Letters from clients:

  “People always used to tell me that one day my life would be better and that every breath I take, every step I take is one moment closer to where I want to be. 

 The day I moved into Highbanks is the day I began to believe it. 

 There have been several times in my life when the obstacles I was faced with convinced me life just isn’t worth it. Despite the knowledge that none of it was self-inflicted, I still felt at blame. I felt worthless, punished, a bad mother, unloved, and a mistake to the world. 

 I now feel safe where I am. I have never known what that truly feels like until now. I have come to realize that I am worth it and (my child) is counting on me. To be the exact opposite of my mom is my goal, and I know I will be the best mom possible. The way I parent and interact with (my child) has changed since I’ve been here at Highbanks too. I take more time to appreciate every accomplishment that he makes. I am more affectionate and motivated. 

 I can’t remember how long it has been since I’ve felt this kind of happiness. I know there will be many more times to come that I say it, but thank you. I suppose I just needed someone to believe in me, and support me all along, but now I have that.

 Thank you for taking a chance on having me here. I am very lucky. You ... are amazing people and I’m glad I get to get to know you ... better (and vice versa).  Thanks again. 

 Words can’t describe how this saved me.”

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 “I came to Highbanks in 2005 with my two and a half month old son. We had less than nothing. I owed money to many people and had no idea how I was going to be able to raise a child on my own. Bette came with her offer to join the Highbanks community and I jumped at it. It turned out that this would be a major turning point in our lives. Bette hooked us up with more resources than I knew what to do with, and before I knew it I was able to enroll in an upgrading program that was fully funded and I had a plan for post-secondary, something I hadn’t let myself  dream of in many years. With her help and support I aslo managed to  learn how to drive and obtained my drivers licence. 

 It was my connection with Bette that helped me to get divorced from my ex, as well as file for child maintenance. Then there were the extras like the Christmas hampers which allowed me to give my child a real Christmas, not to mention the parenting support that helped to get a diagnosis for my son who is now enrolled at Providence and will most likely be able to achieve his milestones in time that he won’t be negatively impacted when he reaches elementary school age.

 In short, if it wasn’t for our two years at Highbanks I doubt our story would be a happy one, but thanks to Bette and her resourcefulness, it is.”

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 Testimonials from our clients: 

♥...If I didn't live here I don't know what my life would look like and I'm very grateful that I will never have to know that.  This program has helped me succeed in the things that I want to do and probably wouldn't be succeeding in under other circumstances....I especially appreciate the things you do on a personal level.  You don't just run the building, you get to know us.”

 ♥“We are ... immensely appreciative of you and the privilege of living here.  I hope that you would never consider shutting it down, in fact I hope that you consider expanding it.  When I tell people at school about where I live they always say they wish they could live here regardless of whether or not they have a child.”

 ♥ Highbanks have been amazing to me. I never in my life thought I was going to get my Learners Permit. But thanks to Bette I went in and got it on my first shot. It is a step that I didn't think I was going to take".

♥ I appreciate everything that Highbanks has done and I am glad they took the time to invest in me. I am here to do my best because I want the program to continue in the future". 

♥ I feel like this is a home. It's a place where I can communicate with the girls and tell them my problems. It's just like a family, more than a family". 

♥ It's made it easier because they give you a lot of support. The rent is cheaper, help is always there. If you need tables or a bed set for your son, they help with everything. It's getting us ready to be on our own".  

♥ If it wasn't for them (Highbanks) I would probably be taking another year off. I would just be making excuse after excuse because I would be like I can't do it. - Very overwhelmed".