Central New Brunswick

Sue’s Story: A Journey from Discomfort to Community 

Raised in a family of nine in Saint John, Susan’s early life was marked by trauma and dysfunction. Despite these challenges, she persevered, earning a Human Services diploma and building a life. She got married, owned property, and had a career. At age 28, a struggle with addiction began, escalating into a period of homelessness that led her to seek a new beginning in Fredericton. 

The journey was far from easy. She found herself cycling in and out of a women’s shelter and living in a tent. While living rough, she experienced an incident that served as a stark, terrifying moment of clarity. It convinced her to accept an offer for a home in the 12 Neighbours community, a place where people who have experienced trauma and homelessness can find a safe place to heal. United Way provides funding to 12 Neighbours to help support residents to achieve independence and stability. 

Taste the bitter before you can taste the sweet 

Even with a home, Sue’s struggle continued. She grappled with addiction and mental health issues that left her feeling isolated and scared. It was a harrowing low point that led her to a turning point and to seek help once more. 

This time, her path to recovery led to an outside rehab facility. It was there that she learned a crucial lesson, echoing a guiding phrase from a favourite journal:  

“You’re going to have to taste this bitter before you can appreciate the sweet.”

Sue took this lesson to heart, realizing that the struggles were part of her healing process. 

12 Neighbours and a passion for woodworking 

An opportunity to return to 12 Neighbours with the support of their community contingency program helped play a vital role in her recovery, providing accountability and routine. Her dedication and commitment to the program led to an opportunity to work in the 12 Neighbours property maintenance department, where she learned new skills like woodworking and painting. The contingency plans and programs at 12 Neighbours are deeply individualized, which helps each resident focus on their own personal healing and growth. 

“The reward of being nine months clean isn’t a physical thing—it’s getting to live in a nice, quiet, safe neighborhood, the opportunity to have a job, and be around good-minded people. The programs here at 12 Neighbours are awesome; these people are taking a chance on us. Even though we have all been broken, we are becoming stronger together as individuals and as a community.” 

Sue recently started the 12 Neighbours entrepreneur program, which has helped her rediscover her passion for woodworking. Having worked with wood for years, Sue can use the resources and support to sell her unique pieces in the onsite 12 Neighbours Ventures initiative, located inside its social enterprise Neighbourly Coffee.  

Today, Sue’s life is profoundly transformed. The reward, not a physical possession, but a restored sense of peace and purpose.