Lynn Evans’ life took an unsuspecting turn after a single conversation with a stranger. “I was homeless, jobless, and using any money I had to support my addiction,” Lynn recalls. “One day, a woman suggested I needed to look at my life from a different angle.”

Until that moment, Lynn believed life had to improve before she could abstain. Instead, she realized that recovery had to come first.

“I thought I needed a miracle before I could quit,” she says. “Once I realized it was up to me, I was open to creating my own miracle.”

Lynn had attended treatment more than once and struggled to maintain sobriety while experiencing homelessness. Without stable housing or support, building a life in recovery felt out of reach.

In 2010, Lynn returned to Renascent determined to do things differently.

“I had been to Renascent twice before and never completed treatment,” she says. “This time, I was determined it would be different. Renascent brought me to hope.”

That decision became the turning point in her life.

Treatment led to transitional housing, post-secondary education, several diplomas, and, most importantly, long-term recovery. This year, Lynn celebrated 15 years in recovery and has built the life she once believed was impossible. She enjoys spending time with the strong network of family and friends who continue to support her.

Recovery also inspired a new purpose. Lynn became an addictions counsellor and works as a relief counsellor at Renascent’s Graham Munro Centre, where she helps women discover the same hope that was once offered to her. She is also very active in the recovery community, giving back whenever she can do so.

In 2022, Lynn was recognized by Renascent with the Yielding Family Legacy Recovery Award, for the compassion and creativity she brings to her role through group walking meditation, journaling, art, and other therapeutic activities that help clients express themselves.

“I love spending time with our clients and getting to know them on another level,” she says. “Some have told their stories so many times they’re exhausted. Creative expression gives them another way to connect, heal, and come alive.”