Faith & Friends January 2022

Sesame Street Movie

LOST IN NYC P.22

Hair-Raising Tale

Hope for Young Moms

LOVE BLOOMS P.10 ARMY’S NEW CHOICES P.24

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

faithandfriends.ca

JANUARY 2022

More Than

a Laundry

THE SALVATION ARMY’S GATEWAY LINENS IN TORONTO IS A PATH TO INDEPENDENCE. P.16

OUT OF THE

DARKNESS In the Northern Hemisphere, December 21 is the shortest day of the year. Along the southern border of Canada, the day is less than nine hours long. At the country’s northern tip, the sun does not rise at all—a phenomenon known as polar night.

Starting December 22 and into the new year, however, each day becomes a little longer. The darkness relents. By the summer

solstice in June, the polar night has become the midnight sun.

In life, we all face times of winter— dark nights of the soul when it feels like all is lost. We need light to enter our lives again, to give us hope for brighter days.

Jesus once told His followers, “I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). He is the light no darkness can overcome.

To learn more about Jesus, our Saviour, visit our website at faithandfriends.ca or contact us at: The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4.

January 2022

VOLUME 25 NUMBER 1

5

LAUGHING MATTERS

5 A Couple of Fs

We can all learn from Prince Philip’s faith and friendship.

COMMON GROUND

8 “Happy Birthday to …

… everyone,” said The Salvation Army to the clients they serve.

GOD IN MY LIFE

10 Waving the White Flag

Jeanette Levellie agonized over how she looked. Until God showed her His image of herself.

FEATURES

13

16 COVER STORY 22

On the Right Path

With the help of The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope, Clément overcame his past and found a future.

More Than a Laundry

The Salvation Army’s Gateway Linens in Toronto is a path to independence.

Escape From New York

In Sesame Street, our favourite friends find their way home.

24

SOMEONE CARES 24 Ready for Change

The Salvation Army’s New Choices program gives hope to young mothers.

LITE STUFF 28 Eating Healthy With Erin

Sudoku, Quick Quiz.

NIFTY THRIFTY 30 I’ve Been Framed!

Hanging an inspirational slogan makes for an awesome upcycling project. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY 2022

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Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

Designing Woman

C

hris McGregor, a content marketing specialist for The Salvation Army’s Ontario Division, had always been aware of Gateway Linens but it wasn’t until he was assigned to write a story on the program that he really appreciated its impact.

For Chris, there are two groups of people who are impacted and receive benefit from the commercial laundry.

“I loved listening to the personal experiences of the clients and how much they were being helped and supported with life goals,” he says. “But the staff at Gateway Linens are all passionate about the experience and the opportunity, and you can tell they are so grateful for the assistance they provide to others.”

Chris’ story is on page 16.

It’s fitting that, with the new year, we also introduce a new graphic design specialist, Lisa Suroso.

Lisa attended the Ontario College of Art and Design University and also has a degree in international development from the University of British Columbia. She worked most recently with Mustard Seed International, a Christian international development agency that works with children’s education in Indonesia. A passionate believer in sharing the love of Jesus and in serving communities struggling with poverty, she and her husband spent three years working with the people of Kei on the Maluku Islands in Indonesia.

Please welcome Lisa to the Faith & Friends family!

Ken Ramstead 4 • JANUARY 2022 I faithandfriends.ca

Mission Statement To show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith.

Faith & Friends is published monthly by: The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England William and Catherine Booth FOUNDERS

Brian Peddle, GENERAL Commissioner Floyd Tidd TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Moulton, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Ramstead, EDITOR

Lisa Suroso GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST

Rivonny Luchas DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Pamela Richardson, COPY EDITOR, PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Ada Leung CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR

Kristin Ostensen STAFF WRITER, PROOFREADER

Giselle Randall STAFF WRITER Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from New International Version Contact Us P. (416) 467-3188, F. (416) 422-6217 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@salvationarmy.ca Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6119 circulation@salvationarmy.ca All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 ISSN 1702-0131

Faith&Friends

LAUGHING MATTERS

A Couple of Fs We can all learn from Prince Philip’s faith and friendship.

Photo: Dallas Callaway

by Phil Callaway

Leggo My Lego Phil Callaway and his grandchildren, Seth and Caleb

D

o you exercise your right to exercise? I hope you do. I did a push-up today. Actually,

I, uh … fell down. But I had to push myself back up, so technically that counts.

