Raymond’s Story

I’d been to jail before. I was spending more time in jail than on the outside. But after 50 convictions for drug dealing and other related crimes, I was exhausted. I knew there must be another way to live. But I didn’t know what it was. 

I started getting in trouble when I was really young. I lost my Grandpa when I was 11 years old, and I had no one left to provide me with discipline in my life. No positive role models or anyone to show me how to be a man. 

I was always searching for a place to belong and a sense of purpose. 

School was challenging. I was bullied and kids were mean back then. I landed with a tough crowd. We drank, smoked weed and got ourselves into trouble. 

I moved from Manitoba to Surrey in 1991 with a bunch of my friends.

We immediately got involved in the partying scene and someone introduced me to crystal meth. I was hooked and built my life around how to make sure I had steady access to it. 

One of my friends, Mark, got connected with Hope for Freedom and got clean. He built a new life and a career helping people get sober. 

I saw Mark from time to time after that. And he always asked me, “Are you done yet?” 

“No way!” I’d say, “My life is great.” 

But my life wasn’t great. It was a revolving door of jail, hustling, partying, doing bad stuff and then heading back to jail. 

In October 2014 I was preparing for yet another court date and I saw Mark again. 

This time, when he asked me if I was done, I was finally able to say, “YES!” Without a doubt, I was completely done. 

My lawyer was able to get me a Community Treatment Order at Hope for Freedom instead of jail time, and on November 3rd, 2014 I walked into my new life. 

I spent four years at Hope for Freedom. For the first 10 days all I did was sleep and eat spaghetti. 

They let me rest for a while, then I started paying attention, attending meetings and working the program. But things really clicked for me when I started volunteering. 

At first it was a blanket drive in downtown Vancouver, and then it was working at the food bank, flipping burgers, and serving food in parks. I thrived serving others. I had a purpose. I had belonging and I found I could actually help people in return. 

I built my sobriety on this foundation of service and a rediscovered faith. I turned to the Bible. I turned to my friends. And I found a new life. 

I can’t say enough good things about Hope for Freedom. From day one they cared for me, loved me and accepted me. 

I have such a wonderful life now. I’ve had a steady job for the last five years. I go fishing. I started playing softball. Now I’m in a bunch of softball leagues and two bowling leagues. My life is amazing. I can honestly say that. I have no wants and all my needs are met.