Brent – Restoring His Life

Building a Brighter Future

Brent was an athlete who excelled in soccer.

During his younger years, he played for Team Manitoba and his talent was noticed by a scout for a team in Portugal. Brent was offered a spot on the team. He quickly accepted and left Winnipeg.

During his 12 1/2 years in Portugal he became addicted to cocaine. This, along with a knee injury, led to the end of his soccer career. A much-needed operation for Brent’s knee brought him back to Winnipeg.

“This was probably the best thing that ever happened to me,” he says, as it began his road to recovery.

Once Brent was back in his home city, he attended a rehabilitation program for 13 months to overcome his drug addiction; he’s been clean for 7 1/2 years.

Free from his addiction, Brent is getting his life back on track, although some days can still be a struggle.

“It’s still something I don’t think you ever beat unless you can always say no,” says Brent.

Along with Brent’s triumph over cocaine was the challenge of finding permanent employment and supporting himself.

Then, one day when meeting a friend for coffee at Siloam, Brent found out about the Building Futures program. He heard the program could offer him full-time employment. This is exactly what he wanted but was struggling to find.

Brent is now a faithful full-time worker with the team.

The Building Futures program has been changing Brent’s life. He feels as though he is starting over and is regaining his trust in people. He now has the goal of becoming a teacher with the program to help others who are going through the same trials he’s experienced. Brent is very thankful to Siloam Mission.

“They’re offering a job and they care for you, so… you can’t beat that,” he says.