Paige’s Story
LOFT client since 2009
“Without LOFT I wouldn’t be here today.”
There’s no other way to describe it – before LOFT, I was on a life-threatening trajectory. To others, my childhood looked picture-perfect – a nice, suburban, middle-class family – but it was, in reality, deeply troubled and chaotic. I was sexually abused from the age of three and, when my parents split up, I was bounced between them.
At first, I acted out my pain, confusion and rage. I rebelled and ran away from home many times. And then, as a teenager, I learned I could cover it up. I spent a decade completely numb. I got mixed up with some equally wounded people, doing every drug imaginable, and living on the streets.
By the time I ended up in an adult jail, I was too exhausted to be scared. I just didn’t feel anything.
And then someone mentioned LOFT.
Without LOFT I wouldn’t be half the person that I am today. I have honestly done a 360 in my life. One of the things I love best about LOFT is that the clients are so involved in everything that is being done. We feel very important, and the staff make us feel that way.
Honestly, I have been a part of many agencies and this is one of very few, where I feel like I am not just a number. The staff are here because they care about us and they love what they are doing.
With the help of the LOFT team, I’ve learned how to take care of myself – basic things like how to shop for and prepare food, and how to budget. I’ve come to understand what’s going on inside of me. And I’ve come to know and like myself.
What I feel most fortunate about is that I now have aspirations, dreams, and the ability to make good things happen in my life.
These were things I thought were possible for others, not for me. I think that sometimes we lose sight of ourselves despite our best intentions and we just need somebody to show us some love so that we can find it inside ourselves to love who we are again.
I’ve achieved so many things lately. I got my high school diploma, a huge accomplishment. Then I went further, getting a Community Social Services Worker Diploma. I’ve also become a Peer Mentor, helping others who are going through the same kind of experience as me.
I have a real, full, healthy life. I’m part of a community of caring men and women. And I have a promising future.
LOFT saved my life.
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LOFT Community Services
15 Toronto Street, 9th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5C 2E3
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Toronto, Ontario M5C 2E3
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Charitable Registration Number: 13058-6605-RR0001