Empowering Everymind

### Context Profile for Empowering Everymind

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - **Mission**: Empowering Everymind is dedicated to enhancing the emotional and mental well-being of children and families, particularly those facing neurodevelopmental differences. Their programs aim to foster secure attachments and improve understanding of children's emotional needs.
   - **Cause**: Focused on education and support for parents of children aged 3-6 with neurodevelopmental differences, the organization seeks to empower families through knowledge and community resources.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Programs**: The organization offers various educational programs, such as the "Circle of Security" program, which consists of 7 sessions designed to help parents understand their children's emotional needs and foster secure attachments.
   - **Community Engagement**: They host events and workshops aimed at providing resources and support to families in the St. Vital area of Winnipeg.
   - **Fundraising Campaigns**: They engage in fundraising efforts to support their programs, including partnerships with local coalitions to provide free access to their services.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of the website and communications is **friendly**, **supportive**, and **informative**. It conveys a sense of community and encouragement, aiming to make parents feel welcomed and empowered. The language is clear and accessible, avoiding overly technical jargon while still conveying important information.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The organization does not appear to use emojis in their website content or email communications. Their tone remains professional and straightforward, focusing on clarity and warmth without the use of informal symbols.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Specific founding details were not provided on the website.
   - **Scale**: The organization has conducted 53 total forms and sent out 91 email campaigns, indicating an active engagement with their community.
   - **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics were not detailed, the focus on free programs funded by local coalitions suggests a commitment to accessibility and community support.
   - **Volunteer Info**: There is no specific mention of volunteer opportunities on the website, but the presence of extra helpers in programs indicates a collaborative approach.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use clear, concise language that is easy for parents to understand. Avoid jargon and maintain a friendly, supportive tone.
   - **Structure**: Organize information logically, using headings and bullet points for clarity. Highlight key dates, program details, and benefits prominently.
   - **Engagement**: Encourage community involvement and express gratitude to supporters and partners. Use inclusive language that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among parents.

This context profile provides a comprehensive overview of Empowering Everymind, focusing on their mission, activities, tone, and communication style. This information will assist in generating personalized and effective content for the organization.

This ticket is intended for professionals working in the field.

Professional

Professionals registering in groups of 4 receive 10% off the regular admissions rate of $100 each. This selection means you are purchasing 4 tickets.

Professional 4 Person Group Discount

This ticket is intended for those not working in the field or those receiving care.

Non-Professional

This ticket is intended for currently registered post-secondary students. Please tell us the name of your institution in the form below.

