Rewriting the Story: Mike’s New Chapter at Anawim

At Anawim, rewriting the story is more than a campaign theme—it’s a daily reality. Every person who walks through our doors brings chapters filled with hardship, courage, and hope. Mike’s journey is one of those remarkable stories. Today, he’s chosen to share it in his own words, showing what rewriting a story can truly look like.

“My Name Is Mike—and Here’s How My Story Changed”

Hello, my name is Mike. I’m a Cree man from Cowessess Nation. I’m a survivor of childhood trauma and abuse—a survivor of the 60s scoop. A survivor of racism growing up. A survivor of over 25 years in prison. And a survivor of more than 30 years of addiction.

My journey in life has proudly brought me to be the man who stands before you today. At 50 years old, I’ve now been sober for 13 years. And I’ve been out of prison for over three years.

What does the context of my story have to do with Anawim House? Well, if my journey hadn’t brought me to Victoria, I would have ended up back in my hometown, lost in addiction and crime. But it was the personal work I did on myself—becoming mindful of my triggers—that helped break the addiction cycle.

Finding My Way to Anawim

The journey to being 13 years sober helped me get into Anawim House. Everything I learned about overcoming adversity, about how you can rewire your mind, prepared me for this place.

At Anawim, they take a mindful, science-based approach to addiction. But even more importantly, their approach is deeply personal—compassionate toward every resident’s story and struggles. Coming from prison the last time—a long 10 years—I worked hard to change my actions and prove to myself that change is possible. After my release, I spent three years at the Salvation Army halfway house, as part of my rehabilitation and gradual return to society.

Instead of jumping straight from a structured environment to living on my own, I knew I needed something in between. I wanted a sober environment, with structure and resources to keep me honest on my sobriety path. That’s what brought me to Anawim.

What Anawim Means to Me

Anawim House helped me feel totally supported. House meetings let us deal with issues together. SMART Recovery meetings provided a science-backed way to manage addiction. And LEAP health and wellness seminars, part-time job support, and the sense of community all made it easier to stay on track.

The staff at Anawim are like angels on our shoulders—always ready to listen or connect us with resources. They come from a place of real compassion. Anawim has taught me responsibility, from daily chores to cooking

---

The Next Chapter—For All of Us

Mike’s story is proof that no one’s previous chapter has to define their future. At Anawim, we see courage like his every day—but it’s only possible when there’s a safe, welcoming community ready to walk alongside.

Thank you for believing in new beginnings and for helping make stories like Mike’s possible. Every gift, every volunteer hour, every gesture of support helps someone take their next step and “rewrite the story.”

Will you help rewrite the next story?

You can make a real difference for more people like Mike:

• Give a one-time gift to provide safe, compassionate support when it’s needed most.

• Or become a Companion by joining our monthly donor program—providing steady hope, every month, for every new chapter.

Your support truly helps turn the page for someone ready to begin again. Thank you for walking alongside our community.