Jordon

Growing up in small communities in southern Manitoba in a foster family with seven siblings and no television or phone, Jordon was often the target of bullying.

“The bullying lowered my self-esteem a lot,” Jordan says.

At the same time, it stoked a fire in his spirit: “I just want to become a motivation for anybody and everybody who’s been in the same situation,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to do great things. I want to help people become better and show people their true potential.

Now 18, Jordon is walking the talk by setting his own course for success. In June, he graduated high school and shortly after, moved out of the MYS healing home where he’s lived for almost two years into his own apartment, where’s he’s learning to navigate life as an adult.

Healing homes are safe spaces in the community where youth 10 – 17 with complex needs receive ongoing clinical care, along with 24-hour support and supervision.

“I always knew I was going to graduate. I made it a goal. I knew everyone around me was counting on me. I always talk about motivating others. I didn’t want to disappoint them.”

Jordon’s next goal is to become a certified personal trainer and open a gym.

Supporting others and working together are themes rein-forced for Jordon during his time at MYS and his participation in Indigenous cultural activities like the Rising Sun drum group.

The drum group helped me realize that together, we help each other grow and we give each other strength.

– Jordon, Healing Home participant

“The drum group helped me realize that together, we help each other grow and we give each other strength. If I was drumming by myself, I know I’d forget half those words. I’d skip off the beat. But when I have five or six other guys around me, I feel grounded.”

That sense of belonging and community is what Jordon will miss most about the healing home even though he’s excited about starting the next chapter of his life.

“I had people around me all the time for almost two years. I was living with five other guys and had staff I could interact with every day. I feel like I created healthy and strong relationships there.”

Fortunately, Jordon is always welcomed back to the healing home: “I can always call there and see if I can come over for supper and spend some time with the guys.”