Connie Hoffman has taken one of the hardest times in her life and ultimately transformed the experience into an opportunity to help others.
Hoffman, 47, has been volunteering at Amelia Rising Sexual Violence Support Centre for almost eight years. She says she's learned the power of being open about her story.
"When I was younger I was sexually abused by my brother. I stuffed it down and ignored it, thinking it wouldn't affect my life. I was wrong," she explains.
"I tried to tell a few people but it was the 1980s and the sentiment seemed to be that 'boys will be boys' so I tried to move on. But it affected me over the years and affected my marriage when I lived in the U.S." she adds.
When that relationship ended. she moved back to northern Ontario and located in North Bay. That's when she finally found help at Amelia Rising.
"I was comfortable here, I felt like I fit here. As a former client, I wanted to give back, it's very personal for me," says Hoffman.
She's handled many volunteer roles at the centre, including public awareness and answering the crisis line where she dealt with everything from stressed and suicidal people to some who just need someone to listen.
"I've learned that everybody's journey is their own, and I let them know getting help is worth it. But I also let them know they have to be ready, they have to feel at a point where they're safe."
Currently, Hoffman supervises the Resource Room which houses the centre's food bank and clothing supplies. They no longer take used personal clothes for safety reasons, but she credits stores like Pennington's, Maurice's and Mark's Work Wearhouse for donating items to keep them stocked.
"What we really need right now is donations for our food bank for our clients - we could really use some help there. I encourage people to call us at 705-840-2403, or stop by the centre on the 2nd floor of the City Centre, 101 Worthington East. We're also in need of more volunteers, so people who are interested can contact us about that as well," she adds.
There's a few things she says people still don't understand, like the fact that the services are free.
She also says people think they only focus on women and people who identify as female. But the centre is currently in the process of expanding to assist men, youth and transgender clients as well. Hoffman says she's thankful every day that she was able to turn a negative aspect of her life into something positive.
"I feel like I've found the silver lining," she says with a smile.
This is one of a series of good news articles about "Helpers" in our community. To suggest a person, volunteer, group or an organization contact Mike Anthony at [email protected]