Student

<span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:14.6667px;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:center;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none">3 winners of the Manitoba Heroes Award ban together to support change. Learn with Angela Taylor (Ma, PhD student, CEO, Clinician), Mitch Bourbonniere (MSW, Community Outreach Worker), and Roland Vandal (CCRC, Life/Recovery Coach) to explore how the challenges they experienced in social services brought them to create community change. Through collaboration, compassion, and love, each has a unique story of how they heal their pain in caring for the community. Evidence-based community care will be discussed. This conference is for those who are emerging into social services, those who are seasoned, and those who receive care.  A portion of proceeds is being donated to Inspire Community Outreach. Additional donations made to Inspire Community Outreach will support families that include children to age 29 to receive essential mental health care. You can receive a tax receipt. <span style="font-style:normal;font-weight:400;background-color:transparent;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">For donation or support please contact: 204-996-1547 or visit: <a href="https://inspirecommunityoutreach.ca/"><span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#1155cc;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-skip-ink:none;white-space:pre-wrap">https://inspirecommunityoutreach.ca/</a><span style="font-style:normal;font-weight:400;background-color:transparent;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> $50 Student Ticket$75 Non-professional Ticket$100 Professional TicketRefreshments will be served. Lunch is not included. Please bring your water bottle and/or travel mug to reduce waste.<hr />Schedule:<ul><li><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">8:30am<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Doors open</li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">9:00-10:30am<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Panel discussion with Angela Taylor, Mitch Bourbonniere, and Roland Vandal: How lived experience meets research in community care.</li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">10:30-10:45am<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Break</li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">10:45am-12:00pm<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Presentation by Roland Vandal: Breaking the Chain</li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">12:00-1:00pm<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Lunch Break*</li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">1:00-3:00pm<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Presentation by Angela Taylor on how her lived experience informs her research and community support roles.</li><li><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">3:00-4:00pm<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Group discussion on moving forward and being the change together, led by Angela Taylor and Roland Vandal</li></ul><h3><span style="font-style:normal;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> </h3><h3><span style="font-style:normal;background-color:transparent;font-weight:bold;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">Angela Taylor, B.A., P.B.D.E., M.A., PhD (Student) </h3><a href="http://www.supportingcommunitytogether.com">www.supportingcommunitytogether.com </a>Angela Taylor is a Mental Health and Accessibility Expert in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inspire Community Outreach, a Canadian charity supporting families that include children with neurological differences and mental health support needs. With over 23 years experience in social services and supporting complex populations, she has offered consultation to various government, private and non-profit organizations. She is the co-author of All Kinds of Minds, Get Your Art On! Art for Wellness Guide, and author of Forever on Fire, A Love Letter to Never Fitting In.  <span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Post Baccalaureate in Education, focusing on inclusion and counseling, and a Masters Degree in Disability Studies. She is currently completing her PhD in Education, focusing on effective therapeutic interventions for complex neurology and behavior. She<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> is multiply neurodivergent, raises children with complex differences, and has been supporting families that include children living with disabilities for 2 decades.<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">Angela spent much of her childhood in formal and informal foster care, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She uses her lived experience in connecting with individuals, youth and families who experience hardship and attachment disruption. Her ability to understand the neurodivergent comes from her lived experience, and her passion to learn and grow with her community while seeing strengths in others, and adapting the environment to invite the community to thrive. She supports multiple social service teams throughout Canada, including specializing in expression of distress through violence of youth to family.<hr /><h3><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">Mitch Bourbonniere, M.S.W., M.S.M., M.B., O.M., C.M.H.W. (C/A)</h3><a href="https://www.mitchbourbonniere.com/">https://www.mitchbourbonniere.com/</a>An educator and community activist, Mitch Bourbonniere has long been inspired to help others find their voices. A founding member of the original Bear Clan Patrol, he also volunteers with Ogijiita Pimatswin Kinamatwin (OPK), the Mama Bear Clan,  Drag the Red, Teddy Bears Picnic, CommUnity204, Neemu-Egwah Inc., and many other community-based endeavours.<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">Mitch has a Master's degree in Social work and teaches at the University of Winnipeg and Urban Circle  Training , while being employed by Mount Carmel Clinic, the Downtown Community Partnership (DCSP), and Fox Lake first nation <span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Mitch Bourbonniere has devoted much of his career and personal time to mentoring, counselling and supporting at-risk youth to help them develop self-esteem, confidence, empathy and social skills. By emphasizing the value of good citizenship, volunteerism and positive activism, he helps young people make positive changes in their lives.<span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> He helped establish a men’s healing group out of the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre. He also works extensively with Winnipeg‘s  most vulnerable people affected by homelessness, post-traumatic stress, addiction, mental health issues, domestic violence, gang involvement and sexual exploitation through the OPK and Action Therapy programs and the Manitoba Youth Justice system. He visits institutions and supports people as they transition from prison and gang life.  <span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Mitch Bourbonniere developed a program called Lateral Empathy that involves groups of young volunteers collecting and delivering donations of food, clothing, furniture and household goods to those in need. This group also volunteers at Indigenous ceremonies across southern Manitoba, during Sundance season. He is a pipe carrier and a 25-year Sundancer. He has kept the fire for the Grandmothers Council, Sisters in Spirit, and many national and ceremonial events. <span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap"> Mitch provides support and Elder Services to Urban Circle Training, Manitoba Metis Federation, CEDA Pathways, North Point Douglas Women's Centre, Rossbrook House, Seven Oaks School Division, the Shameless Circle, Elizabeth Fry Society, the Men's Healing Together group and many other organizations.<hr /><h3><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">Roland Vandal, CCRC</h3><a href="http://www.breakingthechain.ca/">www.breakingthechain.ca/</a>Roland Vandal is a former boxer and business owner. His battle with addiction, and his ongoing struggle with PTSD has lead him to become a crusader for mental health awareness, as well as a dedicated advocate to end bullying and abuse.  <span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">The coach of the Team Manitoba squad travels the country giving talks to young people about his recovery from addiction, and makes the case that boxing can rescue teens who might follow his path. He says he dropped out of his sport at 13 years of age and descended into a life of drug addiction. Vandal recalls reaching a personal low in May 15, 2002, the day he went into a violent seizure after drinking a bottle of methadone and woke up barely breathing on a dirty bathroom floor in a cheap hotel. <span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">“That was the wake-up call. I haven’t touched a drop of drugs or alcohol since,” he said during a training session at the Games in Halifax. <span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">After treatment at a Winnipeg detoxification centre, he returned to the sport at 31 and has since become a coach, motivational speaker, foster parent and guide to “kids at risk.” <span style="font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;box-sizing:inherit;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;white-space:pre-wrap">Roland speaks openly about going from surviving to thriving, living with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Anxiety and Depression. After a childhood filled with abuse, addiction, homelessness, violence, and self harm and suicide attempts distracted from a life full of pain. Now 19 years sober, free from drugs and alcohol, Roland lives a life he only dreamed of, supporting the community and his family. Former owner and operator of a specialized youth Foster Treatment Home, Board of Directors at the Red Road Lodge 47 room Recovery Homeless Mission, and currently moving into the position of president and chair under the tutelage of community service leader Richard Walls. Speaker at over 700 venues internationally to a collective audience of well over 35 thousand teens and adults, he lives a life devoted to loving the community. <hr />

Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);display:inline-block;margin:0px;padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;line-height:16px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{lastname}}" style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);display:inline-block;margin:0px;padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;line-height:16px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">Last name, If you are receiving this email you have registered for our upcoming event: Lived experience meets research: The Inside story of surviving social services. We look forward to connecting! Schedule of Events:8:30am Doors open9:00-10:30am Panel discussion with Angela Taylor, Mitch Bourbonniere, and Roland Vandal: How lived experience meets research in community care.10:30-10:45am Break10:45am-12:00pm Presentation by Roland Vandal: Breaking the Chain 12:00-1:00pm Lunch Break*1:00-3:00pm Presentation by Angela Taylor on how her lived experience informs her research and community support roles.3:00-4:00pm Group discussion on moving forward and being the change together, led by Angela Taylor and Roland Vandal*Refreshments will be served. Lunch is not included. Please bring your water bottle and/or travel mug to reduce waste.  📭   at 850a Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2M8, Canada ⌚️   On Tuesday, November 15, 2022 At 09:00 a.m. Thank you so much for your interest and supporting our agency.  Kind regards.

3 winners of the Manitoba Heroes Award ban together to support change. Learn with Angela Taylor (Ma, PhD student, CEO, Clinician), Mitch Bourbonniere (MSW, Community Outreach Worker), and Roland Vandal (CCRC, Life/Recovery Coach) to explore how the challenges they experienced in social services brought them to create community change. Through collaboration, compassion, and love, each has a unique story of how they heal their pain in caring for the community. Evidence-based community care will be discussed. This conference is for those who are emerging into social services, those who are seasoned, and those who receive care.  A portion of proceeds is being donated to Inspire Community Outreach. Additional donations made to Inspire Community Outreach will support families that include children to age 29 to receive essential mental health care. You can receive a tax receipt. For donation or support please contact: 204-996-1547 or visit: <a href="https://inspirecommunityoutreach.ca/">https://inspirecommunityoutreach.ca/</a> $50 Student Ticket$75 Non-professional Ticket$100 Professional TicketRefreshments will be served. Lunch is not included. Please bring your water bottle and/or travel mug to reduce waste.<hr />Schedule:<ul><li>8:30am Doors open</li><li>9:00-10:30am Panel discussion with Angela Taylor, Mitch Bourbonniere, and Roland Vandal: How lived experience meets research in community care.</li><li>10:30-10:45am Break</li><li>10:45am-12:00pm Presentation by Roland Vandal: Breaking the Chain</li><li>12:00-1:00pm Lunch Break*</li><li>1:00-3:00pm Presentation by Angela Taylor on how her lived experience informs her research and community support roles.</li><li>3:00-4:00pm Group discussion on moving forward and being the change together, led by Angela Taylor and Roland Vandal</li></ul> Angela Taylor, B.A., P.B.D.E., M.A., PhD (Student) <a href="http://www.supportingcommunitytogether.com">www.supportingcommunitytogether.com </a>Angela Taylor is a Mental Health and Accessibility Expert in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inspire Community Outreach, a Canadian charity supporting families that include children with neurological differences and mental health support needs. With over 23 years experience in social services and supporting complex populations, she has offered consultation to various government, private and non-profit organizations. She is the co-author of All Kinds of Minds, Get Your Art On! Art for Wellness Guide, and author of Forever on Fire, A Love Letter to Never Fitting In.  Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Post Baccalaureate in Education, focusing on inclusion and counseling, and a Masters Degree in Disability Studies. She is currently completing her PhD in Education, focusing on effective therapeutic interventions for complex neurology and behavior. She is multiply neurodivergent, raises children with complex differences, and has been supporting families that include children living with disabilities for 2 decades.Angela spent much of her childhood in formal and informal foster care, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She uses her lived experience in connecting with individuals, youth and families who experience hardship and attachment disruption. Her ability to understand the neurodivergent comes from her lived experience, and her passion to learn and grow with her community while seeing strengths in others, and adapting the environment to invite the community to thrive. She supports multiple social service teams throughout Canada, including specializing in expression of distress through violence of youth to family.