If there’s one message Katie Methot would give people who are struggling with addiction, it is that with hope, change is possible.
For Methot, that change came in October 2021 when she reached out to Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada (ATCCC), an organization that offers a variety of programming and support for those struggling with life-controlling issues and their loved ones with locations around the world.
“You know that saying, once an addict, always an addict? That’s not true.”
The 36-year-old said after many years of using increasingly harder drugs and losing custody of her two children, she realized that if she continued on the path she was taking, she might lose her life as well.
Things began to turn around for Methot while she was serving time in jail for drug-related charges. A fellow inmate made her think about things differently. “I’ll never forget what she told me.”
The fellow inmate asked if Methot was willing to do whatever it took so she didn’t have to go back to the life she was living. “She was very serious about changing her life.”
In that moment, Methot decided to enter the ATCCC women’s live-in treatment program in Thunder Bay. Fast-forward to spring 2024, and she has not only completed the long-term program but is set to graduate from the 18-month SURGE leadership training program. As part of the program, Methot is working as an intake worker at the local community office and aspires to work full-time for ATCCC once she graduates.
Pastor Daniel Emond, President & Chief Executive Officer of ATCCC, says Methot’s story is just an example of one of many stories they will hear at the organization’s inaugural Journey of Hope Gala, to be held April 18, 2024, at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg.
Emond says ATCCC wants to spread the message that the organization is not just a 12-month, in-patient, faith-based treatment program – it runs many other programs in the community as well.
“We want people to know all the amazing work we are doing… we are dedicated to helping families and communities find freedom from addiction.”
Emond wants those struggling with addictions to know that they can find freedom and recovery not only from the long-term programs but also through ATCCC’s many community and outpatient programs, including intervention, crisis counselling, coaching and support groups.
That’s partly because a key component of addiction is isolation, he says.
“Addiction is the absence of connection. It’s being alone, so the key to staying sober long-term is being part of a supportive community. That’s what our community offices and our after-care program focuses on.”
Emond says over the past several years, staff have had more formalized training in things like dealing with trauma and Mental Health First Aid, so that those in community offices and outreach centres are able to better help those struggling with addiction find hope in recovery. (More than 50 percent of those who have experienced trauma develop a chemical dependency.)
He also noted that although ATC is a faith-based treatment program, it accepts those from all backgrounds, and no one who is willing to seek help is turned away.
“We work with people to start a path to healing,” says Emond.
Especially important is outreach support for families and friends, says Emond, because the majority of initial calls come from loved ones of addicts. To help families, the Concerned Persons Group provides weekly small group assistance to allow parents, siblings and others to learn about boundaries, healthy communication, codependency, and other supports.
The demand to assist those suffering from addictions is great in the areas served by ATCCC, says Emond. Last year, there were 400 addictions and mental-health related deaths in the province of Manitoba.
While requests for in-patient treatment are down slightly, demand for in-community services and programs offered by the organization has increased over the past year, Emond says. “When it comes to the help we are providing in the community offices, the need has skyrocketed.”
ATCCC has grown exponentially from its beginnings more than 30 years ago as a 12-month, in-patient program in Hadashville, MB., to six long-term programs for men and women across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, with more than 100 beds. The organization also provides an 18-month after-care program with approximately 40 beds for those who want to continue with support as they build a new life. (their research shows that those who stay connected for longer have a greatly reduced chance of relapse). ATCCC also continues to grow its community offices, with eight locations now open.
Many communities have Super Thrift Stores, which offer students work experience, and 100 percent of profits go towards funding the programs so individuals can attend ATCCC programs and groups for no cost. When they’re ready, we are ready.
Because ATCCC receives no government funding, community support is crucial, says Emond.
Emond hopes this year’s inaugural gala will be another way to encourage people to enjoy a festive evening, and support ATCCC.
“We want to give everyone an opportunity to come out and make a substantial donation and enjoy a night of celebration.”
The gala will feature a live and silent auction. Live auction prizes include a package at Guardian Eagle Fly Fishing Lodge in Northern Ontario worth $16,000, a yard/home cleanup package from Super Junk worth $5,000 and a smoker and meat package worth $5,000.
The gala will also feature many inspirational success stories from graduates of ATCCC, and hear from parents who have walked alongside their child in addiction says Emond.
You will hear more journeys of freedom like Methot’s at the gala. She sees a future working at ATCCC, where she can “help people who were in the same position as me.” She also sees her children regularly and looks forward to getting her own place once she finishes the SURGE program.
With ATCCC, “Everything in my life started changing. My life just took a total turnaround.
“I started viewing myself differently. That I wasn’t just an addict. That I could have a different life, and I could be a good mom. There was hope for me,” she says.
To learn more about the Journey of Hope Gala and reserve your spot, please visit here.