My name is Jody, and I am from the Oneida of the Thames Reservation.

I moved to Toronto from London, Ontario, when I was 19 years old with my then girlfriend. I felt that I was leaving my old life behind. In reality, I was running from and burying childhood trauma.

I attended college for about a year, but became very isolated as my girlfriend was attending school elsewhere. It wasn’t long before I started drinking after work, and soon I was a full-time working alcoholic. After 11 years together, my then fiancée and I split up, and I was lost. I dove deep into drugs and alcohol while working in the Bar/Restaurant industry.

After over 15 years of couch surfing, multiple failed relationships, living in and out of shelters, and severe drug and alcohol use, I came to the realization that I needed help. I had been running from my culture for so long; I was ready to help myself. By then I was living at Na-Me-Res, and I approached the Oshkabaywis John Roy and asked for his advice. He asked if I was ready to commit to the Sagatay Program, and helped me meet and greet the Sagatay team. I applied and was accepted.

I was determined to make the best of this opportunity, and I have. I get up and put my best foot forward every day. I started weekly therapy and volunteered at The Stop’s Farmers’ Market as well as working for the Sagatay Job Training Program on the weekends. I then applied for a job opening and I now hold a full-time position with The Stop Community Food Centre. With the help and support I found at Na-Me-Res and Sagatay, I am proud to say that I am a success story, and I hope to inspire everyone and anyone who wishes to help themselves. I am living proof that it is never too late to turn your situation or life around.