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY 2022

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Faith&Friends

LAUGHING MATTERS

Much of the exercise I engage in now is unintentional. For instance, hopping around the living room after stepping on Lego pieces was unexpected and a far more rigorous activity than I had planned. Picking an ice cube off the floor sounds easy. It’s not. I got a six-minute cardio workout chasing one around with my fingers until it melted.

But seriously, I walk about eight kilometres a day—I really do—and I jog when I badly need to. Like when the ice cream truck is speeding past.

tended the royals were perfect, but she prayed for them and looked for praiseworthy things to report.

We can all learn from Prince Philip’s life. His blunders delighted many, but I wonder how any of us would fare if our every sentence was recorded and the tabloids hounded us. We’re wise to watch our words, of course, and usually the prince did.

Once, while sitting beside a woman at a university dinner, he asked why she was there.

“I’m the wife of the college rector,”

I wonder how any of us would fare if our every sentence was recorded and the tabloids hounded us. PHIL CALLAWAY Royal Toast Prince Philip would not have approved. When he passed away two months short of his 100th birthday, those watching his funeral learned that the prince followed the 5BX physical fitness plan.

That requires 11 minutes a day of rigorous stretching, sit-ups, push-ups, extending your back and running in place. Afterward, you follow it up with diddly squats.

OK, that part I made up, but the rest is true.

I often heard my mother hum God Save the Queen. She never pre-

6 • JANUARY 2022 I faithandfriends.ca

she replied.

Philip said, “I believe that’s the least interesting thing about you.”

What an approach. What a way to enhance relationships. Surely this is the great friendship secret, taking an active interest, listening. He often downplayed his own story.

“It’s a big mistake to think about yourself,” he said. “What counts is what you do for others.”

Recent portrayals cast the prince in a negative light, but his most credible biographers challenge such reports.

Those close to him and the Queen label their 73-year marriage rock-

solid. Biographer Gyles Brandreth writes of seeing the Queen surrounded by dignitaries in a crowded room. Standing far off by the huge windows was Prince Philip. When she caught his eye, he raised his glass to her and smiled.

Princely Faith Prince Philip knew that the best way to overcome unwelcome change comes in service to others. He rose above a childhood scarred by turbulence and family tragedies, and served in the Royal Navy for nearly 14 years, six of them during wartime. Devotion to duty and service, he insisted, outweighed fear, something that should inspire all of us in a world of increasing uncertainty and change.

The language of his faith may be different from ours, but I appreciate the author and columnist John Musgrave’s take: “Key to the House of Windsor’s success is the Christian idea of the servant king working to release the creative good in us all.”

The couple attended Crathie Kirk,

Balmoral, where Reverend Ian Bradley often preached. The prince took notes so the two of them could discuss doctrine over lunch. The former Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, told The Yorkshire Post that Prince Philip openly discussed with him his Christian faith, saying, “The Queen and I are so strong in Jesus Christ.”

His library contained 11,000 books, many on theology. According to Reverend Ian, it was Prince Philip who encouraged the Queen to speak more openly of her Christian faith during her Christmas broadcasts.

After Prince Philip’s death, Paul Williams, chief executive of the Bible Society, said: “We join with millions in giving thanks to God for his contribution to the life of our nation, and his long and loving partnership with our Queen.”

May we all be challenged to practise Prince Philip’s faith and friendship. And get some exercise, too. I, for one, am about to walk through a Lego minefield on my way to look for ice cubes.

(left) Phil Callaway’s Laugh Again radio program airs 700 times a week in Canada. Visit him at laughagain.org.

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Faith&Friends

COMMON GROUND

“Happy Birthday to … … everyone,” said The Salvation Army to the clients they serve.

Illustration: kolonko/stock.Adobe.com

L

by Lorenda Dale

ast August 16 was a busy day for us here at the Medicine Hat Salvation Army ministries in Alberta. We had a birthday barbecue at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

We had told our clients for a couple of weeks that we were planning a birthday barbecue to be held at the park. Of course, we got some interesting looks when we said that, and they asked whose birthday we were celebrating. We replied, “Yours,” and explained that we wanted to celebrate them, each one of them.

“This is for all the birthdays that you weren’t celebrated,” we told them. “This is for all the birthdays you didn’t get to enjoy.”

