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I drifted through life for a long time until I spent two years in jail in my early twenties. When I got out, I was sober. I fell in love. We had a child together—a perfect little girl. My daughter.
Things were going well for a while, but when I started drinking again, my girlfriend took our daughter and left the house. I was gutted, and I let myself go. I was homeless, using heavy drugs, in severe pain, and unable to keep a job.
I found my way to a hospital where they put me into a detox program and referred me to the Calgary Dream Centre.
From the very first day at the Dream Centre, it was nothing but love. Even when I was just going through the motions. I was always surrounded by love.
When I graduated from the Dream Centre, I reunited with my daughter and her mother. But alcohol re-entered the picture, and her mother was arrested. And then, one morning, Child and Family Services showed up and took my daughter away.
As soon as the door shut, I fell to the ground. I had no hope whatsoever. I began drinking myself to death. It was rock bottom, and I didn’t think I could go on.
I don’t remember how it happened, but I had the sense to call the Calgary Dream Centre. A few days later, I was standing outside, wondering if I had the courage to go in.
And that’s where they embraced me. That’s where everything changed. Many people who relapse into addiction feel isolated, alone, and unworthy of help. And as they fall deeper into hopelessness and despair, it becomes harder for them to get the help they need and deserve. And that’s exactly what the Calgary Dream Centre provides.
It’s true. I did. But now I get to help other daddies and mommies get better, and I’m teaching them the same lessons that helped me turn my life around.
There are so many stories just like mine. We just hired someone who went through the program twice. He relapsed just like me. But we both got a second chance, and we took it.
I’m glad I came back. And I’m glad that more people in Calgary have the opportunity to get the help they need—for the first, second, or third time. Because I know they’ll be embraced and surrounded with love the moment they walk through the door.
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.
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.
