Read Stories 

July 21, 2008

Almost two weeks ago, a former client named Lydia came to the New West Drop-In Centre to visit with the staff and to give an update on her personal progress. Nearly five years ago, Lydia was deeply immersed in her addiction which incidentally led her daughter into the same problems.

During her regular visits to the Drop-In, Lydia made sincere attempts to deal with the challenges brought on by her addiction and sought support for both herself and her daughter through turbulent times.
Three years ago, Lydia made a decision to begin her sincere journey to recovery by which she has successfully fulfilled the program requirements as each year has passed by. Lydia has annually invited the UGM team to attend each of her special occasions that she would be awarded her cake and medallion. In addition to these milestones, Lydia has also seen the recovery of her daughter, who has also given birth to her own child which has blessed Lydia with a granddaughter.

Over the progress of time, Lydia has shared her story in chapel segments at the Drop-In and has also shared how UGM has been a significant part of her recovery to the TD Canada Trust staff in New Westminster, which has resulted in this institution’s regular and proactive support of the Drop-In’s outreach opportunities.

In her most recent visit to the Drop-In Centre, staff members Joven Antolin and Rick Whitlock accepted Lydia’s invitation to attend her receiving of her 3rd year cake and medallion. During the ceremony, Joven was given the opportunity of presenting her with a cake, that he baked for Lydia, and the medallion that signified her completion of her 3rd year of recovery. Many former clients of the New West Drop-In, were also in attendance and affirmed to Joven and Rick their appreciation for UGM’s role in New West.

Lydia continues on in her journey of recovery and is busy writing poems and being a grandma!