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.
Bio coming soon.
Ben is the Lead Pastor at FA. Ben and His wife Heather have served together in Pastoral and Apostolic ministry for over 20 years.
They share a deep spiritual burden for our nation of Canada – specifically for the unchurched and the next generation. They long to see a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our time, and they believe that some of the most exciting days for the Canadian church are ahead.
Together with their four daughters, they count it an incredible honour to be able to serve Jesus and serve the City of Calgary.
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 been a member of the Calgary Dream Centre Board of Directors since March 2022. Cal and his wife Kerry have been supporters of the Dream Centre for a number of years.
Cal is a Business Advisor with a focus on Coaching and Leadership Development. He has spent his career in the Agriculture Equipment Industry and was a John Deere Equipment Dealer for 19 years. He is a Professional Engineer and holds an ICD.D designation with the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Cal and Kerry have been married 34 years and have 3 adult sons. They volunteer in marriage ministry at Centre Street Church and enjoy spending time cycling, boating, skiing, and travelling.
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Retired General Manager It Operations and Signals and Communications for Canadian Pacific Railway after 34 years of service. Currently the Board Chairman and Project Manager for the Calgary Dream Centre, a position held for the past 18 years.
