Life has been a journey filled with both profound challenges and incredible resilience for Wesley. Growing up he faced the grip of addiction, a battle that intensified after his parents’ passing left him without a home, and serving time in prison turned his quest for stability into an ongoing struggle.
Amidst these hardships, a beacon of hope emerged through The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope. Their unwavering support not only gave Wesley a place to live and helped him confront his addiction but also provided him with renewed hope and a promise of a brighter future. After being released from prison, Wesley stayed in the emergency shelter for two months before moving to the residential housing floor, where he now benefits from spiritual care and recreational programs.
One of the programs keeping Wesley busy has him tending to the Centre of Hope’s 300-cubic-foot community garden which is filled with tomatoes, lettuce, eggplants, cucumbers, and chives. As he waters the plants and weeds the garden beds, he finds solace in the routine and purpose it provides.
“I feel happier, and it brightens up my day to take care of something that I know is giving back to the community,” Wesley shares with a smile. “Anything that grows and survives has hope for everyone.”
The garden’s vegetables are used to provide fresh food for the Centre of Hope’s residents, enhancing meal quality, and fostering a tight-knit community. In addition to his work in the garden, Wesley takes out the garbage every single day, maintaining a clean and healthy environment for everyone. His commitment and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed, and he serves as an inspiration to others who are facing similar struggles.
“It keeps me off the street. It keeps me off the drugs. I quit drinking and I haven’t had a drink in over a year,” he proudly states. His sobriety is a significant recovery milestone, and tending to the garden plays a transformative role in maintaining this progress.
“This garden is a holistic activity that teaches participants a practical skill to learn how to grow and eat wholesome, healthy foods,” says Windsor Centre of Hope chaplain Dale Sanger. “It also provides an opportunity for those we support to grow both personally and spiritually.”
– Story by Chris McGregor
