“Coming here helps me face my fears.” Stewart credits The BRIDGE with helping him to build his self-esteem and sense of self-worth. “When I got out of OCI (the Ontario Correctional Institution), I had no idea how I was going to cope. Garry (Glowacki, Executive Director) and Mark (The Rev. Mark Stephen, Community Worker) helped me to see that thing were going to be okay. They helped me find work and helped me move into my apartment.” Stewart told me that originally he was surprised that anyone would go out of their way to help someone like him. “The BRIDGE is a community of caring, respect, and unconditional love. Not being judged really means a lot to me. I know that I have someone to call if I ever find myself close to reoffending.” Stewart hopes that one day he will be able to reconnect with his family. “I want to make amends and normalize those relationships. It could happen for me because it has happened for others. I want to become happy and content and this group helps me to see that it is possible. The other guys share their struggles, but they are happy.”