<hr />Mitch Bourbonniere, M.S.W., M.S.M., M.B., O.M., C.M.H.W. (C/A)<a href="https://www.mitchbourbonniere.com/">https://www.mitchbourbonniere.com/</a>An educator and community activist, Mitch Bourbonniere has long been inspired to help others find their voices. A founding member of the original Bear Clan Patrol, he also volunteers with Ogijiita Pimatswin Kinamatwin (OPK), the Mama Bear Clan,  Drag the Red, Teddy Bears Picnic, CommUnity204, Neemu-Egwah Inc., and many other community-based endeavours.Mitch has a Master's degree in Social work and teaches at the University of Winnipeg and Urban Circle  Training , while being employed by Mount Carmel Clinic, the Downtown Community Partnership (DCSP), and Fox Lake first nation  Mitch Bourbonniere has devoted much of his career and personal time to mentoring, counselling and supporting at-risk youth to help them develop self-esteem, confidence, empathy and social skills. By emphasizing the value of good citizenship, volunteerism and positive activism, he helps young people make positive changes in their lives. He helped establish a men’s healing group out of the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre. He also works extensively with Winnipeg‘s  most vulnerable people affected by homelessness, post-traumatic stress, addiction, mental health issues, domestic violence, gang involvement and sexual exploitation through the OPK and Action Therapy programs and the Manitoba Youth Justice system. He visits institutions and supports people as they transition from prison and gang life.   Mitch Bourbonniere developed a program called Lateral Empathy that involves groups of young volunteers collecting and delivering donations of food, clothing, furniture and household goods to those in need. This group also volunteers at Indigenous ceremonies across southern Manitoba, during Sundance season. He is a pipe carrier and a 25-year Sundancer. He has kept the fire for the Grandmothers Council, Sisters in Spirit, and many national and ceremonial events.  Mitch provides support and Elder Services to Urban Circle Training, Manitoba Metis Federation, CEDA Pathways, North Point Douglas Women's Centre, Rossbrook House, Seven Oaks School Division, the Shameless Circle, Elizabeth Fry Society, the Men's Healing Together group and many other organizations.<hr />Roland Vandal, CCRC<a href="http://www.breakingthechain.ca/">www.breakingthechain.ca/</a>Roland Vandal is a former boxer and business owner. His battle with addiction, and his ongoing struggle with PTSD has lead him to become a crusader for mental health awareness, as well as a dedicated advocate to end bullying and abuse.  The coach of the Team Manitoba squad travels the country giving talks to young people about his recovery from addiction, and makes the case that boxing can rescue teens who might follow his path. He says he dropped out of his sport at 13 years of age and descended into a life of drug addiction. Vandal recalls reaching a personal low in May 15, 2002, the day he went into a violent seizure after drinking a bottle of methadone and woke up barely breathing on a dirty bathroom floor in a cheap hotel. “That was the wake-up call. I haven’t touched a drop of drugs or alcohol since,” he said during a training session at the Games in Halifax. After treatment at a Winnipeg detoxification centre, he returned to the sport at 31 and has since become a coach, motivational speaker, foster parent and guide to “kids at risk.” Roland speaks openly about going from surviving to thriving, living with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Anxiety and Depression. After a childhood filled with abuse, addiction, homelessness, violence, and self harm and suicide attempts distracted from a life full of pain. Now 19 years sober, free from drugs and alcohol, Roland lives a life he only dreamed of, supporting the community and his family. Former owner and operator of a specialized youth Foster Treatment Home, Board of Directors at the Red Road Lodge 47 room Recovery Homeless Mission, and currently moving into the position of president and chair under the tutelage of community service leader Richard Walls. Speaker at over 700 venues internationally to a collective audience of well over 35 thousand teens and adults, he lives a life devoted to loving the community. <hr />

Empowering Everymind

Add a donation for Empowering Everymind

Lived experience meets research: The Inside story of surviving social services - November 15th 2022

850a Pembina Hwy

Professional

$100

Professional 4 Person Group Discount

$360

Non-Professional

$75

Student

$50