On Connection and Gratitude –

Matt Yeomans loves his life. “I haven’t been this happy in a long time!”

Matt, who lives at Alexander, says the first year of the pandemic was hard on him at first. “It was hard to adapt. I was going through withdrawal. It was brutal. When I was in my addiction, I was kind of nervous to ask for help. Now I feel great and happy. Once I got on the right medication, I started getting my confidence back.”

Matt has been sober for over a year and a half and says his motivation for change was wanting a better life. While, he recognizes his hard work, he credits CSCL staff for supporting him. “I want to do a major thanks to the staff here. They totally changed my life. I can’t say thank you enough.”

Matt is also grateful for the community connections he’s built. “I’ve been dancing around my house, ever since I’ve been part of these groups!” He is part of the editorial board for CLBC’s “Diverse Abilities” magazine, the CLBC Upper Fraser Community Council, and Chilliwack People First. “My editorial group has people from all over BC.”  “Its like close family and close friends. My whole life is coming together again. I have food in my cupboard, my bills are paid, I have a happy home.”

Matt says his next step is employment. His dream job would be to be peer support for people with disabilities or people with addictions. He says he would be good at that because of his lived experiences. He has been accepted into CSCL’s Supported Employment Services and is excited for his intake. “I want to say a huge thank you to my true friends, family, and support staff, CLBC, and People First.”