Noisy Joy It was a great day! Sure, it was a lot

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of work to pull it off, but it was well worth it. Now and then, I slipped away from the table I was at to tidy up at the other tables. I would smile and wish them all a happy birthday and they would do the same.

As I walked, talked and worked, I encountered people who thanked me over and over again.

I wanted to live in their joy that day. I think I got to see how some of them may have been before the troubles and hardships of this world took hold, and before addictions seeped in and changed them.

At the end, we had cake, loot bags and socks to give them before they left. Once again, there were many expressions of thanks and birthday wishes from both staff and clients.

It really felt like a day of celebration as people began to find the

“We never know what tomorrow holds.

Each day is a precious gift.

Cherish it and those you hold dear.”

LORENDA DALE

horn streamers we had put in their loot bags and started blowing them.

“Now it really sounds like a birthday party,” remarked one of the staff.

“Yes, it does,” I replied.

Praying for Hope Some might look at many of the clients we serve and see the rough exterior, the worn faces, the dirty, torn clothes, the eyes that sometimes look lifeless or forlorn. Sometimes, I see that, too. Sometimes, I see the pain, hurt, anger, and feel the frustration of seeing someone who was turning their life around fall back into the darkness and isolation that these awful addictions bring. But I also see the tears as I tell them they were created for something better than this; that their lives have purpose. I see the hope when I tell them there is Someone who loves them

and will always love them.

That day, I believe—and hope— that they got a taste of how much they are loved and how special they are as we celebrated them.

When you see people who have been marginalized, are experiencing homelessness or are suffering from substance use disorders, remember, but for the grace of God, that could be you. It could be any of us. And remember to celebrate those around you every day.

We never know what tomorrow holds. Each day is a precious gift.

Cherish it and those you hold dear, because each of us has purpose, and we are loved beyond measure by the God who created us.

Pray for those who are suffering from addictions, that they would find the hope they need from the giver of hope, Jesus Christ.

(left) Captain Lorenda Dale is the community ministries officer and associate corps officer (pastor) at The Salvation Army’s Medicine Hat Community Church in Alberta.

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Faith&Friends

GOD IN MY LIFE

Waving the White Flag I agonized over how I looked.

Until God showed me His image of myself.

by Jeanette Levellie

I

“

nclude lots of colour,” I told the florist when I ordered flowers for my boss’ 40th birthday.

“Very little or no white.”

A Narrowing of Options It was a running joke in our family that white was the last colour I’d

auburn and cover the grey, I was ready to wave the white flag.

“My only worry is that if I let my hair go natural, I’ll look older than I am,” I whined to my husband, Kevin. Red hair had always been part of my image as an inspirational/humour author and speaker.

I ordered a wig. Wrong choice.

Now I looked like Little Orphan Annie.

JEANETTE LEVELLIE

choose for anything from clothes to picture frames. Even my walking shoes were fuchsia.

“White is too boring,” I said.

“Besides, it doesn’t go well with my red hair.” But after 30 years of colouring my hair to keep the original

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After all, didn’t I need to present a perky, joyous persona? Having white hair might hurt my book sales and the impact of my messages.

“Jeanette, it’s your beautiful face and sparkly personality that people are drawn to,” Kevin stated.

Photos: Jeanette Levillie

Before and After The many shades of Jeanette Levellie

His compliment melted my heart.

But I still wasn’t convinced. So I did what I should have originally done: I talked to God. “Lord, should I quit colouring my hair, buy a wig or let the natural shade—which I imagine is white—make its debut?” When God remained silent, I ordered a wig.

Wrong choice. Now I looked like Little Orphan Annie. At least I’d narrowed down my options.

Realigning Priorities After months of praying for wisdom, seeking advice from my friends, and consulting with my stylist, I heard God’s gentle voice: “Jeanette, Jeanette, you’re worried and upset about something that isn’t that important.”

Wait, I thought, where had I heard

that statement before?

In the New Testament, I found the story of Jesus’ visit to Martha and Mary’s home. Martha fussed over the meal preparations while her younger sister, Mary, sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him talk about God. When Martha insisted that Jesus tell Mary to get up and help cook, Jesus rebuked her. “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at My feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her” (Luke 10:41-42 The Passion Translation).

