Testimonials of Past Residents
Jan 17th 1998
I can't take the very first page because no one is ahead or behind anyone else. Hopefully we are all equal. I know that whether we have sinned or not, we are equal in the eyes of God.
It is an honor to be in this book though - because of what it represents. It means to me another important step into freedom. Then the question: What is freedom? Well, I'm not going to get into semantics. All I know is it sure feels great to be on my own. And even being here, I am not alone. I have made friends.
Thank you so very much to anyone and everyone in the house who helped me to reach this point in my life; for helping me escape a troubled past, for showing kindness, understanding and respect. I'd realized during my stay that there were things that really made it a home for me, not to mention the food, the help and encouragement, the smiles and hugs, the great food, the moments of bonding and relating, the acceptance and so much more. Did I mention the great food?
I came into the house 6 months ago feeling and acting like a stranger. With your love I leave with more peace and love in my heart. I have learned to extract the good from the bad and had some good practice at this house. But guys and gals, men and women, I love you no matter what because I am the last one who is perfect.
Peace.
Feb 20th 1998
I feel honored and respected in this house. I want to honor you all in return.
To come to this house was not easy. I had found some happiness in my life and I was afraid (someone would take it away). Most of my life I could hear this little boy crying (inside). No one could hear him cry. I could feel the pain. I was always looking for ways to numb the feeling. I tried most things: drugs, alcohol, and anger. (I wanted so much to be happy). I then tried praying. I asked for help, strength and guidance. My eyes and heart started to open. I had begun my healing journey.
In my journey I met Lloyd. We sat and talked in the sweat lodge. I started to cry. He sat and listened to me cry. He actually heard me. I cried and cried. What a relief. I could cry and be heard. Someone was there to help me face the shame, the guilt and the pain. Hey! I don't have to run anymore. I'm starting to feel honor and respect. I'm healing.
To be put in this house was a blessing. Ron has taught me great things. Peggy and Ruth shared in my tears. I'm thinking I've met four of the most wonderful people in the world. This house is full of wonderful, caring people. ME- GUATCH! I hope I helped in your journeys. It's my job. Is that quoting from the Bible? It's my journey.
Feb 24, 1998
This will be short. I think the 2 years I've spent here at Laren House have been the most nurturing 2 years of my life. I've been in 5 halfway houses and I've never come even close to meeting a group of such caring, loving, honest and respectful people. I don’t know how Al has been able to collect a group of such good people, but I'm sure glad he did. I really have no doubt that I'd be back in prison if it wasn’t for the understanding, the guidance, the caring and loving you all have demonstrated to me.
You have been the family I've always wanted and needed. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. You'll always be in my mind and heart where ever my journey takes me. I hope you know you're not getting rid of me though. That’s why I got a place close by. I'll be here 2 or 3 times a week for supper.
May 16, 1998
I was incarcerated in 1994 for PPT and conspiracy to traffic heroine. I chose to waive my parole hearing as I wanted nothing to do with POs and halfway houses. After my release on mandatory supervision in May of '97 a hot piss test landed me in the Sally Ann halfway house where the horror story began.
I feel I was denied proper medical attention, was forced to walk to and from doctor's appointments and after suffering a seizure was forced to walk home from the hospital. This was rectified by the nurses who convinced Sally Ann staff to pay for a taxi which I was later billed of my $20.00 a week allowance. Also 2 separate letters, from 2 different doctors were ignored stating I need a special diet for ______.
I allowed my doctor to talk to my parole officer and within days I was transferred to the Bill Mudge Residence. Coming to this place was like leaving hell for heaven. All the staff here have played their little parts in my recovery. Some giving me rides to and from hospitals and Drs. Some with cooking special meals but most just being able to sit down and talk has helped. I have been treated as a human and hate to admit I am going miss this place.
Thanks to all the staff here for all you have done for me.
