Growing up in Ottawa, Deanne is fluent in French, attended conservatory-level music programs, and performed flute and piano at a professional level in her twenties. Right out of high school, she received several scholarships and committed to an intensive program in music. Within a few years, the extreme pressure and stress of the field led to extreme burnout.

Newly out of her parents’ home, dejected from her harsh post-secondary experience, and feeling lost—she decided to move to the island and start fresh.

Deanne felt drawn to the sense of freedom that couch-surfing through the coastal communities offered. While living her free-spirited life, she held down a steady job in fine arts marketing for a company that had expanded across the county. But, the more she moved around, the more disconnected she became. From her job, her health, her relationships, and herself.

After a painful break-up, and several breakdowns, she received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and stayed in the hospital for three weeks. But, the cycle of isolation continued for Deanne.

“People didn’t want to have relationships with me, because of my diagnosis,” she says.

At one point, she lived for several months with a boyfriend and became pregnant. But, soon after having her son, she lost custody. When looking for someone to lean on, she ended up living with friends deeply entrenched in addiction and began using herself.

At her lowest point two years ago, she was living in front of Our Place on Pandora Ave. Slowly, she would come inside to eat and began accessing drop-in services. After some time, she was referred to a rehab program and following this, a spot opened up for her in supportive housing at Albina St., operated by Our Place.

In her first year at Albina St. housing, she stabilized, reconnected with her art by drawing portraits, volunteered and supported the community. In her second year, she branched out and got a job at a local café.

Deanne is now sober, has quit smoking, is effectively managing her bipolar diagnosis with regular medication and support, and has been back in the workforce for a year.

“I love it. I bake cookies, cakes, and bread. It gives me a sense of creativity again.”

And that’s not all. In the past two years, she has also reconnected with her son who lives on the island. Together, they’ve visited several island communities, and he’s come to see her at Albina St.

“He’s happy for me,” she says with pride.

But, she isn’t stopping now. Deanne still has goals and dreams of building up her resume and helping others to find their way back, just like she has.

With your help, someone can do just that.