I realized Jesus was telling me that all my fuss over the colour of my hair was distracting me from His

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Faith&Friends

GOD IN MY LIFE

Photo: Jeanette Levillie

A Blooming Miracle Jeanette’s hosta plant had not flowered in 20 years

plan for my life—to learn from Him and share His Word. His focus was on my heart, not the colour of my hair.

I determined to realign my priorities.

Birthday Surprise It took six months to grow out my hair and get used to the white curls.

Every time someone said, “I love your hair,” I smiled and thought, I should have done this years ago.

On the morning of my birthday, I left the house to meet friends for breakfast. As I started down

the walk, something white in the flowerbed caught my eye.

It can’t be, I thought. This hosta plant hasn’t bloomed in 20 years.

I stood staring at the delicate, trumpet-shaped blossoms for a full two minutes. A sense of awe settled over me.

“Thank you, Lord, for these beautiful white flowers, and on my birthday!” I could almost hear Jesus laughing at me pairing the words beautiful and white in the same sentence.

The hosta blooms were the same colour as my hair.

(left) Author of five books and hundreds of published articles, Jeanette Levellie and her husband make their home in Paris, Illinois.

Jeanette’s hobbies include spoiling her three grandchildren, pampering her cats and inventing new ways to avoid housework. Find her splashes of hope and humour at www.jeanettelevellie.com.

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

On the Right Path

WITH THE HELP OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S PATHWAY OF HOPE, CLÉMENT OVERCAME HIS PAST AND FOUND A FUTURE.

by Johanne Roy

I

first met Clément last March, at the height of the pandemic, when we were handing out supermarket gift cards to those in need. A client of The Salvation Army’s community and family services in Sherbrooke, Que., for a number of years, he was unemployed after being released from his job as a glass fitter due to difficulties with drugs and alcohol.

Thumbs Up Clément asked God to lead him to people who could change his life faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY 2022

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Despite a hard life, he still believed in God and filled out a questionnaire we had handed to him, indicating that he was interested in exploring his spirituality.

After a few meetings, it became obvious that Clément wanted a new start in life, but he needed to overcome many challenges. He was a perfect candidate for the Army’s Pathway of Hope program, a case-management approach designed to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability. I provided him with background information and he enrolled immediately.

“I want to change my life,” he told us in May, “and I am asking God to lead me to the right people.”

Together in Hope Clément demonstrated goodwill but was easily discouraged. He felt useless and expressed deep regrets about his lifelong substance abuse. And part of him just couldn’t accept the

consequences of the bad choices he made in the past.

“But thanks to the Pathway of Hope,” he said, “I’m determined—for once in my life—to go through with something that will help me.”

The first objectives of his Pathway of Hope personal recovery plan were health-related: new glasses and a new mattress. Although these purchases brought him some joy and encouragement, Clément was on an emotional roller-coaster and was easily discouraged. He even considered walking away from the program.

One afternoon in July, I had a chance to talk to him when he arrived to get some food from our community and family services. I was able to convince him to continue on with the program—and that we would do it together.

“Homework” and Health Gradually, Clément started to come around and even started to attend church regularly.

“I enjoy worship,” he told us. “I’m making new friends and I am feeling the love around me.”

And the church family was involved in the process, keeping abreast of his progress and praying for him.

Over the summer, while the Pathway of Hope program was closed, I met with him on Sundays after the Freedom on Four Wheels Clément’s church family helped him acquire his new four-wheeled scooter

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“I believe God sent me The Salvation Army.” CLÉMENT service, and we chatted on the phone.

François, his spiritual advisor, also met with Clément during the summer to give him encouragement.

I’d given Clément an exercise book where, every day, he had to write down two things he was thankful for.

Grumbling at first, Clément started to faithfully do his “homework,” and his positive thoughts soon outweighed his negative ones. He had taken the first steps on a lifelong journey.

And with our assistance and that of several specialists—including a dentist, cardiologist, urologist and psychologist—Clément finally started to take care of his health.

Reaching Goals At the end of August, I met with Clément to discuss the next objective of his recovery plan, something he had mentioned several times before: transportation, so he could move around more easily. The solution was to purchase a four-wheeled scooter.

Some church members found him one at a reasonable price and helped him to purchase materials to build a shed to store it. And an interest-free loan was even negotiated.

In September, Clément obtained the loan. He was feeling much better and had a more positive attitude

about life.

“I believe God sent me The Salvation Army,” he told us.

Motivated, he started doing volunteer work in the church kitchen. His scooter provided him with a newfound autonomy, and he felt happy and useful again.

