Open the Door to Hope this Holiday Season!
Dear Friends,
It’s hard to think it has been 10 years since I first came to Phoenix.
My name is Janie, and you may remember my story from years ago. Back then I was 16 and working full-time, struggling to support my family and have the things I needed for everyday life. Things like hygiene products, food, bus tickets, and gifts for Christmas.
I was overwhelmed and scrambling to figure out how to survive. I often wished I had someone to listen to me and offer support, and so much changed after I became connected with Alison at Phoenix’s Youth and Family Therapy program. Alison supported me for many years as I talked about the barriers I often faced, and she helped to ensure I received what I needed, often immediately after mentioning it.
As we worked together Alison asked if I might like to pursue secondary education, and up until that point it seemed like an unattainable dream to me; I had struggled just to finish high school while working full time. Working together we found a variety of avenues for financial support through bursaries, community assistance programs and so on, and together we submitted my application for the culinary arts program at Nova Scotia Community College. I had Alison’s support every step of the way, and it meant so much.
Since graduating in 2015 I have always worked around food. Now with a secure, balanced job in food services I have more free time, and I have been pursuing more meaningful ways of using my culinary skills in community-based settings, either through teaching, cooking for, or sharing a meal with my community.
I’ve always been eager to support Phoenix in any way I can and am excited to partner with them by lending my time and skills in their efforts to help address food insecurity. We see more than ever how hard it is to afford healthy, nourishing food and we know this impacts everyone, in every circumstance.
I think about every young person who comes to Phoenix looking for a place to sit, to be heard and supported, just like I did ten years ago. I think about front-line staff who are working through the day to diffuse crises and find immediate solutions to support people, and others who are tutoring, filling out tax returns, sitting with clients and supporting their job searches.
And I think of the people at Phoenix, open to every situation that comes through the door, like Alison, who sat with me, listened to me, and supported me when I needed it most.
What a beautiful, full-circle moment for me.
I will always value the importance of my time with Phoenix, and I am pleased to give back in my way to Phoenix now. There were times I felt I had nothing, and in those moments, something as simple as a free meal or name brand hair product made me feel important and cared about. But having a smiling face and someone to listen…the impact of that was most important. It made all the difference, and I appreciate all it has meant in my life.
Sincerely,
Janie Bogardus
Former Client – Phoenix Youth and Family Therapy
Season’s Greetings!
In reflecting on Janie’s story, I am reminded of how we are called to care for one another. Her journey and her words are a powerful testament to the collective impact we, as a community, can make on the trajectory of a young person’s life.
This giving season I invite you to join Phoenix with meaningful intention as we care for others. I encourage you to reflect on those who have made a meaningful impact in your life, and consider a gift in their honour to support youth in our community.
Double your impact! Gifts made by December 20th
will be matched up to $50,000 by Manulife!
Click here to give now.
In turn, Phoenix will gratefully extend a card to the honoree or their family, acknowledging the kindness of your support and the importance in its meaning.
It takes a community to create a place and space to see youth through hardship, opening doors of opportunity to hope, possibility, and joy. That is who we are at Phoenix, and what your generosity offers.
With abiding gratitude,
The Hon. J. Michael MacDonald
Chair, Board of Directors, Phoenix Youth Programs
Former Chief Justice of Nova Scotia
Click here for a downloadable PDF version of Janie’s Letter and our Holiday Impact Newsletter
