Walter Mueller

My Experience and success at John Howard Society

Back in fall of 2007, everything in my life shattered; I felt completely and utterly ashamed. A failure and not knowing where my life will take me. I was in a dark place and very deeply depressed.

The psychiatrist I saw directed me to a few agencies that I could seek help from. One being Catholic Services, second being Salvation Army and the other JHS.

I went to the JHS Oshawa Branch. I made a point of being early. Om that particular morning, there was a line up and I thought my chances of getting an intake today might not be possible. I approached the front desk and gave them my name; they asked me to take a seat, looking around the office gave me a sense that I might be at the right place.

Finally they called out my name. The face of JHS was this kind and humble good man, Dean McDonald. I know that first impressions mean a lot, and I knew I didn’t leave such an impression; my face was hanging down like a horse. Dean had this soft smile about him as if he’s been your friends all along. He directed me to his small tiny office. He asked me, how could I help you? I told him I wasn’t sure what I needed; all I knew was that I needed help and wanted to be rescued from my misery I was experiencing. He directed me to go and attend the DADS program.

The following Thursday September 20, 2007, I walked into the Ajax JHS branch. I was told to come early; there a wonderful human being greeted me, Jan Langlois. Jan put me aside and asked me questions and listened. The amazing part of it all was, she really cared.

I was in a fragile state, lost and confused. I made a vow to myself to never miss a class. On November 15, I completed the course. But Jan knew I needed to come back. I was so glad she asked me. Without hesitation, I came back for another 10 week term. After that, I never stopped coming, I continued to learn and also shared, my life story with others. After attending DADS religiosity for two years, Jan asked if I would like to volunteer (as she coined it, to be her poster boy) without any hesitation, I replied, “Yes”

Jan Langlois must have had a keen sense of what I needed by asking me to contribute and volunteer along side with her and her colleagues. It had given me purpose and direction. It was also, for me personally, to pay it forward.

Since that first day, my life forever changes. I am compelled to say, how thankful I am by taking the direction in coming to the JHS. I was able to learn a whole new level about life and myself. The wonderful experience one can truly feel is that you are in a secure place in life, not afraid to tomorrow and enjoy each breath taking moment. I believe this can happen for anyone when one opens the gate to internal change.

In closing, I like to emphasize one point to each new client:

“Look what JHS has done for me, if I can live again, so can you!”