This past October, Clément purchased a laptop and accessed the internet, because he knew he would be going out less during the winter.

Obtaining insurance for his personal property and his scooter, he ticked off further objectives on his to-do list. And he even had some money left in his bank account at the end of the month!

Clément goes to church now almost every Sunday, and the congregation continues to pray for his spiritual development. Soon, he will graduate from the Pathway of Hope program, but we’ll see him in church and keep in touch with him while he volunteers in the kitchen. Clément is on his way.

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope succeeds when clients are willing to improve their lot in life and to devote their efforts to overcome their difficulties. The Salvation Army’s role is to support and encourage them— and help them reach their goals. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY 2022

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

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More Than a Laundry THE SALVATION ARMY’S GATEWAY LINENS IN TORONTO IS A PATH TO INDEPENDENCE.

by Chris McGregor

AT A FORMER SALVATION ARMY church on Broadview Avenue in Toronto, participants in The Salvation Army’s Gateway Linens and Disposal Services program work amid the whir and rumble of industrial washing machines and dryers.

Men at Work The Gateway Linens laundry shop in action

Life-Changing Idea Gateway Linens started in 2007 when the former director of the Gateway Shelter in Toronto, Dion Oxford, overheard a conversation with a shelter resident who asked why The Salvation Army wasn’t laundering its own sheets and bedding.

That simple suggestion became something much greater than anyone could imagine. It created a new program that provides jobs, a steady income for those in need and, most importantly, a means to a new life for program participants. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY 2022

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COVER STORY

Gateway to Hope Two Gateway program participant workers, Dennis and Iain, pose in front of the main site on Broadview Avenue in Toronto

There, sheets, towels, blankets and tablecloths from various community shelters in Toronto are laundered and folded. For shelter residents, something as seemingly insignificant as clean sheets is a bit of normalcy on a path to self-sufficiency.

One of those participants is Jean Lemay, currently in his third stint at Gateway Linens. He didn’t know anyone in the city following a move to Toronto, and his acceptance into the program allowed him to meet new people. From his experience in the shelter system, Jean understands the need for stability, and that inspired him to give back to others in the same situation.

“It’s way more than doing dirty laundry,” Jean states. “It has had a positive impact on me, and I know it has a positive impact on others.

I’ve slept on those sheets, so when I am washing them and folding them, I know where they are going.

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“Every sheet I fold goes to someone who really needs it. This may not mean much to most people, but for the homeless or people who are in desperate need, it can be a life-changing experience.”

Shelter Synergy Currently at Gateway Linens, there are 15 program participants working Monday to Saturday, washing items from 30 clients that include other downtown shelters, respite care centres and community health centres.

“We are a social enterprise, but we are also a Salvation Army program that provides employment experience and retraining,” explains Stewart King, Gateway Linens’ manager. “Individuals that come into the program are trying to stabilize their life situation.”

Program participants are compensated with a stipend but, more importantly, they are given the time

and support needed to increase their chances of success once they’ve moved on to other employment opportunities and are living independently in their own home or apartment.

“There is a synergy that exists; we’re not an anonymous corporate entity that is doing it just for profit,” Stewart says. “We are very much intertwined with the shelter system, and most of the workforce comes from there.”

Graduating to Success Gateway is more than just a job; it brings with it responsibility, accountability and the flexibility to work toward achieving even greater goals. Many program participants are given time off to attend support meetings, check in with counsellors or social-service caseworkers, or to work toward meeting educational goals.

Former Gateway participants have landed jobs with other

Cleanup Squad Elliott and Hakim at Gateway’s satellite shop in Scarborough, Ont.

“Every sheet I fold goes to someone who really needs it.”

JEAN LEMAY

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COVER STORY

employers, and others have finished undergraduate degrees, enrolled in law school or have become social-service caseworkers, insurance brokers and forklift operators.

“Some have reached their personal goals and we are very fortunate to have helped them along their journey,” Stewart says. “Seeing individuals succeed through our program brings a tremendous feeling of accomplishment for all front-line staff here, who are committed to helping our communities’ most vulnerable.”

A Way Back The program has been so successful that it has expanded to a satellite location at a hotel in Scarborough, in the east end of Toronto, that is operating as a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a unique opportunity extended by the hotel’s ownership group and the City of Toronto, reflecting the commitment to excellence of Gateway Linens’ operation.

