In a world often shadowed by hardship and uncertainty, Harvest House Atlantic has been a beacon of transformative hope for over six decades, offering shelter, support, and second chances to those in need across the region. This archive compiles more than 60 real-life stories of individuals who arrived at our doors broken but left rebuilt—through community meals, counseling, job training, and unwavering compassion that reignited their faith in tomorrow.
After a painful breakup led him into addiction and homelessness, Doug reached a turning point when he realized he had lost control and chose to seek help. Through Harvest House’s Addiction Recovery program and renewed faith in God, he found healing, hope, and purpose.
Korlaia and Mark’s journey to the beautiful life they are building was neither linear nor easy, but through perseverance, grace, and love, they have become role models for those still seeking freedom from addiction.
Entering our Addiction Recovery Program was one of the best decisions Lindsay made in her life after 2 years of unhealthy living. We are so proud of her transformation!
For the past 20 years, Sean has called Grand-Bay Westfield home. His drinking began when he was 18 years old and progressed over the years, but it was during COVID while his company was shut down that his problem took off.
Growing up, Kayla witnessed a season of domestic violence. Because she was the oldest of 4 kids, she took on the role of protector for her younger siblings at a very young age. In her preteen years, Kayla began self-harming and had suicidal thoughts. At 12 she started smoking weed and by the age of 13 she had turned to psychedelics to help numb her feelings of abandonment and unworthiness.
After years of addiction, crime, and multiple failed recovery attempts, Mark reached a breaking point that nearly cost him his life. Through Harvest House’s Men’s Addiction Recovery Program, he found grace, healing, and a sense of family that transformed his life. Now 10 months sober and working at our Ground Zero Shelter, Mark is living proof that recovery and second chances are possible.
After years of addiction, job loss, and searching for purpose, Wade reached a breaking point and turned to faith for help. Through Harvest House’s Men’s Addiction Recovery Program, he found healing, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose. Now sober and serving as an intern, Wade gives back by helping others and coordinating community work, proof that lasting change is possible.
After years of addiction, crime, and homelessness, Jamie found hope and stability through Harvest House’s Transitional Housing program. Now over two years sober, he has completed the Peer Support Worker program and joined the Harvest House team to help others in their recovery journeys. His transformation from inmate to mentor inspires everyone who sees how far he has come.
After more than 10 years of struggling with addiction and homelessness, Ashley found hope through Harvest House’s Women’s Addiction Recovery Program. Now over 6 months sober, she’s entered the program’s “Empower” phase and is studying at Oulton College to become a Human Services Counselor. Her journey from addiction to education inspires others to believe that recovery and new beginnings are always possible.
Cathy comes from a small town in Newfoundland but calls New Brunswick home. Cathy describes her upbringing as pretty dysfunctional; her dad was an alcoholic, and her mom was distant. Cathy’s struggle began at a very early age. When she was just 4 years old, while playing with matches, she set herself and the house on fire. She experienced extreme burns all over her body and spent the next 4 years in and out of the hospital.
Kenny grew up In Norther New Brunswick and after losing his parents at an early age he entered the foster care system at the age of 5. After years of spiralling downhill, Kenny entered the Harvest House Atlantic Addiction Recovery Program in 2019 due to his addiction with substances which included speed, cocaine and meth.
Michael grew up in Edmundston, working hard from a young age to help support his family. Despite his strong work ethic, the pressure and challenges he faced led to early struggles with alcohol and speed, and later a worsening addiction while working in the paving industry.
Landon’s childhood was marked by instability, addiction within his family, and time spent in foster care. By age 13, he was already experimenting with drugs and entering the justice system, eventually spending 1,400 days incarcerated between ages 13–18. Despite becoming engaged and becoming a father to two children, his addiction continued to escalate, leading to the breakdown of his relationship and the loss of his family, job, and stability.
For the past 20 years, Sean has called Grand-Bay Westfield home. His drinking began when he was 18 years old and progressed over the years, but it was during COVID while his company was shut down that his problem took off.
Introduced to alcohol at 10 and hard drugs by 13 in a New Brunswick First Nations community, Leonard endured unstable homes, severe addiction, and repeated incarceration. After release in 2021, a chance stop at Harvest House Atlantic's Community Centre led to immediate recovery program entry, confronting deep traumas, and now thriving as Facilities Coordinator while reuniting with his children and planning community support back home.
From the crushing grief of losing her beloved uncle at 13 in Newfoundland, Crystan turned to alcohol and cocaine to numb the pain, spiraling into two decades of addiction that cost her job, home, and family. After completing rehab at Naomi & Ruth in 2020, she joined Harvest House Atlantic's Community Centre, where her lived experience now fuels profound connections and humble service to those in the very struggles she once faced.
Jackie grew up in Angus, Ontario. Some of her earliest memories are of house parties. She said her parents always had parties and alcohol was a very normal part of life. Addiction was rampant on both sides of her family. Her first alcoholic drink was her aunt’s “punch” when she was just 12 years old. At 16 years old Jackie tried cocaine for the first time, it was a quick descent from there.
