Wade: Living a Bright Future

Meeting Wade today, you would not realize that just ten short years ago, this 42 year old was suicidal, isolated, unemployed and living with his mother.  Even though he was diagnosed with severe depression and schizoaffective disorder at 32, he feels like he has been dealing with it since he was 17. After completing high school, Wade did two years of post secondary education and then his world crashed. This led him to quit school, lose employment, become hospitalized and refuse medication.

For over four years, Wade has been working with the Coast Social Enterprise Foundation’s Landscaping With Heart. Prior to working for Coast, he had a hard time maintaining employment. “The job is something I can be proud of. I know that any additional money goes back to Coast and helps to make a difference in the lives of deserving people,” said Wade.

Getting back into the workforce has given Wade confidence and encouragement to take on more responsibilities. In addition to landscaping, he also holds a janitorial transitional position with the Clubhouse and is taking courses at Douglas College through Coast Education Opportunities Fund.

“Taking on more things slowly has let me build stamina and find the balance between home, work and classes.” Wade knows that to maintain his success, he needs to ensure he can handle additional pressure without jeopardizing other aspects of his life.

Sitting with Wade you can instantly see how full of pride he is of the life he has built and continues to build for his wife and himself. “Working and going to school not only gets you out of the house, it gives you a sense of worth and helps you become more active. Having the extra money has made a large difference in our quality of life. We can save up for things we couldn’t afford before like a vacation or a computer.”

Wade used to shy away from people, but now he is more outgoing than ever. His successes in school and at work have given him a sense of belonging and pride in his accomplishments.

Wade is now healthy, married and independent, living in Coast Mental Health scattered housing. He is employed and back in school.  With the support of Coast, he is now living a life he is proud of.