This site launders standard room linens and towels as well as the personal clothing of the shelter participants, and most of the laundry workforce is comprised of program participants who reside in the hotel shelter program.

This expansion gives Gateway Linens the capacity to take on more accounts from hotels, restaurants, fitness clubs, physiotherapy and massage clinics, and other shelters 20 • JANUARY 2022 I faithandfriends.ca

and social-service agencies. It also means more participants can learn essential soft skills.

Stewart says Gateway Linens is always seeking volunteers, and the program would benefit from individuals who could help provide participants with additional life skills in areas such as cooking easy-to-prepare meals using simple ingredients that can be cooked on a hot plate or in a microwave.

The Broadview location has a small commercial kitchen that would be perfect for cooking demonstrations and instruction on how to effectively budget for groceries. Access

All for One Part of the Gateway team. “We don’t differentiate between Salvation Army staff and program participant workers because we are all one team,” says Stewart King, Gateway’s manager

to a tutor to help with math or English concepts would also help make it easier for participants to finish their education.

“Being in the shelter system, there is something valuable for residents to have their own clothing laundered, and it needs to be respected,” Stewart says. “A shelter resident knows what the experience

is like and they know the importance of having a sense of dignity.

We’re not just laundering linens; we’re providing a service to walk alongside these individuals.”

Gateway Linens is about more than simply doing laundry; it is an opportunity for people to find a sense of hope and a way back, one bedsheet at a time.

(left) Chris McGregor is a content marketing specialist for The Salvation Army’s Ontario Division. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY 2022

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Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

In the ‘Hood Chance the Rapper visits his Sesame Street pals

Escape From New York

IN SESAME STREET, OUR FAVOURITE FRIENDS FIND THEIR WAY HOME WITH THE HELP OF AN UNLIKELY ALLY.

by Jeanette Levellie

S

“

unny day, sweepin’ the clouds away, on my way to where the air is sweet ….”

Unless you’ve lived in a cave since 1969, you spontaneously sang the ending to that catchy theme song from Sesame Street, the popular kids’ TV program. Fans of all ages will fill theatres on January 14 to watch and sing along with the newest Sesame Street musical comedy.

The movie takes its plot from the last line of the Sesame Street theme song that asks, “Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?”

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Directed by Jonathan Krisel, the family film stars Anne Hathaway (Interstellar, Ocean’s 8), Chance the Rapper (Lion King), and all our favourite Muppet characters. Expect the same fun you experienced while viewing the first two Sesame Street movies, Follow That Bird (1985) and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999). But also prepare for some surprises when Elmo, Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster are confronted with their worst problem ever.

After an evil mayor banishes the

Muppets from their neighbourhood for no apparent reason, they end up in Manhattan. The spunky Sally Hawthorne (Hathaway), whose own TV show is failing, befriends the furry folks. When the mayor uses one evil scheme after another to try and prevent the world from discovering Sesame Street, the new friends work together to save Sally’s program and prove that Sesame Street actually exists. Will the Muppet gang and their unlikely ally convince the world that there is a real place where the air is sweet, friendly neighbours meet and everything is A-OK? Or will they be stuck forever in crowded, noisy Manhattan?

All in the Family Hathaway’s two sons, five-year-old Jonathan and two-year-old Jack, are great Sesame Street fans. The Academy-Award-winning actress confessed that the main reason she wanted to join the cast of the movie was so that Jonathan could meet Cookie Monster, his favourite character.

“Sesame Street is very big in our house right now,” she told an interviewer from filmyhotspot.com. “But I love the show and really wouldn’t trust anyone that wasn’t a Sesame Street fan. It would be like, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ ” Chance the Rapper—who plays the part of the corrupt mayor’s sidekick—shared his own memories of watching Sesame Street as a child to

slashfilm.com.

“The program taught me how to play and make friends that were different from me.”

Chance, whose real name is Chancelor Jonathan Bennett, starred in a 2019 episode of the children’s TV program. His daughters, six-year-old Kensli and two-yearold Marli, are at the perfect ages to delight in seeing their daddy on the big screen alongside Big Bird.

Synergy or Unity?

Like the residents of Sesame Street and their new friend, Sally, our faith in God’s good plan for us might waver when we encounter opposition. People we trust may even betray us. When we feel lost and alone, God often sends unlikely people—someone of another culture, generation or church background—to help. As we set aside our differences and work together, we find solutions we couldn’t have found on our own. And we gain new understanding of others’ viewpoints.

