We love to celebrate! Perhaps you joined us last year at one of our 50th anniversary events, honouring five decades of hope and homes. Staff held fun celebrations for tenant and staff achievements at our Leadership Conference in May. And thanks to so many of you, over 1,290 people are now safely housed, with access to the supports they need to thrive.
While the “big” milestones — like the opening of a new building or a large donation — are cause for celebration, it can often be the small steps and everyday achievements of Indwell tenants and staff that make a huge impact.
We asked program staff to tell us about some of the everyday milestones they celebrate with tenants, and the response was overwhelming. We hope you’re inspired by the many “little celebrations” happening across our regions:
Six months smoke-free and thriving
Harvey Woods Lofts, Woodstock
After smoking for over 50 years, Maxine decided to quit on her own to improve her health. With support and check-ins from staff, she’s been smoke-free for over six months. Her improved health has allowed her to continue diamond painting, rejoin tenant-led programming, and display her beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the atrium. Staff are planning a celebration to mark her upcoming one-year smoke-free milestone.
Christmas dinner with community
King William Flats, Hamilton
New residents enjoyed their first Christmas dinner at the recently opened King William Flats. A resident stated during the festivities that it was “such a great human thing we’re doing. When we’re out on the streets, we’re alone but when we are here housed, we are home.”
Three years of wellness
Parkdale Landing, Hamilton
(TW: self-harm) This past November, tenant Kim celebrated her three-year anniversary of stopping self-harm, a problem that used to require emergency services at least every few months. Staff threw her a party with cake, karaoke, and tear-filled speeches.
Kim has also been a tenant employee at Parkdale Landing for three years, where staff describe her as having an “incredible work ethic.”
100 days of sobriety
Hambleton Hall, Simcoe
Tenant Felicia recently celebrated 100 days of sobriety. Since beginning her journey toward this goal, staff have supported her with a daily calendar count.
Across Indwell’s regions, staff have shared inspiring tenant successes:
- Securing meaningful employment.
- Staying consistent with medication routines.
- Making steady progress in addiction treatment and recovery.
- Engaging more actively in community activities.
- Maintaining clean, organized apartments.
- Reaching out to staff for support when needed.
- Paying off rent arrears through a payment plan and celebrating the financial milestone with a small staff-hosted party.
- You can make more of these wonderful celebrations possible through specific giving opportunities at indwell.ca/gifts-of-hope
