Read Stories 

March 27, 2008

Jane first started coming to the Mission Drop-In Centre in September 2007. She had been told about it by a neighbour, but she felt very shy about coming in. When she finally got the courage to come in, she says she was “blown away” by the staff, the food and the general atmosphere!After her first visit, the staff said they hoped she would come back. With so many people here, she was surprised that the staff still noticed her and made her feel welcome. She did come back! At first, it was only when she felt desperate for supper, but then she loved coming so much she visited more often!

Jane got “coerced” by her friend to join the Trading Sorrows Drop-in Choir, a singing group started by workers and attendees of the Mission Drop-in Centre. She came sporadically to practices at first, but it soon changed and she “just had to be there!” According to Jane, she always believed in God, but it took the choir for here to feel His presence.

Jane can drag herself to the choir performances or practices sometimes feeling depressed, but after it’s over, she says she feels joyful, and everything seems brighter! It doesn’t matter how many people are there.

“Another thing about the Drop-in,” says Jane, “is that there is always a staff member who is willing to talk with you, it doesn’t matter how busy they are!”

Jane’s family soon noticed that her whole demeanor had changed and her mom told her she “had her spark back.” Jane has met some good friends at the Drop-in and plans to be involved here for a very long time!