Alumni Stories

Alcohol and Substance is a destructive path. It wasn't till I lost everything when I realized I couldn't continue living this life. It was going to kill me. I attended an treatment centre but after completion of treatment I found myself right where I started. Homeless, alone, and at risk. I knew about how important meetings and connection were but didn't have a platform to achieve it. My days were spent packing up my belongings, walking long distances, taking multipul buses, just to attend a one hour A/A meeting and repeating the same process in reverse after. Recovery felt impossible, St Stephens put a roof over my head a proper diet, but most importantly connection and the chance to attend meetings. The platform I desperatly needed. The amount of guidence and knowledge I recieved over the time I spent at St Stephens has given me my independence back. without the dependence of drugs and alcohal. I will be forever grateful. Nathan H.

St. Stephen's House was the first place that ever truly felt like home to me. By the time I arrived in 2021, I had lost custody of my infant daughter, and I felt like I had nowhere left to turn. But St. Stephen's House provided me with something I hadn't experienced in a long time: hope. I was surrounded by women who had walked the same path. Their stories and examples gave me the courage to believe I could too live a sober and productive life. Through their guidance, I learned not just how to stay clean but how to take care of myself, how to communicate effectively, how to live by a schedule, and, perhaps most importantly, how to advocate for myself. St. Stephen's House became my foundation. I was an active member of my NA home group, regularly attending meetings where I gained an army of support—something I had never had before. I also took steps toward earning my high school diploma and applied to college. In 2022, I moved out of the house, and my daughter came home for Christmas. That moment was a dream come true—one I never thought I'd experience. Today, I'm a college graduate, soon to start my university journey toward a degree in social work, with the goal of helping others who are in similar positions as I was. My life is now filled with peace, and freedom. I am blessed with a beautiful family and a future that once seemed completely unattainable. On June 29th, 2025, I will celebrate four years of sobriety—a milestone I could never have imagined without the strength and support I found at St. Stephen's House.

Right before I started my recovery journey and meant it. I had lost all my family members trust and being there for me. Especially my four kids trust. My sorrys meant nothing. I completely lost who I was and how I lived life. I went into the treatment center WestOver. Oct 4th 2021 and commenced on Oct 22nd. I almost left a couple of times, but somehow I stuck it out. I was going through psychosis most of that time. I barely remember those full 19 days. They didn't think I was going to make it. West over facilitators told me about St. Stephen's Womens house. They highly suggested that i move away from where I was living and go there. So I could be safe, to be able to continue and concentrate on my recovery journey. I asked Val for a week to explain to my children why I was moving away. Val said that I either come on the Monday after commencement or the bed would go to the next person. I am truly grateful she said that to me because I would never would have made it a week clean. St. Stephen's womens house did so much for me. I learned how to live clean and work on my recovery. I had a safe place to live. I learned how to be around other women. I was able to get outside help working on my past trauma. I learned to slow things down and work on one thing at a time. I had recieved my high school diploma in 2022. Instead of going to my highschool graduation I went to my one sons grade 9 graduation. My children are back in my life again. My apologies mean something these days if I have to make them. My children even call me out of the blue just to talk. St Stephen's womens house has given me my life back. All four of my kids are thankful to st Stephen's womens house for giving them back their mother. I also want to say that St Stephen's womens house never gave up on me even when i found out January 2022 that I needed a hip replacement. My hip went so fast that by late September I ended up on crutches. St Stephen's womens house never abandoned me for struggling with the pain waiting such a long time waiting for my surgery that I got a couple weeks after I moved out on my own from the house. I am so truly forever grateful to WestOver, St Stephen's, Val W., Kevin D., Bev T. And all the women i lived with the whole time that I lived in the womens house. My clean date is September 27th 2021 I lived in the St Stephen's women's house from Oct 25th 2021 – June 4th 2023.

