Tim from John Gibson House

Tim has lived at John Gibson House for over 8 years. Tim's is a story of success in progress.

Tim came from a troubled background. He experienced abuse at home. He developed schizophrenia in his late teens and, at the same time, became addicted to marijuana. At one point in time during his late teens, partly as a result of his schizophrenia and partly from his angry response to abuse, he tried to kill his father. After spending several years in and out of various boarding homes, he came to John Gibson House.

Since he moved here, his progress in successfully dealing with his life challenges has been slow but there have been significant positive changes and growth. Although he still struggles with his addictions, anti-social behaviours and isolation, he has made some remarkable achievements. He is learning a sense of responsibility that has enabled him to work for a period of time with Booth Industries. Tim now has a small job at John Gibson House that he works at each day. He describes his work as an opportunity to give something back to the house as well as receiving a sense of accomplishment and pride. Although he keeps to himself most of the time, he has participated in group camping events organized by Archway and has thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

His support worker from CAMH who has followed Tim for many years, attributes his success to the stable living environment that John Gibson House provides and the consistent support that he receives from staff. She has commented on numerous occasions that it` it weren't for John Gibson House, Tim would be out on the street because no one else would take him in.

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