Three individuals took the stage at the annual Harvest Banquet to share how exactly they came to be involved with Riverside Mission — and how important it has been to them.
The hope was that sharing a handful of stories could help people understand the breadth of services offered by the organization.
Riverside Mission served around 13,000 meals last year, through their meal program, and provided over 800 nights worth of lodging in the emergency men’s shelter suites. They also continued offering their addictions support program, use of their 11 affordable housing units, and collected clothing and other items for individuals in crisis — among other programs.
They also welcomed over 100 volunteers last year, which equated to over 3,300 hours of volunteer time throughout the year.
The Mission works very hard to provide supports to those vulnerable in the community and by sharing some of those stories, people might better understand how important those supports are to some.
“It's very important that the community hears the stories of the people they're helping,” said Joe Miller, executive director at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. “The community got to hear them speak [tonight] of their success, and all of that takes place because the community cares.”
Deana Struble, marketing manager at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, offered the microphone to one volunteer and two clients in an interview-style conversation, prompting each individual to talk about themselves and how they are involved with the Mission.
Laurie — long-term volunteer:
Upon retirement, Laurie and her husband moved into Moose Jaw for the amenities and to be closer to family. She felt like she wanted to take on some volunteering responsibilities now that she lived in a community that had the opportunity.
"Where we lived before, we were 50 kilometres from anything, and to volunteer for an hour or two and drive an hour or more to get there didn't make sense. So, when I moved here, I started looking around to see where I could [get involved.]"
Laurie heard about the Mission from Rachel Mullens, director of Riverside Mission, and got started right away. She has been an on and off volunteer for about five years and finds that giving her time is a great use of her talents.
"For the longest time, I knew God had given everybody a talent and I wasn't sure what mine was. I finally figured it out, and it was acts of service," said Laurie.
Laurie enjoys her time volunteering at Riverside Mission, as it gives her a chance to do good for the people around her.
"I like serving people and seeing people with a smile on their face, as they come up to get their food, I enjoy that. I know that I've been gifted with a lot of things — I've got good health, we have a home and food to eat, clothes to wear — and there's people who don't have those things. So, if I can help in a little way, that makes me feel better."
Mark — addiction support:
Mark began his story by telling the room how he had his first drink of alcohol at 12 years old. He explained that it changed his life — he held onto the feeling of calm that drinking gave him in the face of anxiety, and how it held him back in pursuing success in life.
At 24, Mark attended his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. He maintained his sobriety for nearly 20 years, building a family and securing a job.
Following his divorce in his early 40s, Mark fell back into the routine of alcohol. Now, with just over a year of sobriety, Mark explained how maintaining structure throughout his day is so important to handle his addiction.
Going for meals at Riverside Mission creates a positive routine, as well as the incentive of being social.
“That structure really helps,” he said. “Its also the timing and the people, actually, because I can make supper for myself at home but I'd be sitting there alone. I find that the community over there is really important. You sit with people, get to know them and how their day was.”
David — Male Adult Transitional Housing (MATH) program:
David’s story began in England, where his career in the coal industry sent him first to South Africa and then to the Rocky Mountains. He fell in love with the foothills in the winter and after traveling to New Brunswick, decided he’d return to Canada permanently.
He ended up moving to Moose Jaw, and upon quitting his job at the railway, David noticed that his drinking increased. He struggled to find employment and was evicted from his apartment, taking to living in his car.
During this time, his health began to decline because of the alcohol and David was unable to work, and had no benefits. He ended up in the hospital several times, with cirrhosis of the liver and edema.
David’s addictions counselor directed him to Riverside Mission and their support program, and he has greatly improved his situation.
“I was given maybe as little as two years to live,” said David. “With the support of everybody at Riverside, and not drinking and eating correctly, and exercising as much as I can, things have been improving for sure.”
Now, he volunteers with the mission.
“I enjoy it, it's wonderful volunteers that work there and it's great to help the community. There is an amazing community, of people that just want to be family, and it's great to help people out for sure.”
