Tom's Story - John Gibson House

As a young man, I had a very promising future as a professional architect in a very prominent firm.  However, at the age of 26, I became seriously ill with a mental disorder and my world began to fall apart.  My career as an architect came to an end, my marriage broke down and I felt that I had lost complete control of my life.

The next several years were spent in hospitals and various sub‑standard boarding homes, I was fortunate to finally find a place that I could actually call home.  That place is John Gibson House, which is operated by LOFT Community Services.  From the natural beauty of the park in which the house is situated to the delicious home cooked meals that are served, this setting provides the physical environment I need to make a successful recovery.  But more important, I feel that with the support of the caring staff, who treat me with dignity and respect, I have been given the opportunity to rebuild my life.

Although I have a long way to go, I am becoming reconnected with my community.  Through John Gibson House's community garden, the Residents Committee, and an art therapy program, to name a few examples, I am able, once again, to contribute to the lives of other people in meaningful and significant ways.

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