R Joyce introduced Tina and Martin Vanderlaan:
Martin and Tina first began their work with New Life Women’s Home in 2020 after completing three years of intensive training in the operations of a faith-based residential recovery campus in New Brunswick.
Their journey to becoming leaders in addiction ministry began 25 years ago, when Martin was first drawn to supporting people living with substance use problems.
Then, in 2016, they received a text from their eldest daughter that changed their lives forever. It read, “Dan needs help. I can’t do it. I don’t know what to do anymore. He hasn’t done coke for a few days, but he’s replaced that with Percocet. He’s going to end up killing himself.”
Martin connected Dan to a recovery centre in New Brunswick dedicated to helping individuals with drug and alcohol problems. This was a pivotal moment: God had led them here to equip them to start their own ministry back home.
For the next three years, Martin and Tina developed a thorough understanding of addiction and learned how to minister to people facing substance use problems.
When New Life Women’s Home asked Martin to take the lead as Executive Director in May of 2020, it was clear that God was at work, directing them to step into their ministry.
With Tina taking on Marketing and Donor Relations, the two along with their team are working to build on the foundations that were laid over thirty years ago. Together, they’re leading a renewed vision for providing healing ministry to people whose lives have been seriously impacted by substance use and other life-controlling problems.
A new campus is set to open late spring of 2023!
Martin gave a little more background of himself and Tina. Martin grew up in Brighton, working for his uncle Al and then Len Kuipers before going out on his own. Tina was from the Hamilton / Cayuga area before moving to Brighton at age 12.
They provided a brief history of New Life Girl's Home in Consecon started 30 years ago primarily as a home for unwed mothers. However, the home in Consecon needed to be replaced and was determined that it would take too much to fix. So they started to look for a new location. The purpose of the home also evolved to one focusing on addiction. They found a new location in Plainfield on Thrasher Road north of Belleville. Next to the Frink Centre.
The program has developed into a 12 month program focusing on a New Life, New Faith and New Hope.
The new location is more of a 'campus' rather than just a lot. With walking trails, some seclusion but still only 15minutes from Town and services.
They hope to add a men's campus in the future, but one step at a time.
No child grows up wanting to be addicted. We all know someone affected by addiction of some kind. Their daughter's boy friend out east are adults and Tina and Martin decided to walk with them through this journey.
There has been a huge increase in deaths due to opiods, 480% increase. All people have worth, all have family and friends who love and care for them. Many deaths result from ATV and boating accidents while using or under the influence.
Our area is above the average in terms of use and deaths.
Tina and Martin did intensive training at the Village of Hope in New Brunswick. We can't rescue people, only love them and walk with them. The reasons are many; childhood trauma, generational issues, a need to belong, to have purpose. Some take substances to cope.
What brings change? Hitting rock bottom, to loose everything. The pain of change has to be less than staying the course they are on. Desperation.
There are faith based programs and government programs. It is a hard path, no easy solutions. But the person has to be removed from the environment they are in. They have a 12 month program but people can apply for a second 12 months.
There is a physical detox and a mental detox. The physical is a couple hard weeks, but the mental has to change habits. The individual needs to take responsibility.
There new campus is 42 acres. They are finishing the main lodge and plan to build dorms, have animals and garden, work shops and class rooms. They need to have purpose and routine in their lives, and faith.
Tina and Martin shared a short video of the building of the main lodge. They plan to open this spring and grow. They are approved for up to 22 clients. Some staff will live on campus. Initially likely start with about 6.
There is no government funds, all donations.
R Daniel thanked Tina and Martin for their presentation and their work.