Sept 24, 1998
I am serving three years for manslaughter, being my first federal sentence I must say what an experience for my family and friends as well as myself. The year inside went fast and I made some new friends, real solid ones. My vision of halfway houses and parole was grim but turned out to be quite the opposite. There are people here to help. The staff and residents here made my stay homey and comfortable even though the visit was short (six weeks). It was very helpful to have staff with open minds and hearts full of care and love who can relate to the everyday troubles and trials we go through. My PO is a man willing to work with people and we covered ground in leaps and bounds even with our busy schedules. My thanks to him as well as staff. I didn’t eat much here but when I did the meals were very good and much appreciated. After being a drug addict and stoned for twenty five years I am now straight and will remain so. My life has had a full turn, kind of like getting a fresh start. Things are easier to handle and coming faster and clearer. So I am off to a clean life starting full parole on the 29th, never to return to prison. Once was enough for me.
Thanks to everyone concerned, my love and thoughts are with you.
Nov 30th 1998
Bonjour! What can I say? In 1980 I received a life sentence. My first and last offence while living a careless life but always desiring to know the truth that sets men free. I never felt loved, hugged or touched for all my childhood and up to my 24th birthday from family or friends. All things considered in thankful for my family upbringing in spite of the good, the bad and the ugly. One day in jail five weeks in inside, my heart changed by surrendering to Jesus. I chose from Nov 23, 1980 to go beyond, take a leap and haven’t looked back. 16 1/2 years straight in prison was a waste of time yet a proving ground for my faith and true character. Oxymoron's were in all shapes. One year and almost a half at Bill Mudge House seemed too long to be given a chance, a second chance for a life but even if the IPO sent me back to prison I know I'll feel I've been deeply touched by the incredible residents and especially staff here and it will have been worth it all. But I did get full parole on Nov 26th 1998 had to stop for a few seconds reminiscing with a few tears coming down as I can do justice in writing this short note. I pray the Lords hand upon everyone here and especially Al, Ross, Peggy, Ruth, Ron, Don and Dave and all staff missed. My life is becoming wholer because of all staff you have enriched my life. You have been so patient and kind. I'm different than other guys, yet not different than them. I'm not easily swayed from my convictions and will always embrace knowing each of you and respect our relationship and intimacy in the decisions I make in respecting the life of everyone out here regardless of their lifestyles or choices. I killed someone that Jesus created (sniff sniff) and someone society may have benefited from. I know that the first part of my life was detached from God and people but have experienced the opposite since I have got a new heart and life and will continue to the day we are called home. Thank you for accepting me to come here. Thanks for caring and for the many hugs and encouragement. It's not goodbye. I'll be ok and know that special girl will come.
From my heart and tears
Jun 30th 1999
I came in through the bathroom window and left out the front door. I have to say when I first came here the attention from staff was a bit overwhelming. However, throughout my six month stay I came to realize how generously these people care and want to see success and happiness to all whom come to be at this place. I just want to have it known from my heart I thank each and every one of you from a special place with love.
XXX As Always
Oct3rd 1999
The thing about this house that both shocked me, yet made me feel both cared for and acknowledged was the hugs that Ruth, Peggy and Ross gave me when I got here. The other staff also made my stay here very easy through their willingness to point out things I hadn’t thought of. I will truly miss this house. Love you all.
Apr 5th 2000
Dear Family,
Where did the years go, that’s what I ask myself? Its not that the time here was at all difficult (not), I was scared shitless my first day (evening) and probably slept 20 minutes all night. Never did I want or expect to be accepted, loved or thought of as a respectful and caring person, as I treated people with no respect and cared about only myself. I must admit that at certain times I did not feel comfortable and thought it was almost too good to be true, that I was amongst such loving and caring people. My take on it was, ah it’s there self-development method and it’s there way of making or breaking you… was I ever wrong…
The only thing I feared the most was “me” whom I was, what I did and whom I hurt, still to this day, but I also know that I had to forgive myself and move on…
Everyone here gave me a chance to forgive myself and offered love, respect and honor, which enabled me finally, trust others and allow myself to heal completely.
Thanks for a chance and a fresh start.
P.S. I will never forget how each person that works here and lived here changed my thinking because I truly thought I had all the answers, ‘I did not’, for I have learned plenty about myself and it’s only going to get better…
I again thank everyone and I do consider you my friends and family, now and always.