I was 59 years old with 4 1/2 years of sobriety. I thought I graduated the program by now. Haha and My thinking was to proud to ask for help, I was TOO OLD for this recovery home stuff. I was not drinking, it was MY THINKING that was the problem. I was so mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually sick, with no where to go. When I reached out, St. Stephens answered my prayers. You see, drinking and drugging were no longer an option. I was so desperate and lost in EMOTIONAL RELAPSE. But, at 4 1/2 years sober, weren't you supposed to be "cured". Didn't I graduate yet! Oh the confusion. Now add in moving to a recovery home, with Rules and 7 other women! Well, I got to St. Stephens and did all the "Do's" like cooking "grilled cheese", attending many meetings, getting a local sponsor, working the steps and went to Westover for the CoDependent program. Also, celebrated my 5 year medallion and my 60th birthday. All of these things combined and especially with the love, support and caring of the dedicated staff and women in the house restored my sanity. Today, my life is better "beyond my wildest dreams". I returned to my home up North and my thinking seems balanced and sane. So my Sponsor says. My relationships are much healthier and I'm able to help other suffering people. I'm still sober today and continue the "Do's" So, please know it is never to late to ask for help, we do not graduate and it takes courage to ask for help. Thank you Val, Ladies of St. Stephens, Kevin and Turning Point for saving my sanity and my life. Lisa B.

My name is Amanda and I'm an alcoholic, addict. My Journey to St Stephens recovery home was not an easy one. I have been in recovery for three years, never being able to string together any time or contented sobriety. I have attended numerous residential treatment centers. I have talked with multiple psychiatrists; addiction counselors and doctors and I truly believe that it was St Stephens house that set the foundation for my recovery. Until I walked through the doors of St. Stephens house I had not surrendered. I was holding on so tightly to where I thought I should be, and how I thought I should be behaving after 3 years in the program, that I was exhausted. I was ready to admit that I was powerless and that nothing else had worked, I needed to be removed from everything that was familiar and comfortable. So, my real journey into recovery began. St Stephens house gave me the time I needed to focus on building a strong foundation and, with the help of my sponsor, I was able to work through the 12 steps. The house taught me how to have compassion for myself and others. I learned that I was exactly where my higher power wanted me to be. I began to see the challenges that arose in my daily life as opportunities to change and to seek guidance from those that came before me. Living in the house with the other women helped me to become other focused. When I was really struggling, I could always find someone to help or listen to a few feet away. I am from Mississauga, and that is where my homegroup and my fellowship is; however, London is where I got sober and London is where I really started to hear my higher power. I believe that I was brought to St Stephens by the grace of God and divine intervention, it will be my duty to carry the message and live a sober fulfilling life.

