The first ever Family Service Saskatoon Radiothon for Mental Health is raising funds for counselling services and programs that foster mental wellbeing and nurture safe, healthy and respectful relationships for everyone in our community.

You can make a donation at familyservice.sk.ca

We’ve been hearing some amazing stories of how impactful the programs are at Family Service Saskatoon. Here’s one of those stories:

Grateful in Saskatoon

I was told that a couple of lines would suffice to share my story, but my heart and my feelings say this program deserves so much more than that. So, I hope my run-on praise is heard, as there is so much gratitude and love for these people, this program and this city. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Upon my arrival to this beautiful city of Saskatoon, I must say I was an absolute mess. I was confused, scared and unsure where my life was at, where I was going and where I was supposed to be. My daughter got me connected to Family Service Saskatoon. I was involved in two groups: Intimate Partner Violence and Invisible Scars. Both programs had absolutely wonderful, caring leaders that were definitely there to help. I also had an absolutely totally wonderful outreach worker that I saw on a regular basis.

My first appointment was definitely scary but I was reassured I was where I needed to be. The same evening at group I opened up, this is how comfortable they make you feel to share your story, your struggles and your questions.

The old cliché that says “ talking through your problems helps”- well its true.

Talking in groups and with an experienced outreach worker gave me the space that challenged my development as a person. They all worked with the positives and negatives and overcoming struggles of decision making and clarified repeatedly that I was where I am supposed to be. Even though I

felt discomfort, and was full of anxiety, they helped me to make choices. Choices are the heart of recovery , and it takes time, hard work, and outside help. This I truly believe, I know I had to do the work, but they helped me to be strong, find my way and be the best I could be.

A quote that my outreach worker shared with me that still sticks like mud is this: “an abnormal reaction, to an abnormal situation is normal behaviour”

I learned that how I was treated by my Ex wasn’t right . It was abuse, which I learned from this program. And that my wounds were deeper than I knew, starting out in my childhood.

I began the journey, as I was taught the fundamentals to healing. Finding strength, and that you matter, and its not your fault.

This testimony shares my past and my present. I am grateful to Family Service Saskatoon. They helped me to find me and to become the best of me.

And because of them I have found my wings to fly!