Thank you for being my family for the last two years; it has been a pleasure…
Jul 11th 2000
It has been my pleasure to be in this house. This house has been great to me from the very first day to the last. All the workers in this house are great. I am glad that I chose this house instead of Manchester house. I knew from the start that I made the right choice. This house has been so loving and caring to me. I can’t find the right words to express my feelings. This house has been marvelous to me. I liked Al right from the beginning. I think I have been very lucky to come to this house. This house is number one. I am going to miss all the workers in this house namely Peggy, Ross, Adele, Al, Don, David, Louie and Reg. I love and respect all of you. I may miss you but that does not mean that I will forget you. Your love and affection, what you gave me, I will always remember it. In the end I have to say that Campbell River is the place where I really belong. That is where I am heading. Anytime I come to Victoria, it would be my pleasure to see you great people and say hello to you. Of course I am going to miss Lindsay, Mike, Drover, James, Brian, Barry, Sharam, Trevor, Mary, Jack, Glen, Kevin, John and last but not least Shawn Boos. I hope to see some of these fellows when their time is done. I don’t have the words to thanks this house. This house has been wonderful to us all. I thank this house from my very heart. Maybe I can call the house once in a while just to remember you fellows. Thanks for all the love, I will always remember.
Nov 30th 2000
It has been a pleasure living in this house. From the very first day that I came here from William Head everyone has been so wonderful to me. I thank all of you from my heart.
I hope this house goes on forever.
Dec 27th 2000
Thank you all for everything. Thank you for making my time here like being at home, not a halfway house. I am also grateful for the patience everyone showed with me. Most of all I feel my stay here has put me on a path that will make me a better person.
No Date
Thank you for everything. I have really enjoyed all my time here. It was a lot better than my time at the halfway house. This house I do not consider a halfway house. I consider this my home. I will miss you all.
Apr 10th 2001
This is my thanks to all those at Laren who have been such a huge part of my life. You have been here for me when times are good and even more so when they were not. Each person here has contributed to my growth. Now that I am living away from the house, you are all still with me, for I carry you all in my heart. I strive to put into practice the warmth and understanding I have experienced here. Thanks for everything.
Oct 12th 2001
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff here at the Laren House. You all expressed a sincere desire to help that I never saw at any other halfway house. Being able to absorb your kindness has given me strength to adhere to my new commitments of remaining substance free thus keeping me on the straight and narrow path of freedom. I will miss you all and I plan to drop in to say hello or if I need a support network when things start to stress me out.
Thank you all.
Nov 5th 2002
Dear people of the Bill Mudge residence, I am writing to thank you all for the kindest and most understanding love that any house could give. Trials and tribulations are just that, in a place where healing makes little of hard circumstances and much of peace. I’ve always felt comforted even when uncomfortable things happened.
Thank you Ross and Carol for the finest and most generous meals in town. You both know you are awesome. I don’t have to say it again but I will YOURE AWESOME COOKS and really nice people too. Bless you.
I’m not going to go through the list of workers in the house except I must mention to you Peggy, especially, thanks for your spiritual wisdom, your guiding words, and that motherly quality you have for me.
Al, you are the man who made it happen for me at the house. I know I wasn’t perfect at the chores, and I had a house bill there for a while, but you always took me back, and may I say, you’re the kick-assiest croquet player around. I’m glad you forgot things that I’d hoped you’d forget and how you always appear as calm as you are strong as the only leader that house could have. I admire you. Thanks.
But to everyone: Ewen, Dave, Adele, Don, everyone, have a great life and I hope to see you all here or there but never in the same capacity.
My payment to society is technically over but something is still continuing inside me. I feel there is good in me. You have all helped continuing inside me. I feel there is good in me. You have helped me to feel forgiven. That is lasting. It is nice.
Peace.
Nov 11th 2003
I find it very difficult to write this but as we all know, we have to move on. I want to thank you all for the understanding that you have shown, your generosity is beyond comprehension. I tried very hard to live up to your expectations and if I have offended anyone during my stay here, please accept my apologies. There are times in our lives when we have to make crucial decisions and I have made mine and I must follow through with them.
This has been an experience that I will soon not forget your kindness is insurmountable. I will cherish these memories forever.
You all have been like my family, your advice had been graciously received and I will honour that advice when circumstances arise. I felt and I will continue to feel a sense of belonging in this house, and I will certainly return for a visit. I must apologize for my rash of illnesses but at times they would get worse and I would usually end up in the hospital. My health has been deteriorating for years now and I do not like to burden anyone with my hardships but time and time again, someone was there to alleviate these illnesses.