Healthy People Strong Communities:

“I lost my husband in January 2020 to heart failure. Then my mom passed away in October after a severe stroke. I lost so many aspects of my identity. I lost my role as wife, best friend, daughter and caretaker to my mom and my professional role as a sign language interpreter, all in a matter of 10 months.

In May 2020, I was marking 10 years of being sober, but I was really struggling and I really wanted to drink. I went to my doctor to ask for help and I was referred to a relapse prevention hotline. It was there I learned about a grief support group. 

I had no idea what to expect except that they offered one-on-one counselling and support groups.

I just kept feeling that I wasn’t in the right place in my grief, that I wasn’t progressing. I kept thinking there was something wrong with me.

I’ve not been involved in United Way programs before. I can easily say that this program has saved my life on several occasions. It has made me feel validated in my grief and helped me at a time when I have felt completely alone. It’s shown me that I’m not and that it’s OK to be where I am and feel what I’m feeling. I would feel lost without it.”

‘I can easily say that this program has saved my life on several occasions.’