In the summer of 2015, Jeff lived only to feed his addictions. He’d lost his business, his friends and his family. Penniless, homeless, and with 20 years of despair behind him, he attempted suicide. Again.

With a grimace, he calls that period his “Excellent Adventure”. A journey that “led down the road to hell and death.”

Another emergency room, another treatment centre, another round of counselling – all came and went with feelings of familiarity and resignation. But this time, before he left the centre, a counsellor referred him to a United Way-funded walk-in clinic at Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County – it was the first time he’d heard of the local agency. Not knowing that it would make all the difference.

Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County is a non-profit organization offering professional counselling services and education. Its services are available regardless of age, ability, cultural or religious background, race, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Did you know Catholic Family Services are the only family service agency in the county that doesn’t have admission criteria related to a particular diagnosis? Funding allows them to serve more than 2,000 clients each year. That’s equal to more than 5.9 thousand hours of direct service to individuals, couples and families in our community who rely on us for help.

To find a free walk-in counselling clinic near you click here, or call 1 (888) 726-2503.