Success Stories

Learning to read opened new chapters

Linda Hebert with two her certificates for student achievement.

Linda Hebert is a Saint Johner and raised her children here.  A long time volunteer in the kitchens of the Salvation Army, she became a student at the age of fifty.  "I was a volunteer for the Salvation Army and helped out in the kitchen. The director came in one day and asked us if we wanted to learn to read and write. It didn't take me long to think about it.” She recalls that she took advantage of the opportunity to improve her skills as soon as she knew the program was available to her locally and free of charge. Linda had struggled in school and quit in Grade 5. "I couldn't read my mail or storybooks to my children," she recalls, "and I was too embarrassed to ask other people for help." Linda continues, "I was matched with a READ tutor and worked with her for over four years. Now I can read. I can look things up and do things on my own. I have more confidence now than I ever had before." Linda continues to volunteer her time and energy and is a student representative on the Board of READ Saint John. She is great example of an individual who accepted the challenge to improve her literacy skills, her life and the lives of others.  READ Saint John was pivotal to Linda’s success in learning to read.

Learning to deal with anxiety provided a new life.

Stephen struggled with anxiety for six years before he learned that help was available at a local community agency, Family Plus.

Stephen, his wife and two children relocated to this province from the West Coast over 6 years ago for employment opportunities.  A short time after their arrival, Stephen began to experience symptoms of anxiety as having the shakes, feeling nauseated, and breaking out in a sweat.  He soon had to leave his employment as he encountered difficulty going into crowds and leaving his home.  Stephen was unable to be involved in activities with his children and became very dependent on his wife.

Stephen recalls being informed of services available at Family Plus subsidized by United Way.  He contacted Family Plus and began attending counselling sessions, working diligently to address his anxiety.  His counsellor referred  him to a psychiatrist and in joint support with Family Plus, he progressed substantially.  Stephen regained his life and is now able to take an active role in his family.  His relationship with his wife also improved.  Freshly inspired, he plans to become involved in educational training this Fall. 

Family Plus helped this family find their “Life Solution”.

Family Plus is 1 of 24 Member Agencies funded annually by United Way .