I used to despise that introduction until I understood the power behind it. My initial resentment towards this introduction first started with my father who gave up everything for one thing- his alcoholism and I was too good to be anything like him. By the age of 27, I appeared to be living the perfect life. Everything I had envisioned for myself—career, stability, and the outward markers of success—was firmly in place. But life has a way of unfolding in ways we do not anticipate. Clinging to the illusion of a 'perfect' life became the mask I wore—one that kept me trapped in denial about the silent battles I was fighting within. That denial became a prison I didn't even know I was living in, until it nearly consumed me Life has a way of revealing the truths we work hardest to bury—and for me, it took one pivotal event to unleash a flood of long-suppressed childhood pain. Alcohol was not my problem it was a solution much deeper issue. The more I drank the better I coped until I couldn't function without shaking. My denial and professional obligations kept me sick I thought I was good at hiding what I was becoming- but everyone around me knew the truth before I did. Years of family dysfunction led me to move out where I thought I would be safe. Away from "Them" because at that point they were the problem not me. But in isolation my addiction thrived. I was in multiple recovery centers and hospital programs, I was facing legal consequences for my actions, there was no one left to support me, I eventually became hospitalized in active liver failure. My family had resurfaced and were desperate to get me on a transplant list. The critical nature of my hospitalization was not enough to bring change to my life. I was too far in, too far gone, damaged beyond repair. I truly felt that the chaos in my life was a punishment I had earned. I wanted anything but my life- I decided to go somewhere far away from the people, places and things that I knew. I reached out to Westover Treatment Centre's recovery support for suggestions on a program that was long term, and I was given the number to St Stephens Women's House. What I thought would be another institution turned into the first steps into a new life. The Women's house was the first true example of a home in my life. When I finally let go of that mask of perfection, I was met with unconditional acceptance and a true sense of belonging. This newfound sense of belonging brought about a willingness to change. I made a decision to turn my will over to the suggestions of the 12-Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous; I decided to give one thing: Alcohol, up for my life back. Day by day the void I felt in the isolation of my addiction was filled by my connection in recovery. I am a grateful alcoholic because my alcoholism became the catalyst that refined my life in ways I once only dreamed of—back when I was chasing a life of so-called perfection. Everything I thought was impossible, everything I longed for but couldn't reach in my addiction, has become possible in recovery. The St. Stephen's House gave me the practical space to live out the program of recovery in my daily life. Over time, the steps became second nature—woven into the foundation of who I am, like instincts I now trust to guide me. Alcoholics Anonymous held up a mirror I could no longer look away from. In its reflection, I saw the truth of who I was—but also a glimpse of who I could become. That mirror didn't just reveal; it refracted the light, guiding me onto a path of recovery where, step by step, I've learned to see myself through a new lens: Where I once saw failure, I now see growth. Where I once felt shame, I now feel compassion. The more I healed within, the more I saw healing take shape in the world around me. Today my life is possible because of the St Stephens House. To anyone feeling broken, defeated, or alone: there is hope. There is belonging and acceptance waiting for you. Just take the first step—and then the next. Keep doing the next right thing. You are not alone, and you are worth the journey. With the upmost gratitude, Vita R

When I think about St. Stephen’s, I think about more than just a place to stay—I think about a turning point in my life. At one of my lowest moments, when I was coming out of Ossington Street Detox, they didn’t just open their doors—they came and picked me up. Even though they were at full capacity, they made room for me to sleep, and more importantly, they welcomed me with open arms. From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by a loving and supportive community that didn’t just tell me I mattered—they showed me. They were patient as I slowly came out of the mental fog that follows an addict. They gave me direction and helped me begin to pick up the pieces of my broken life, one day at a time. At St. Stephen’s, I was given more than a roof over my head. I was given structure, routine, and the space to focus solely on my recovery. My basic needs were taken care of so I could begin the hard work of healing. They taught me life skills, helped me rebuild confidence, and gave me opportunities to get involved—whether it was fundraisers like Dinner at the Diner, BBQs, golf tournaments, dances, open houses, baseball games, or holiday gatherings that reminded me what connection truly feels like. Through all of this, I’ve found something I didn’t know I still had in me—love. Love for others, love for the people who stood by me, and slowly, love for myself. St. Stephen’s has given me more than I ever expected. They've helped me rebuild my life, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

