Family Outreach

Troy has accessed a number of different programs at Abbotsford Community Services, and he says every one of them has been very helpful in getting his life back on track.

When Troy was battling addictions he was going through a separation from his wife and his young son. Not being able to have time with his son was a big strain on him. That was motive enough for him to self-refer to the ACS Abbotsford Addictions Centre. Troy participated in group sessions as well as individual counseling, and eventually spent 90 days at Kinghaven Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre.

“It was good to have a place to talk – really talk – not just about my addiction, but other things too,” says Troy. “When my son was placed in foster care I had a tough time. But after recovery and with a clear mind I realized that getting through these situations was do-able.”

Troy also connected to the Family Outreach and Family Education programs and did some Effective Parenting classes. He has always appreciated having people at ACS that acted as a sounding board for him and as liaisons between himself, MCFD and his social worker. On Saturday mornings Troy participates in the New Beginnings Fathering program called My Daddy & Me and loves the socialization his son gets there with other young children.

The custody of Troy’s son is still in question but he is hopeful that he will have him back in his life full-time soon. “It will be a lot of work, being a single working dad, but I am totally committed to him. Thanks to ACS some of the things I learned are how to deal with him in a respectful way and still be fair. I’ve learned some negotiating techniques. I’ve gotten knowledge and advice that makes sense to me and I can actually use.”

Some of the most important things Troy will take away from his experiences at ACS are that staff members are approachable. He appreciated the fact that no one ever looked down on him and he never felt like he was “some kind of low life” and he never felt judged.

Does Troy feel like a success today? “Absolutely! One hundred percent,” he replies with a wide smile. “Everything is finally coming together for me. I don’t know where I would be if it hadn’t been for all the programs at Abbotsford Community Services.”