However, my job started taking me out of town and I started to use substances while I was away from my family. After some time, I noticed I was increasingly looking forward to leaving town just so I could use. I became what you would identify as a “functioning addict”.
Eventually my wife and I decided to divorce. After that, I had nothing to keep me straight and sober during my time at home. Addiction ran my life, and I became a slave to it. I started feeling so empty and hopeless inside. After four years of using, I ended up in a treatment facility because I had tried to take my own life.
My sister’s neighbour happened to be a case manager at the Calgary Dream Centre. After she shared my story with this case manager, he recommended I enroll in the CDC’s Men’s Recovery Program. When I eventually agreed to go, he made sure I had a space in the program. When I first walked through the main facility doors, I was skinny, scared and my heart was shattered. Until I saw our receptionist who smiled at me and told me I was going to be okay.
Going through my program gave me hope that despite my past of addiction there was a light at the end of the tunnel. At first, I really was not into the faith side of things. I did not believe in miracles or God. However, one day, after thoroughly cleaning my room. I left and came back to a little white book that said, “You are so loved”. It was the book of John from the Bible. I asked several people if they had placed it there. No one had. I talked to my counsellor about this, and he helped me find the source I was looking for. From that point forward, my life changed and the hole in my heart I tried to fill with substances was filled by love.
As part of giving back, I started teaching a “body, mind and spirit class” to the program residents. I am passionate about fitness and enjoy using my knowledge of personal training to help those overcoming addiction reach their fitness goals. Fitness is an important part of recovery. When I was doing drugs, I picked substances where my endorphins and dopamine would go up in a quick blast. When I was not using, I was left yearning for that “blast” again.
Fitness helps you get that “blast” in a healthy way, and I encourage all residents I speak with to consider fitness as part of their healing journey in recovery. It is not just good for their bodies; it is great for creating connection. Going to the gym with one another creates comradery amongst us. It helps rebuild self esteem which many of us have lost in addiction. When you can start seeing yourself changed and transformed in the mirror. It is a great feeling. It often reflects the transformation that is going on inside of us too.
I have been here at the CDC long enough that recovery is starting to feel natural. I am transitioning from working here to going back to my previous career as a welder. While I am moving forward, I will continue to be involved. The Dream Centre has helped me build a life worth living. Now, I want to continue to help others that come here build meaningful lives filled with hope.
The Calgary Dream Centre is FULL of hope. I love being around people who are deciding to change their lives. That itself is a reason to hope. It is always a fresh brand-new day here for those who want life change.
Together we can remind the people of Calgary that no one is beyond hope.
Bio coming soon.
Steve Balisky is an intrapreneur with over 15 years of experience driving data-driven transformation within national companies Suncor and Mark’s. He has also been providing leadership consulting to nonprofits for the last 10 years and has served on the CDC board since 2019. Steve holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Management and an MBA in Strategy. He is a husband and father of two, and has his own faith-filled recovery story, which inspires him to support others on their path to recovery.
Ben has been the Lead Pastor of First Assembly Church in Calgary since 2014, bringing over 30 years of ministry and leadership experience to the non-profit sector. He’s also an executive leadership coach, helping leaders thrive across various sectors since 2012. His experience includes serving on national and regional boards within his denomination, as well as supporting Vancouver’s homeless through his past involvement with Operation Compassion. Ben has served on the CDC board in Calgary for the past decade and believes the Church plays a vital role in creating lasting community impact.
Craig Hill has been involved with the Calgary Dream Centre (CDC) since its inception. Starting with trips to the LA Dream Centre where seeds were planted in him that were never forgotten. After years of working in business, real estate, and church ministry, Craig returned to the CDC to step in as the CEO. Craig has a deep appreciation for the life change that happens here, the incredible team, and seeing the redemptive work that God is doing. Outside of work, Craig is a family man who loves nothing more than being with his wife and kids at the lake.
David grew up in northern Canada and attended the University of Alberta where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked as an engineer for about seven years before moving into project management and then business management, primarily focused in the oil and gas production and refining industry.
David stepped into the COO role of a business that was in trouble due to the 2008 financial crisis. After turning that business around, he took an international role leading project managers who managed a portfolio of $1.5B of projects around the globe.
Since then, David has consulted for businesses and organizations in medicine, engineering, homelessness, and addiction recovery, and serves on various not-for-profit boards.
David is currently running another business in California that was also in need of a dramatic turnaround and now scaling this business for further profitable growth.
Cal has spent 35 years in the agricultural industry and brings domestic and international executive leadership experience in strategy development, operations, business development, and M&A in a rapid growth environment. He is a Professional Engineer, Certified Post Merger Integration Specialist, and is a holder of the Institute of Corporate Directors Director designation (ICD.D).
Throughout his life, Cal has volunteered in his community in sport and programs that focus on relational, emotional, and spiritual health. He has served on non-profit boards in both governance and advisory capacities. Cal truly believes no one is beyond hope and counts it a privilege to serve at the Calgary Dream Centre.
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Bob Nash is a dedicated and service focused professional Electrical Engineer volunteering as Board Chair and Project Manager for the Calgary Dream Centre (CDC). Bob’s involvement with the CDC extends to its earliest days. His faith, and his sincere passion for helping people overcome addiction and restoring their lives, have motivated his service. Using his 35 years of senior management experience at Canadian Pacific Railway, Bob has effectively used his leadership, management, strategic planning, project management skills and philanthropic support to help propel the Calgary Dream Centre to where it is today. Bob and his wife of 44 years have two children and six grandchildren.
