“I am 47 years old and I live in Saskatoon, SK. Here is some background about me. I went to jail April 10, 2023 and got released August 3, 2024. From May 14, 2019 to August 3, 2024 I only spent 10 months free. In my lifetime I have done 4320 days served.

I lived the fast life, I ran with the wrong crowd where my way of life was gangs, drug and crime. While in jail I did Drug Treatment, the program is called DSATU. I also did Living Without Violence, Courage to Change and Thinking for a Change. After doing all the programing. They let me go to the halfway house. I started to attend AA meetings while at the halfway house.

Then the realization of my release is, I would be leaving jail and have no place to live and no job. It felt like I was going to go back to what I know best that's gangs, drugs and crime. It seemed like I was stuck in the cycle.

Three days prior to my release, I got a call from Oxford house it's a sober living organization. So on August 8, 2024 I moved into sober living. It was a life changing event, Because I wanted to change my lifestyle, I was tired of that life. The steps I needed to do to start the change. I need to remain sober, get my education LAE 12 and get post-secondary schooling. To ensure I get a good job and become a contributing member of society.

I enrolled in the LAE12 program at A.E. Davis Building and started Nov.12, 2024 until June 20, 2025. When I will be done with a LAE12 diploma. I have also registered for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Repair at Polytechnic.

Everyday I keep putting my best foot forward and giving it my all. I have volunteered at Sask Polytech for meal planning kits with Todd Devonshire. I also volunteer time at Saskatoon Food Bank in July and Aug. Working 3 shifts per. week. I believe personal change requires effort and stepping outside of one's comfort zone is growth. I feel tremendous growth in my last year of freedom, I have had to change friends, places and activities in order to change my lifestyle. I am focused on self-improvement daily and remain in sober living.”

“My name is Aaron Sanderson. I've been a member with OHS in Saskatoon since May 1, 2023. In the past 2 years this has been the most consistent and stable living environment I've been privileged to experience.

The staff have been a valuable part of my recovery journey. They're always ready to assist me for whatever help is needed in any way. The best part about living here is the safe and sober living space provided and the constant concern from the staff. In fact, I have passed along my experience and recommendation to others wanting to change for the better and need a place to do so.

The rules and regulations are enough to keep one focused on recovery and help rehabilitate one into society. To me, this place is my "bubble of protection" from a world I am still not ready to enter. OHS allows me to work on myself so that I will some day be ready to do so.”

“Shortly after I turned 38, I relapsed after 18 years of free from drugs. The next 18 months became a downward spiral through treatment centers, detox facilities, trap houses, and homeless shelters. I went from working in an office, caring for people with intellectual disabilities, to being lost in a drug-induced psychosis, using in back alleys.

When the excuses for my selfish behavior finally ran out, I took responsibility for the damage I had caused to myself, my daughters, and my wife. That was the moment I chose to take my recovery seriously. I entered an intensive 60-day treatment program in central west Saskatchewan, where I committed fully to my program and began the process of healing.

My wife and I agreed that sober living was the best next step — a way for me to face life’s challenges without using, while having the structure and accountability of Oxford. My determination to stay clean and rebuild my life eventually showed Oxford that I was ready and willing to fight for my recovery.

Every Friday, I would call Oxford’s intake line and speak with the same person. Those weekly calls became my lifeline — a safety net. If I could just make it one more week, maybe I’d have a home again. Her positive words and assurance that a spot would open for me one day gave me the hope I needed to keep going.

Then, the call finally came — I was accepted as a member of Oxford. That moment wasn’t just about getting a place to stay; it was the turning point where I knew I had a real chance to rebuild my life. When I reached Oxford, I didn’t just find a house or a program — I found people who refused to let me face this battle alone. They understood that recovery isn’t just about breaking free from substances; it’s about rebuilding a life when your body and spirit have been pushed to their limits.

Through the second stage of my recovery, when my physical health continued to decline, Oxford’s team never wavered. They stood beside me during my weakest days, offering compassion when I felt unworthy of it, and strength when I had none left. Oxford gave me more than a safe place — they gave me the belief that my life was still worth fighting for. They reminded me that even in a wheelchair, even in pain, I could still move forward. They saw me as a whole person, not just an addict or a client, and that kind of support can’t be measured.

Today, I am still on this journey — still healing, still learning, still fighting. But I’m doing it with a renewed sense of purpose and with gratitude for the people at Oxford who refused to give up on me when I was ready to give up on myself. They didn’t just help me recover; they helped me rebuild my life from the ground up.”

“I have been a member of Oxford house for less than four months and already my life has changed for the better. I was in my addict phase for about ten years prior to coming in. I was hopelessly addicted to my drug of choice when I started looking for a way out. I wanted to sober up and see my two sons that I was distant from. I wanted to be a part of their lives if they would allow me back in.

Through my treatment I started looking for sober living which led me to Oxford House. I have been sober for a little less than five months and I see my youngest son weekly. My oldest boy has recently responded to a gift basket with a thank you card. I wanted these moments to happen and thanks to Oxford house it became reality.

Going from living on the streets to having my family back in my life has helped me change for the better. This time it will last because I have peer support and weekly check ins with staff.”

“What Oxford has done for me is provide me a sober living environment. Before Oxford, I was trying to stay sober on my own but had many relapses. Oxford has helped me to balance my life and provided knowledge that I need to prepare for being on my own.

The staff is always there for you, 24/7. Being at Oxford is training my mind to not need alcohol in my life, which I'm so grateful for. I finally feel there is hope for me because I've had a long history of alcoholism.

I've tried many things for my addiction but Oxford has really helped me. Oxford also provides me all the help I need and to have a normal life. My friends and family all have seen a change in me, so if you're thinking of getting free from addiction, I highly recommend Oxford.”

“Oxford house is like a home. They are very educational and professional in helping people understand addiction and live a normal life. They have many helpful programs. They provide a comfortable atmosphere and it is easy to talk to staff. I have started seeing a future again.”

“I came to Oxford House after a very long struggle with alcohol and mental health issues due to my addiction. When I finally hit my rock bottom, I had lost my job, my apartment, the respect and trust of my family and friends, and my self respect.

I put myself into treatment and while there, I applied for Oxford House. I did not have a home anymore and I knew that, continuing my path to sobriety, I could not live with any of my family or friends.

Only by the grace of God I was accepted into Oxford. It has been the best thing I have ever done for myself, my sobriety and my sanity. It has provided me with a safe, sober, affordable home with lots of support from staff and roommates.

Although there are still a lot of challenges I need to face and work on I can now do that in a clean, safe, and sober environment with tons of support. I will forever be grateful for Oxford House.”