CLIENT Testimonials
Marie – Regaining Stability After Years of Vulnerability
Transition Program
When I arrived at the Transition Program, I was facing several significant challenges. I had been diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age and was also dealing with substance use issues, significant housing instability, and involvement in sex work. I had great difficulty managing my emotions, and my explosive behaviours had contributed to several unsuccessful attempts to maintain stable housing. Thanks to the intensive support provided by the Transition Program, the support of the psychotherapist and intervention team, and collaboration with Hawkesbury General Hospital for my withdrawal treatment, I was able to begin an important recovery process.
During my stay, I became actively involved in my intervention plan. I obtained a stable source of income, completed the steps needed to secure housing, and developed strategies that continue to help me better manage my mental health and substance use today.
Today, I live in my own home. I continue moving forward with greater stability and independence, but above all, with a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Sophie – Building My Confidence and Independence
Transition Program
When I arrived at the Transition Program, I was living with a mild intellectual disability and a significant history of trauma and sexual abuse. The relationship difficulties resulting from these experiences made it very difficult for me to remain in community-based living environments. When I first arrived, I avoided all contact with men. I could not even make eye contact with them. Thanks to the safe environment provided by the program and the therapeutic relationship I gradually developed with the psychotherapist, I was able to build a positive relationship of trust with a male figure.
Throughout my stay, I worked on managing my anger and developing my interpersonal skills. I also formed my first meaningful friendships, which was a very important step for me.
All these efforts allowed me to obtain a place in independent housing with support adapted to people living with an intellectual disability.
For me, this step represents much more than a new home: it is an important step toward a life in which I feel more independent and more confident.
Nadia – Taking Back Control of My Life and Building a New Beginning
Emergency Shelter Services
When I arrived at the shelter, I was experiencing intimate partner violence at the hands of my partner. As an immigrant and a mother of several children, I found myself without financial resources or a support network, in a highly vulnerable situation. When we arrived, my children and I were finally able to benefit from a safe and stable environment. My children were quickly enrolled in school in the area, which allowed us to gradually re-establish a routine and regain a sense of stability.
Through the support provided by the housing and stability support program, I received assistance with several important matters. I received help with the processes related to my immigration status, my divorce, and access to legal services.
One of my children also obtained a part-time job, which helped develop their independence and strengthened our sense that we were moving forward together.
Throughout my journey, I was able to feel safe, supported, and accompanied. I was finally able to begin rebuilding my life and the lives of my children.
Today, my children and I are established in the community I chose. I continue to receive specialized services adapted to my family situation and continue working toward a more stable, safe, and independent life.
Louise – Finding My Voice and Transforming My Relationships
Outreach Services
As an older woman experiencing violence, I faced numerous challenges, particularly because I had been in the relationship for many years.
I accessed Interlude’s outreach services, where I was able to meet individually with a counsellor and begin a meaningful journey of healing and self-discovery.
Over the course of our meetings, I gradually regained confidence in myself. I felt safe enough to speak more openly about my reality. This support allowed me to validate my emotions, better understand certain relationship dynamics, and recognize behaviours in my relationship that were not healthy.
Because I was still living with my partner, I sometimes chose to share at home some of the lessons and tools discussed during my sessions. These conversations helped us become aware of certain abusive behaviours and their impact.
My partner was also introduced to new ways of understanding our interactions and began reflecting on some of his behaviours and the changes that were needed.
Today, I have a much better understanding of my situation. I feel better equipped to recognize my needs and express them. I continue my journey with greater confidence in myself and in my own perceptions.
Camille – Finding Hope and Rebuilding My Life
Transition Program
The day after my appointment, I walked into the office with tears in my eyes and completely hopeless. I felt as though I had reached the end of my strength when I told my counsellor that I simply could not go on anymore. Interlude was there for me. During that appointment, we began planning for me to enter the Transition Program. I then went home to pack a few bags and send a message to my former partner: “I’m leaving.”
Those few words marked the beginning of a brighter future for me.
When I was admitted to the Transition Program, I was trying to believe that my children needed me to get better and that I deserved to exist. I was afraid to leave my room. I could not make phone calls. I was misusing prescription medication and regularly engaging in self-harm. Every day, I carried my shame like an enormous weight that I could not seem to put down.
All of that began to change during my stay at Interlude.
Just a few weeks after my admission, I experienced a serious episode of self-harm. I was convinced that I would be expelled from the program because I had hurt myself. Through my past experiences, I had learned that my struggles were my fault and that simply existing made me a burden.
But the way the team welcomed and supported me during that crisis was a turning point in my recovery.
I was genuinely surprised to hear that I was not being punished and that the support I was receiving was not conditional. Instead of shaming me for going through a difficult period, I was met with compassion and kindness. I was surrounded by support and encouraged to keep moving forward.
Little by little, I began to believe that it was possible to experience my emotions safely. As I gradually let go of my shame, I made room for new experiences that helped me find my way back toward recovery.
Shortly after that episode of self-harm, I gave the team the remaining prescription medication that had become a problem for me. I was learning to trust people who genuinely wanted what was best for me, without hidden conditions.
Even when it was difficult, frightening, exhausting, or confusing, I continued to show up and do the work: psychotherapy, workshops, residents’ meetings, and goal setting.
My pain was no longer being used against me. I could finally understand it and transform it.
Without the support of Interlude’s counsellors and the opportunities offered to me through the Transition Program, I sincerely believe that my children could have ended up without their mother.
I will never forget the first night I was admitted. For the first time in my life, I felt like I could finally breathe, as though I had been holding my breath for my entire life, simply waiting to find a place where I could feel safe.
This program gave me my life back, and I will be eternally grateful.
