2022 Annual Report

Lily

Berkana

Lily, who came to us after years of incarceration, recognized the difficulties she would face reintegrating into the community. Despite this, she demonstrated extraordinary commitment to her recovery, reaching out for assistance and facing her struggles with remarkable courage.

With a solid understanding that addiction is often a consequence of trauma, we employ a variety of approaches including harm reduction and trauma-informed care. This enables us to offer meaningful support to our residents.

At Berkana, we had the privilege of witnessing Lily’s growth. We celebrated her victories, applauded her resilience, and marveled at her determination in the face of challenges.

Her story of transformation didn’t stop there. During her time at Berkana, Lily found love, celebrated her pregnancy, and met her legal obligations. Today, she leads a sober and fulfilling life, cherishing every moment with her healthy and happy baby girl – a testament to her unwavering commitment to create the life she had always dreamed of.

*Client names have been changed for staff and client confidentiality

Impact Stories

Marvin

Discover the compelling journey of Marvin, an immigrant youth navigating life post-incarceration. This tale spotlights his transition from the Calgary Young Offender Centre to a bright future, showcasing the profound impact of comprehensive support programs on immigrant youth lives.

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Neo

In our Roofs for Youth program at the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS), one of the many things we do is to help young people obtain crucial Identification documents, a process often fraught with challenges. This is the story of Neo, a young individual who faced significant hurdles on his path to independence. With persistent support from his Caseworker and the CJHS team, Neo overcame these barriers. Enjoy reading about Neo’s journey, marked by challenges and then the positive outcome that followed.

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Craig

In the realm of justice, there are stories that defy expectations. This is one such tale—a journey of resilience and redemption. Despite the challenges posed by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a determined individual embarked on a transformative path. With support from the Extended FASD Support Program (EFSP) and a strong network, they surpassed the odds, completed probation, and avoided a criminal record. Join us as we witness their inspiring journey toward a brighter future.

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