Monday August 14th I I entered. St Stephen's house. I sat in the office with Kevin D for an interview. I don't remember what we talked about, but one thing he asked me "What has your God done for you lately?" I was about to tell him where to go and leave the office but it made me think for a second and that's all I needed. For 20 plus years I've been struggling with a crack cocaine addiction and alcohol. I was losing my apartment for arrears in my rent. We lost everything from my addiction and alcoholism so I had to leave my home and get clean/the help I needed. It started by me attending 200 Queen Street to CMHC. I had a counselor that was trying to get me into Westover and I asked about sober living when I came out of Westover. I didn't even know about sober living before going into a program so she gave me two numbers, one of them was St. Stephen's House. That was one of the best choices I ever made with the help of my family and loved ones that saw the path I was traveling for the past 20 plus years. What can I say about st Stephen's House? It was that light on the hillside that guided me to a better life. One of the rules of the house was attending two meetings a day. Although I only stayed there for 5 months, it was the best 5 months of my life. In October I went into, Westover treatment center - a 19 day program. It opened my eyes a lot and after that I went back to St. Stephen's House. I needed that separation and time away to restructure my life. In recovery, I'm thankful for the guys and the fellowship at the house. They help me confront my struggles along with my sponsor and my home group. One of the things that Kevin recommends is to find yourself a home group and a sponsor. I go through the Big Book. That helps me in my journey a lot. This is the first time I ever did that part of the program. I was used to going in and out of programs , but this time with the help of St Stevens and the fellowship of the guys, going to meetings and building relationships has continued to help me today in my journey. I can never say thank you enough for the men and women in the house and the leaders at St. Stevens House. I am indebted to them forever. By the grace of my God and the people that He put in my path through the house, has helped me get where I am. Today I acknowledge 3 years 8 months clean and sober from drugs and alcohol. I have fun in my recovery. I go out for steak dinners with a couple of the guys in the program. I get to support St. Stephen's house through Dinner at the Diner. I enjoy going to the House baseball games in the summertime.

My name is Matt. I Started experimenting with drug's in my teen's. At first it was fun but that didn't last long. My disease progresed and progresed in my addiction. I lost many thing's. In my 30's I had many near death experiences due to that progresion including a major heart surgery, 2 strokes, multipel overdoses. Drugs always came first. In feburay 2023 my son Joseph was born. C.A.S. immediately took him from my Gf (son's mom). I knew I had to make some big changes. October 2nd 2023 my mom droped me off in London where my brother Peter and Kevin D. the house manager at St Stephen's drove me to Sarnia Detox. I stayed there until Nov 23rd, 2023. That's when Kevin picked me up and drove me to St Stephen's. I got a sponsor, I went to 2/3 meeting's a day until August 1st 2024. Living in a house with "9" other men all leaning towards the same common goal "perminent sobriety". I left the house moved back to Hamilton and have remained sober since. I'm coming up on a year and a half SOBER and have full custody of my son where my Gf and I raise our son. None of this would have been possibel without the help of St Stephen's.

My name is Madison, my clean date is March 4th 2024. I was an active drug user for 15 years and through those years my addiction continued to get worse and led me to homelessness. I lived homeless for over 5 years and was using very dangerous drugs in a very dangerous manor. Over the years I have made many trips into detox facilities spending over 40 stays in various detox facilities as well as 5 different inpatient treatment centres. I paired that with countless attempts with different drug replacement therapies. Nothing was working and my addiction continued to get worse. In 2023 I gave birth to my son. He was taken from me immediately in hospital. I could not be a mother as I could not get clean. I first heard about St. Stephens when a friend of mine who I spent many years in active addiction with went there to address her addictions. I never thought that could be me, that I would find a solution to my drug use but I was wrong. The message of recovery was spread through her to a member of my boyfriend's (son's father) family who then got sober at St. Stephens men's house. From there the message reached my boyfriend. The timing could not have been more perfect as our son was about to go up for adoption. My boyfriend moved into St. Stephens men's. At first I didn't think I was interested in getting sober but most of all I just didn't think I could after all my past failed attempts. A few months passed and I was finally ready to try. In January 2024 I went to detox and a stabilization house. I relapsed shortly after but got news that I had a bed for me at St Stephens which absolutely changed my life. I made so many close connections at St. Stephens with the other girls in the house and through the fellowship of AA. I spent 6 months at St. Stephens where I got to see my son once a week and learn skills like cleaning, good sleep hygiene, cooking but above all I learned about the fellowship of AA. I got a sponsor and went to two meetings every day. The support I recieved through St. Stephens was indescribable and the support is still very important to me today. I moved out in October after myself and my boyfriend were granted full custody of our son. We found an apartment and moved back to Hamilton Ontario. Today I still have a sponsor, I have a home group and I have my family back. I obtained employment at a hospital in Hamilton working as a peer support provider for patients struggling with addiction just as I had. I get to live a life that I never imagined possible and I know that it would not have been possible had it not been for my time spent at St. Stephens. St. Stephens gave me a rock solid foundation in my recovery and set me up for success.

