Warm wishes from our Young Wolves Lodge family—a family like all families, whose members search, grow, struggle, pray, celebrate accomplishments, and give thanks for many helping hands along the way.

Mother Jessica Schaap visits regularly at Young Wolves Lodge.

This has been her experience so far….

“Beginning this past summer, the staff and young

women of Young Wolves Lodge have invited me to come and be with them for one afternoon

a month. Quite swiftly, the conversations have become very deep and searching. These are

women who are not afraid to ask the hard questions about belief, spiritual experience and daily

life. We have talked about dreams, demons, relationships, children, and the discoveries they

have made since they began the program. In a world where we can often feel unanchored, they

are looking for a new way of life that works. It is not all seriousness though, as our conversation

covers topics like movies, tea, and the best places in Vancouver to find Thai curry!

Those young women who are new to Young Wolves Lodge are often shy, withdrawn, and a

little wary, but soon their curiosity and desire to share their experiences wins out. They share

thoughtful and lively opinions. At the end of each hour, we discuss if there is someone or some

situation they would like me to pray for when I return to the church.

There is a lot of energy and gratitude at the YWL, and a strong desire to care for family

members and friends, especially the ones met in the program. The staff

have an attentive and protective presence too, which makes for a warm,

welcoming and nurturing environment.”

‘With thanks, Mother Jessica, for being part of the family!’ Linda Adams, President, Coming Home Society

December 2011

GREETINGS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS….

It doesn't matter how much you think you know, or conceive to be. Depending on how open and honest you are; you begin to realize how human you actually are. Before entering (Young Wolves Lodge) I believed myself to be somewhat of an enthusiastic, philosophical know-it-all. I was like a poker star playing to win, with my perfected poker face. I had nothing of substance with the cards I had been dealt—going all in, bluffing the fact that I most certainly had nothing. Not that I was nothing, but I was a person of minimal truth and humility. If we could put into words visually the young lady I used to be, we could see on the inside that I was as good as dead. As many who seek refuge from addiction first enter recovery feeling lost, hopeless, and beyond despair, I too had that character within. The sadness felt, was overwhelming, and I contemplated the act of death. The immensity of sorrow felt as if it were beyond repair.

Fortunately I was lucky to come to Young Wolves Lodge and since then nothing but good things have happened in my life. I’ve been gifted with wisdom and knowledge from all who have walked through the doors of this sacred lodge. Each person I met, set my foot on the path which I could take. After hours of attentive listening to what has been so generously expressed, my heart has been filled with loving hope that change indeed is possible.

Never in my life had I expected so much love and growth. I feel as though this program has given me an opportunity to live truthfully on the Red road. If it was not for the genuine compassion, love and beauty of the staff, I would not have grown sufficiently as a whole. I hold them ever so dearly, close to my heart. It has been by honour to have learned the beauty of life through them.

As my Graduation approaches, I can say that I leave this program with loving tears of gratitude that a place like this exists and I have had the good fortune to be part of this program. My experience has been superb in growth and self-esteem. I leave this safe sanctuary with hope that a bright future of joy may soon become a reality. I wish all who enter this program a positive outcome and loving growth, as each person who lives within this world deserves equally this gift of joyful understanding of all that is.

Yours truly, Anonymous, Age 20 Young Wolves Lodge Graduate

Graduation cake.

Inspiring words from a program graduate….

The fastest growing demographic of

Canadian society is Aboriginal people

under the age of 25.

These young folks need their moms….

“Currently there are three times more children in government care than at the height of the Residential School system. Aboriginal children account for 4% of Canada’s children, but make up 30-40% of all children in care. They often end up in multiple foster homes, alienated from their families, and suffer the same kind of cultural dislocation created by the Residential School system.” (Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada)

Young Wolves Lodge offers each woman tools for a healthy life, a healthy pregnancy, and the best possible chance to parent her children. Libby gave birth to a healthy baby, Virginia,

two weeks before her graduation from YWL.

“Addiction treatment programs across the country have tended to focus on the individual whereas a culturally based program focuses on families and communities. We haven’t fully understood or fully appreciated the role culture has to play.” (Carol Hopkins, Executive Director of the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation) Culturally based Young Wolves Lodge heals by giving Aboriginal women back their pride and connection to their families and communities.

Courtney with her children at her graduation, distributing the traditional give-away of gifts she has made for all who are present at the ceremony.

Young Wolves Lodge is needed more than ever

Following our four-month residential program young women receive a year of on-going mentoring from our Transition Worker. It makes all the difference! Introducing two of our graduates….

Kim has found her place of belonging in the community and is currently working as a barista. She has also been an employee of Cobs Bread.

Winona was 1,001 days clean and sober on November 26th. She is now a member of the Urban Native Youth Association Board of Directors.

All who support us through the Diocesan Care & Share outreach program. All individuals and groups in the community for financial and in-kind gifts. All who supported our fundraisers, Christmas celebrations, and NA group. Everyone at St. James’ Church, the home base

of the Coming Home Society. Bishop Ingham & all the Synod Office staff. Homeless Partnership Initiatives Fund. Our partner, Urban Native Youth Association, and the caring staff of Young Wolves Lodge!

To donate please make your cheque payable to the Coming Home Society and mail it to 303 E. Cordova St., Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1L4 (all donations will receive a charitable tax receipt) Contact information: Linda Adams, 604-433-8047 or ladams99@shaw.ca. Also find us on the St. James’ Church, Diocesan, and Urban Native Youth websites.

Our thanks to….

Transitioning from Young Wolves Lodge

Giving back….

This summer the women picked a year’s supply of sage for use by future residents of YWL. They are adamant that this program must be here for other young women. To promote it, and the Transition Worker position, they spoke at a Diocesan church and allowed filming by Shaw TV. (Google Young Wolves Lodge - Youtube, Jan. 2011 to see this story.)