My Journey with BCRS

My journey with Bairn Croft began in 2015, and it's been a path filled with both highs and lows. When I first moved to Bairn Croft, I exhibited many challenging behaviors, and I certainly demonstrated them. My addictions led me to make poor choices, prompting Bairn Croft to recommend a move from Harlequin to Emmett. I must admit, I wasn’t pleased with this recommendation. I didn’t believe I needed to be moved to the countryside to stay safe.

During my stay at Emmett, my only focus was to undermine the programming that was put in place for my safety. I was determined to prove that I knew best. But, boy, was I wrong. In February 2017, the government of Nunavut decided that I needed to move to Edmonton, believing it was in my best interest. However, they couldn’t have been more mistaken. Edmonton wasn’t safe for me at all.

Eventually, the Government of Nunavut reached out to Bairn Croft to see if they would take me back, and I’m incredibly grateful they did. I returned to Ottawa on July 31, 2017, and that’s the day my life truly began to change.

When I got off the plane, I was greeted by two staff members and handed a behavior support plan. At the time, I felt it was too controlling, but looking back, I realize it was designed for my success. I’m not saying I was cured or that I didn’t still have issues when I moved back, but it was, without a doubt, in my best interest.

Bairn Croft had very strict guidelines for me. At times, it was uncomfortable, but I made the decision to work with them to improve my life. That decision changed everything. Once I stopped fighting them and started cooperating, my life became much more stable. It took a lot of hard work from both me and my support staff, but once I became invested in the process, things began to improve.

After a few years, I only needed the support of one staff member. Slowly but surely, as my progress was measured, I moved toward independence. Today, I live in my own apartment, still with the continued support of Bairn Croft.

Living on my own has not been without its challenges, and I still need staff support throughout the week. But overall, I’m doing okay. I know I still have a lot to work on, as most of us do, but I also know that I’ve got this. I continue to welcome the support that Bairn Croft provides because, in my heart of hearts, I know I’m alive because of them.