Sarah is a very busy woman. With two children in child care, post-secondary school nearly completed and a bright future to juggle, she only had 30 minutes to meet for a brief interview on October 1st.
By Lissa Miles
The 28-year-old is well-spoken, confident and has overcome a life of addiction on the streets.
YWCA Crabtree Corner, Classic LifeCare’s main charitable focus, changed Sarah’s life the day they greeted her with open arms and zero judgment.
“I was living in a shelter with an eight-month-old baby, was newly sober, Hepatitis C positive and didn’t know where I could possibly go from there,” said Sarah, tears filling her eyes. “I was just looking for support with daycare and Crabtree gave me so much more than that.”
Sarah is originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick and started doing drugs when she was just 15 years old. Her mother died when Sarah was young and her father was dealing with his own addictions.
“I met some people who I hope my daughters never meet,” she said. “I eventually had a $400/day heroin and crack addiction.
She has been attending Vancouver Career College to become a Social Services Worker in Addictions and Recovery. Her plan is to work on the front lines doing outreach.
Sarah’s daughters, Krystina, 5, and Ela, 16 months, are a highlight in Sarah’s life, along with her new-found courage to stand on her own two feet.
“I look at my past as a tool for my future,” she said, nodding. “Now I can help others with the same non-judgmental approach Crabtree showed to me.”
Why should Vancouverites care and support the YWCA and Crabtree Corner? Because anyone can struggle.
“It’s not just drug addicts and people from broken homes on the street,” said Sarah. “Some of the girls at Crabtree came from wealthy, healthy families. People are from a mix of backgrounds. They all deserve a second chance.”
Sarah spoke at the YCWA’s Inner Circle event September 18, where her emotional and earnest account of Crabtree’s impact on her life brought many people in attendance to tears.
The Inner Circle is a collective force of over 300 men and women who are financially committed to helping YWCA Metro Vancouver improve the quality of life for women, youth and children.
By making an annual donation of $500 or more to YWCA Metro Vancouver, you can become an Inner Circle member. Every level of giving makes a difference. As a member of the Inner Circle, you contribute to a sustainable and reliable source of funding that enables the YWCA to provide essential community services and advocate for social change.
To learn more about the Inner Circle, visit: http://www.ywcavan.org/content/Join_the_Inner_Circle/135
To learn more about Classic LifeCare, visit www.classiclifecare.com.