My name is Emily and my sobriety is November 12, 2022. And I thank st Stephen's for that everyday, teaching me how to live sober. I suffered from drug addiction for almost 15 years. My recovery journey started in a jail cell and then rehab which had little help for someone trying to live clean again in the real world with no life skills. When I went into st Stephen's I was a person who sold drugs to get by living a life of crime and misery. When I left there I had completed my 12 steps got a sponsor, achieved a college diploma, learned how to be a mother to my two children, a friend a daughter, sister etc. Today I am living a life beyond what I ever saw possible. I am finally at peace and I owe a lot of that to st Stephen's and what they taught me. Thank you.

My name is Peter C and my clean and sober date is January 9 2023. I used a variety of hard drugs for about 20 years and my life was completely unmanageable coming into recovery. I arrived at St Stephen's house on January 10 2023. St Stephen's provided me with a safe and positive place to live while trying to live clean and sober. I was told to get a home group, sponsor and start working the 12 steps right away. I lived with eight other men all trying our best to change our lives. St Stephen's was the foundation and start of my recovery journey and literally saved my life. The house also provided me with a safe place to have weekly visits with my son which I am forever grateful for as I was able to build a bond with my son before getting him back full time. I believe a big reason the men's and women's houses are so successful is because the two people managing them Kevin D and Val W are both in recovery and both care so much about the people in the houses. I am forever grateful for what St Stephen's house has done for me and countless others.

My daughter, Emily was privileged to be referred to St Stephen's house 2 years ago after completing 3 months of inpatient rehab. St. Stephen's provides the transitional supportive environment that is so essential in order to return to an independent and happy life. Both Val Wooton and Kevin Daly are truly exceptional individuals. They are skilled and compassionate and have truly saved lives, including my daughters. – Judi

I am forever grateful for St. Stephen's Sober Living. They provided my daughter with the tools to help rebuild her life and restore her happiness. Everyone was warm and welcoming and a true community that continues to provide life long support and friendship to all of us even after her stay. ~Marnie

When I arrived at the doors of St. Stephen's House, after many, many years of alcohol and drug abuse, I was a completely broken man, devoid of any self-worth, self-esteem, or self-confidence. By following the rules and the suggested programs of the house, I was able to regain, slowly but surely, the values upon which I was raised. To this day, because of what I learned and experienced in St. Stephen's House, and with enormous gratitude, I am now able to carry on a living amends with my family. I continue this wonderful life of sobriety afforded to me by my St. Stephen's experience.

Almost ten years ago, I was a desperate man suffering in an abyss of punishing alcoholism. I had lost everything — my family, my job and all hope for the future. Then, at a pivotal meeting with Bev Thomson, General Manager of St. Stephen's House, I learned about the 12-step recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Through the hope, sense of community, and support found at St. Stephen's House, I now live a sober life, one day at a time. I have a job and, most of all, I share loving relationships with my four beautiful children.

My alcoholism took me to places I never thought I would go. For 13 years, I struggled to maintain continuous sobriety. What I realized was that I missed the third piece of the triangle of recovery: service. I needed to give back. Since August 30, 1995, I have been trying to give away that which was so freely given to me. For the last 19 years I have been involved with St. Stephen's House of London, volunteering, and fundraising.

I was isolated from my family and friends, living in the Parry Sound bush. The only thing I felt any passion for was my work and my drink. St. Stephen's House gave me the opportunity to learn to live and become part of something bigger than myself. Living at St. Stephen's House gave me the strength and support to pursue the relationship, and eventually reconnect with my sons. Today, I have a relationship with those sons. I have found my rightful place in society and have transitioned back to work.