My name is Lorren, and I am a 28-year-old single mother to three amazing little boys. My journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, each shaping the person I am today. As a teenager, I struggled significantly, eventually dropping out of high school and running away from home. These years were marked by a battle with addiction that lasted six long, arduous years, and during this time, I also faced homelessness.

Despite these struggles, I found the strength to turn my life around. My first goal was to complete my high school education, which I achieved through the SWAC program. After that, I set a new goal to further my education by enrolling in a year-long college course. I successfully graduated from this course, which was a significant milestone for me. With the help of the Workplace Group, I created my first official resume and set the goal of securing stable employment. I accomplished this by obtaining a job with Lambton County Developmental Services, where I have now been employed for two years.

In 2023, my life took another positive turn when I visited The Salvation Army for a food bank appointment. Little did I know that this visit would lead to a life-changing encounter with the Pathway of Hope initiative. From the moment I connected with Pathway of Hope, I felt a profound sense of support and encouragement. This initiative provided me with ongoing guidance and resources, helping me stay focused on my goals.

Through Pathway of Hope, I set specific goals for the year: to continue providing a better life for my children and to build my confidence and resilience. With the support and resources from the initiative, I achieved these goals. I developed the emotional strength to navigate life’s challenges and continued to improve the stability and quality of life for my sons.

Pathway of Hope played a crucial role in helping me achieve these objectives. The initiative's guidance allowed me to embrace change, seek support when needed, and most importantly, believe in my ability to succeed. By the end of the year, I had built a stronger foundation for my family's future, ensuring that my sons could have the life they deserve.

My story is a testament to the power of setting clear goals and working diligently to achieve them. To anyone facing similar struggles, I want to say that there is always hope, and with the right support, you can overcome your challenges and reach your goals. Pathway of Hope has been a crucial part of my journey, and I hope my story can inspire others to pursue their own paths toward stability and success.