The past few years have certainly not been easy for local resident Jeff Myers, who has recently turned his life around thanks to some help from our local homeless shelter.

Myers had battled health issues, lost his job, fell into depression and attempted suicide which ended him up in the hospital. Once he received treatment he was given some advice on where to go next to move forward in a positive direction.

"The next day in the morning I saw a mental health worker and she suggested that I go talk to Scott Elger at Riverside Mission. They don't usually take people that just suffer from mental illness, but Scott had said 'lets give him a try, I've got an apartment for him, lets put him up there'," said Myers.  

With some help from the shelter, Myers has turned a new leaf and has advice for anyone else who may be going through a similar struggle. 

"I'd just like to say to people who are dealing with depression and people who are dealing with alcoholism or other addictions, there is another way. You don't have to take things on yourself, it's not weak to ask for help, it actually takes a stronger man to ask for help."

 Myers didn't take the help he got for granted, as he's found faith and is working towards a new career path in the very near future. 

"I'm happy, I have my lord Jesus Christ, I have a place to stay, I have food, I have friends, I have my church family. In September, I'm going to school to be a Briercrest Bible School to be a Christian Councillor, that's where I'm at now."

Myers along with other Moose Javians will be participating in this year's Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser which supports the Mission.

If you'd like to help them continue the work they do, you can sign up to join the walk by clicking here.