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

DR

This is the inspiring journey of DR, a father battling addiction who sought assistance from the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) in securing employment. As DR navigates through various job hunting stages and personal challenges, we witness the powerful impact of support programs in transforming lives and catalyzing positive change. Join us as we unfold DR’s path of persistence, resilience, and achievement.

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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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Shawn

Shawn, having battled homelessness, health issues, and addiction for 15 years, found a turning point in his life in 2015 when he joined the Adult Housing Reintegration Program (AHRP). This story highlights Shawn’s journey towards stability and the transformative role of a supportive program.

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