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When you start over with nothing, the little things can add up. Obtaining a phone, opening a bank account, and acquiring identification cards can occupy a lot of mental energy — enough to pull focus away from the big stuff: Staying sober. Staying out of prison. 

Brandy (not her real name) was transferred to Fraser Valley Institution for Women (FVI) from another province. While she had spent time in the provincial corrections system, this was her first time in federal prison. She was there for three and a half years. Nearing parole, Brandy began treatment for substance use disorder. 

“I had lost two people in my life that meant a lot to me, and that’s what set me off. I was stuck in addiction for years, not wanting to deal with the grief.” 

Brandy knew it was time to make some changes. “Anyone who’s been in the justice system knows how to coast and tell them what they want to hear,” she said. “I told my parole officer at FVI that I really want to change. I want to be honest with myself.”  

She asked for help getting her identification and bank accounts set up. Her PO referred her to No One Leaves Alone (NOLA). That’s when she met Allyson Johnson, a Program Leader at M2W2. 

“I tried to open a bank account,” Brandy said, “but they didn’t accept my CSC (Correctional Service Canada) card as an ID. Allyson drove me to get photos [for a suitable ID] and helped pay for the photos.”

Allyson also helped Brandy get clothing and a phone, which Brandy said was especially important. “I am taking my sobriety very seriously, and I wanted to have a working phone to have easy access to my support system or if I want to get out of a situation.” 

Brandy said that if it wasn’t for NOLA’s support, she would be worrying about meeting her basic needs. “That stress isn’t good when you are trying to work through your sobriety.” 

Practical Support and a Safe Space  

In addition to practical support, Brandy also found emotional support through NOLA. As Allyson and Brandy spent time together, they built a relationship. 

“It felt good,” she said. “Allyson connected with me, and she understood. It was easy to talk to her. It gives you a better feeling about yourself when someone else believes in you and wants to help you get where you want to go.” 

And where is it that Brandy wants to go? Back home to her family.   

In August, Brandy transferred back to her home province, where she’ll complete her parole at a halfway house. She’s already applied for housing, so when her statutory release date comes, she’ll have somewhere to live.  

She plans to finish her Grade 12 and take a carpentry course. She’s looking forward to spending more time with her kids and mother. “My mom’s getting old and I want to make her proud,” she said.  

She also wants to pursue creative endeavours: art, tattooing, and native bead work.  

Going Forward with a Positive Frame of Mind  

“NOLA has really helped me a lot,” Brandy said. “There have been times when I’ve gotten out and wanted to make that change, but I didn’t have the resources.” 

According to Brandy, taking part in NOLA helps her stay positive. “I’ve never succeeded on my own. The help I’ve received from Allyson has helped me succeed. It has taken stress away and allowed me to focus on my sobriety.” 

This story appears in our Fall 2022 newsletter.