exchange.
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New Brunswick’s 211 service: Help starts here
There were more than 18,000 requests for help fielded by 211 in New Brunswick last year.
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More than kids benefit from Bee Me Kidz
Sarah, a staff member at Bee Me Kidz, is amazed at the transformation unfolding among the parents.
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Raylyn’s story: Having fun while improving her reading
Raylyn’s smile says it all. To keep up with her reading skills, the Grade 3 student at Milltown Elementary School regularly attended Sylvan tutoring. Last spring, her determination shone through and she was mastering new reading skills week after week.
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Zoey’s story: Soaring to new heights
Zoey, a young bassoonist, found herself ensnared in the clutches of anxiety. Learning music at Sistema, once a joy, felt like a daunting challenge as she struggled to hit the right notes.
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Jane’s story: A journey to hope
With her daughter struggling with homelessness and addiction, Jane took on responsibility for her two grandchildren. But she faced tremendous challenges, including that her husband was withdrawn and offering little support. That left Jane to shoulder the responsibility alone.
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Laura’s story: Building a brighter, more confident future
Before she discovered the Saint John Learning Exchange, Laura’s life was entirely dominated by caring for her children. But then she was able to secure childcare, freeing her to think about building a better future for herself and her family.
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Alex’s story: Fleeing fear for a safe new home
For seven-year-old Alex, home was not a safe place. The family apartment was punctuated by a lot of fighting that would scare him and his brother. After moving to Second Stage Safe Haven in Saint John, a sense of peace and love began to take over.
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