19 Jul Stories of Hope: GF’S Story – Laying the groundwork & foundation

GF’s Story

“Before I got to Belkin House, I was recently divorced, I was lost, I was not enjoying my career very much…it had been the first time I had been living on my own for almost 20 years and I started drinking too much and lacking direction. I had been sober for 7 years. When my wife and I separated, I moved to West Vancouver and I started struggling. I moved to North Vancouver to be closer to my ex-wife and son and that improved things for a while, but ultimately still found myself alone and making poor decisions.” “I gave up my apartment in North Vancouver and went to Central City Lodge (a treatment centre, later re-named the Emerge addiction recovery program). While there, it was suggested that I look for second stage housing to continue with my ongoing personal growth and recovery after in-patient treatment concluded. Belkin House was suggested so I put myself on the Belkin House waiting list. I was not certain whether or not I would actually go to Belkin House, but I was open to the idea.”

Leaving treatment and reintegrating back into the community can be overwhelming and daunting.

“A lot of times, people go to treatment and its very much a bubble. Everything is provided for you. They cook your meals, you just need to show up for meal time. You have classes in the AM and the PM, there’s a curfew—there’s a lot of structure. Oftentimes, when one leaves treatment, the lack of structure and an abundance of free time can be a risky place for someone in recovery to find themselves.”

“I first assumed I would be moving back to North Vancouver, but while staying at Emerge, I had been coming up here [The Salvation Army Belkin House] on occasion to go to Chapel. I’ve been to Belkin for a meal, for Chapel, there were alumni from the Emerge program living at Belkin who had good things to say about it so by the time my 3 months at Emerge came to a close, I decided to move to Belkin.”

GF enrolled in Belkin House’s Personal Development Plan (PDP) Program in August of 2019. “This was ideal because when I came here, the classes were not all day long. They ran from 9am until 12 noon. I had to cook my own meals, however, if I wanted, there were meals available three times per day at the Belkin House cafeteria so I had that option. I found Belkin House to be the perfect transitional environment. I was well equipped and supported while going from a treatment setting to greater independence. I would highly recommend people opt for this approach as opposed to being thrust immediately back into the environment they came from. It is hard to get well if you return to the places that made you unwell.”

The PDP Program is catered specifically to each individual, providing enough guidance, yet also empowering residents to develop the life skills to regain control over their lives.

“Coming here is helpful because the structure is provided, it lays the groundwork and foundation.” “I worked with Andy, my counsellor, and continued on my program of recovery. In particular, it was really important to stay focused when Covid hit. I think the free time and isolation were very challenging for some. Fortunately, I remained connected with Andy, with Belkin and with a couple of my neighbours…I continued to read Scripture, I continued to come to Chapel, I continued to read my treatment handouts and I just stayed really focused.”

Andy recalls his time as GF’s caseworker, “You were always active from day one. You were always active on your recovery, meetings, church…GF would be very honest and caring to the other guys.”

The Belkin House community played a huge role in GF’s recovery.

“It’s great to come in and Simeon [Belkin House Support Services Worker] and the rest of the staff will recognize you and say hi. The rooms are fabulous. It’s very comfortable and I can focus and be by myself, but I can always come down to the main floor or the second floor and there’s always people hanging around, both staff and clients…it was friendly, there was a social element.”

One of GF’s main goals was to find permanent housing for when he moved on from Belkin House. Andy assisted GF as he contacted various places and filled out numerous applications.

By the Fall of 2020, GF found a place.

“I was here for 16 months and eventually, I got a place. It is through BC Housing so my rent is tied to my income. I’m fortunate that way and where I’m living now has got lots of great supports.”

GF is currently a self-employed personal trainer, working with clients throughout Metro Vancouver. He enjoys building a strong relationship with his clients and finding creative ways to help his clients reach their goals. GF enjoys living an active lifestyle, working as a bike courier, practicing weightlifting and mountain biking with his son.

Although GF has successfully completed our PDP Program, he continues to stay involved at Belkin House, coming in to volunteer in our kitchen when he is able and attending Chapel.

“Faith has always been important, it’s a key component for me. I like going to Chapel and I felt very comfortable at The Salvation Army.”

Date of Interview with GF: April 18, 2024

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