Priscilla is a 52-year-old member of the Stoney Nakoda Nation. 13 years after her first visit at our drop-in centre, she came back for her Indigenous Justice social work practicum. Priscilla’s life is a great example of the rich journeys of the women we serve and the positive change they are able to bring in their lives by accessing our services.
“I came to Vancouver in 2011. I didn’t know anyone. I started going to DEWC often for meals, showers, clothing—basic needs. One day, I met with a housing worker there, and she was so helpful. She got me on income assistance and helped me find housing in a communal living space with nine other women. It was working well, but at the time, I was drinking, and after two years, I got in a bad fight with another woman and was evicted.
I moved in with my partner for six months but went to DEWC every day for a shower and to hang out with the people. I found a place in the West End and started to build my life there.
I have been sober since June 2, 2018. Sobering up is hard: when you drink, you forget how to have fun without alcohol. I had to relearn everything and went through a big depression. I wanted to be stable enough before I met my grandson and made it, sober and in a good place, to his first birthday!
I started working in construction, which I really enjoyed, but my body wouldn’t let me. I was also starting to realize that I wanted to help people, to make a difference. When I go back home, I see a lot of young people who struggle with addiction. Many of them lose their lives to an overdose and leave little kids behind. It is so unfair and sad; I really want to use my experience to help them. Growing up, I didn’t have a great parental role model. I was taken around a lot. I just want this cycle to stop and allow kids to grow up in a nurturing environment so they can make the best decisions for themselves.
That’s how I started studying Indigenous Justice at Native Education College. At the end of my course, I had to do a practicum and wanted to do it with DEWC. My whole journey, who I am, happened thanks to the team at DEWC. They helped me change my life. They really care about the women they serve, and I wanted to join them. This was my way of paying them back for what they did for me.
I am really happy now. I met a lot of people from different cultures, I love spending time with the women, and help them. I’m in the process of getting my driver’s license, and I’m excited for my graduation this summer!”
We would like to thank Priscilla for sharing her story and her ongoing commitment supporting women and children in the DTES through through her practicum with DEWC.