Steve was 53 years old when he first met his biological father. Born in Jamaica, where his siblings still live, Steve moved to Canada when he was 15.
As a young boy, Steve was overworked. “I was forced to carry buckets of water from a river to fill a drum,” he said. Each drum needed 24 buckets, and Steve had to walk up and down a hill two miles to fetch each one. The work he did at such a young age damaged his heart, feet, and knees.
Steve also experienced violence as a child, which resulted in permanent damage to one of his eyes. In his words: “I was beaten until I stopped crying, but the beatings didn’t end.”
Moving to Canada
When Steve’s mother, who had moved to Canada, discovered what was happening, she brought Steve and his nine-year-old sister to live with her. The hardships he endured shaped who he is today, but they weren’t without challenges. He didn’t get along with his stepfather and, in his senior year of high school, moved out to live on his own and finish school.
At one point in his life, when his skills as a pool player led him to win and drink a lot of beer, a friend stepped in to help. She allowed him to stay with her for a month and assisted him in applying for welfare, securing employment, and getting back on track. When he shared his life story and health issues, she advised him to apply for disability and supported him through the process.
Getting Support with LOFT
After applying for disability assistance, Steve was introduced to LOFT. One night, while getting up for a drink, he collapsed due to untreated diabetes and woke up in the hospital temporarily blind. Determined to recover, he learned Braille and volunteered at CNIB before moving to Mount Dennis Intensive Care Management (ICM). LOFT supports him with health management and social programs, regularly checks in on him, and ensures he is invited to all social gatherings. “LOFT helps me a lot,” he says. “They give me good direction, and everyone is friendly; I don’t feel threatened.” Independent yet engaged, Steve participates in activities like gardening to beautify the building’s green spaces.
While he continues to experience health concerns, Steve maintains hope and has a clear vision for his future: owning and running a family restaurant with his adult children. He credits LOFT and the guidance and support offered for this renewed optimism. He values the assistance he receives and is currently applying to attend culinary school. “I am a very good cook,” Steve says. “I can cook anything to your liking; that is my skill.” Stephna, Steve’s caseworker, is helping him apply for a food-handling course—the first step toward his dream. “This is the promise to myself and to my children,” he adds.
Mount Dennis ICM provides specialized care coordination and one-on-one support for adults and seniors with mental health and addiction challenges.
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