In the heart of downtown Sudbury, our Addiction Recovery Office (ARO) works in partnership with other organizations to support men and women struggling with addiction, battling mental health challenges, and facing homelessness.
Our Outreach Program Coordinator, Leanne, works closely with individuals in need, developing relationships as she finds ways to help. Sometimes a 12-month program is intimidating or there may not be a bed available. So, Leanne partners with other local agencies to direct individuals to a resource that may work better for them.
The ARO office in Sudbury started as a pilot project and proved to be a valuable resource. It challenges us to think creatively and be adaptive, but we are seeing the fruit of our labour. In fact, our team is looking to develop additional AROs to bolster our ability to help those in need.
In December Leanne had a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with four men and one woman that are now at Teen Challenge Canada centres. All five clients were referred from the Sudbury ARO and reunited when the OMC Christmas Concert Choir performed at the Ontario Women’s Centre.
None of them knew Leanne would be at the concert and what a wonderful reunion it turned out to be! The looks on their faces when they spotted Leanne was priceless! She was amazed at the transformation in each of the clients and knows that God has them in the palm of His hand
After the concert, OWC prepared a lovely lunch, and Leanne had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with each of them. They shared how Jesus has been working in their lives – healing wounds and restoring relationships.
At a time of year when the weather can make driving treacherous, making the trip from Sudbury to King City to attend this event could have been a challenge. But God provided travel mercies for Leanne, so this reunion was possible.
“It is so rewarding to journey alongside each and every client. I was so blessed to be there. The smiles on everyone’s face said it all. No one knew I was coming, I wanted to surprise them, and I did just that. This is the reason I do what I do at the ARO.”
Leanne Watson, ARO Outreach Program Coordinator
The ARO in Sudbury allows us to help those in the North struggling with addiction until a new centre can be established. In 2025, nine clients successfully entered a Teen Challenge Canada centre as a result of the ARO.
We are so grateful for Leanne’s dedication to helping men and women in the north find the resources they need to take the next step in their journey.