This holiday season, as we reflect on the strength found in connection, we are reminded of the profound impact that support from a community can have on those facing life’s toughest challenges.
Joe’s story is one of strength, vulnerability, and the power of connection. Living with Tourette Syndrome, a neurological condition that causes involuntary tics, Joe has faced daily challenges. Some days are more manageable than others, but on the toughest days, when what he calls the “monster” takes control, life can feel overwhelming.
In these moments, connection has been Joe’s lifeline—and that connection is what he found at Carya.
The Beginning of Connection
Joe’s journey at Carya started with a referral from I Can for Kids, an organization that provides grocery store gift cards to families in need. This referral led Joe and his family to Carya’s Village Commons community hub, where they found not just assistance but a place of safety and acceptance. Unlike other places where he often felt treated as a problem to be fixed, at Carya, Joe was met with compassion and respect.
The warm welcome Joe received at Carya immediately stood out to him. Walking in, he was introduced to a caring team member who showed him around and let his daughter pick out a free book.
It was in this moment that Joe experienced something rare: a space where he wasn’t judged or seen as a challenge to solve but rather embraced as a valued part of the community.
“When I visit Carya, I just get to see people who bring light and life into my world.”
This sense of connection and acceptance was something Joe had long been missing. It was the beginning of his journey toward belonging.
Building Resilience Through Support
At Carya, Joe discovered more than just a welcoming environment. He found programs that became pillars of support for him and his family. One program, in particular, stood out: a father’s group designed to support dads navigating similar struggles. In this group, Joe found a space to share his experiences and connect with other fathers facing their own challenges. “It was helpful to hear other dads’ stories,” Joe reflects. “Everyone carries something that makes life so challenging.”
Joe also found valuable support through Carya’s counselling services. Having worked with other therapists in the past, Joe was used to being analyzed rather than truly understood. But at Carya, he experienced a different approach.
Rather than focusing solely on his symptoms, the counsellors at Carya offered him a space to reflect on his life and gain a deeper understanding of his reality. “The fact is, my condition isn’t going away,” Joe explains.
“It’s something I’ll always have to live with. No counselling session can stop my tics, but I needed more therapeutic talk to help me understand and navigate my reality.”
A Moment of Compassion
One of the most memorable moments for Joe was when the same team member who had shown him around on his first visit hugged him. “No one ever touches me,” Joe admits.
“It was such a compassionate act that it broke me on the inside in the best way.”
Carya: A Place Where He Belongs
Over the past year, Carya has become an anchor in Joe’s life. It’s not just about food gift cards or the programs; it’s about the people who brighten his day while helping him navigate the complexities of life. For Joe, Carya is more than just a community organization—it’s a place where he and his family truly belong.
Joe’s journey is a powerful reminder that connection is not just about companionship—it’s about the tangible resources and unwavering support that help individuals build a foundation for strength.
You Can Be the Connection That Makes a Difference
This holiday season, you can be the key to strengthening these vital connections. By supporting Carya’s essential programs, you’re providing individuals and families like Joe’s with the opportunity to build resilience through connection.
Donate today to help ensure Carya’s programs and services remain accessible to those who need them – when and where they need them most.
Together, we can build a more resilient Calgary—one meaningful connection at a time.