Kate’s childhood and early years were filled with trauma and significant challenges; a family with a history of addiction and her mother, a crack addict, who left when Kate was 12. Before long, addiction was a family legacy that thrived when Kate spent her early adult years partying and abusing alcohol and drugs.

“I was angry and had a bad attitude,” says Kate. “I lived in and out of transition homes and used alcohol and cocaine as coping mechanisms. When I had my daughter, I didn’t want her to endure what I did as a child, so I moved us away from it all.”

At 19, Kate was a single parent, living on social assistance, hungry and desperate. She left her hometown and moved to Prince George, B.C., to be near an aunt who helped steer her in the right direction.

“It was difficult for me to ask for help, fearing I would be judged by my mother’s reputation,” says Kate. “Then, one day, I walked through the doors of The Salvation Army’s food bank. I quickly learned their services were for everyone.”

Today, Kate is a full-time student, works multiple part-time jobs and has established a support network for her and her daughter. When it came to complete volunteer hours for college, she could think of only one place she wanted to be—The Salvation Army’s food bank.

“The Salvation Army helped me find my way," says Kate. “I always wanted a good life, but it was hard to see anything positive from my childhood. After I graduate, I plan to pay it forward and be a social worker.”

Life is challenging and stressful, yet Kate is staying grounded, positive and, most importantly, sober. She is a firm believer that finding her spiritual self protected her from poor choices. Today, she is living a positive and healthy life and enjoys spending quality time with her daughter.

“The Salvation Army showed me patience and diversity,” says Kate. “That message pushed me closer to recovery, and I am okay now.”