The dictionary calls this “synergy.”

The Bible calls it “unity” (see Ephesians 4:2-3).

The Muppets and Sally formed the perfect picture of how God planned Christians to work together. We bring our various gifts and differences to help each other find our way home. Home to our Saviour, Jesus. Home to our Father, God. And, ultimately, to our forever home, heaven. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY 2022

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SOMEONE CARES

Photo: Abbigail Oliver

Faith&Friends

Ready for Change The Salvation Army’s New Choices program gives hope to young mothers such as Barbie.

by Abbigail Oliver

24 • JANUARY 2022 I faithandfriends.ca

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nstitutions, jails or death.”

Those were the choices facing Barbie after a decade-long struggle with addiction.

“I did not want that anymore,” she says. “I was sick of being in that dark place.”

Today, Barbie has been clean for five years, thanks to her own hard work and The Salvation Army’s New Choices program.

A Dark Path When Barbie was 13, she began abusing drugs and alcohol, and at 15, she discovered she was pregnant with her first child, Shyanne.

Barbie tried to overcome her addiction during her first pregnancy.

She stopped using cocaine and drinking alcohol, found a job and distanced herself from negative influences. She had two more children, Jordyn and Stephen, but when their father was released from prison after six years, he dragged Barbie back into a life of substance abuse. At 23, Barbie was arrested for drug possession after police raided her home.

“I was gone for 10 years,” says Barbie. “I was lost. I was a victim of

human trafficking, I was sexually assaulted, I was stabbed. I’ve been through a lot.”

Barbie gave birth to two more children, Faith and Nation, in 2012 and 2015. Both babies were born while Barbie was in active addiction and they were adopted out together.

“It’s heartbreaking, but I know they have each other,” says Barbie.

Making the Choice Losing two of her children to Children’s Aid was the push Barbie needed to make a tough decision about her future. In 2016, she began addiction treatment.

“I was ready to make a change,” she says.

Barbie moved in with her grandparents to take care of them in their old age. There, she was able to escape from drugs and detox properly through treatment with the Children’s Aid Society.

“After a long decade, I reconnected with my family and my children, Jordyn and Stephen. That’s what kept me going to detox.”

Barbie graduated after five weeks of treatment. “It was intense, but it kept me on track,” she says.

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Faith&Friends

SOMEONE CARES

New Hope After giving birth to her youngest daughter, Rhythim, in 2017, Barbie came to The Salvation Army’s New Choices program through her counsellor, Jill McLeod, whom she had known from her addiction recovery programs.

Based in Hamilton, Ont., New Choices is a program for pregnant or mothering women who struggle with substance abuse and are at any stage of recovery. The objective of New Choices is to break down barriers for at-risk women who may face difficulty receiving the support and resources they need to overcome their addiction. New Choices offers programs and services for both mothers and children, with the goal of always meeting the client where they’re at.

“The client identifies their needs and struggles from their perspective, and we advocate for them,” says Kristin Baughan, program manager.

“Whether it be Children’s Aid, probation or doctor’s appointments, we’re there for the mom and the child to help advocate for them through these barriers.”

At New Choices, Barbie receives counselling, learns parenting and life skills, and maintains her sobriety.

Barbie brings Rhythim to the New Choices day program, participates in activities with her daughter and receives the individual help she needs.

“I’ve gotten to enjoy every piece of Rhythim’s life,” says Barbie. “The women at New Choices help you with everything. If you’re having a housing crisis, if you need a lawyer, there’s nothing those women don’t do.

Photo: Abbigail Oliver

“Pride, Love and Accomplishment” Barbie with Dylan and Rhythim

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“ I was lost. I was a victim of human trafficking, I was sexually assaulted, I was stabbed. I’ve been through a lot.” BARBIE They supply you with grocery cards and diapers. Without being embarrassed, you can go to them.

They help you in so many ways, not just recovery.”

New Choices operates on a harmreduction philosophy that strives to reduce the effects of substance use, promote prenatal care, teach mothering skills and provide women with positive role modelling, counselling and mental-health services.

“Recent studies show that the support system in recovery is key,” says Andrea Restauri, addiction counsellor supervisor. “A lot of our women don’t have family support, and their friend support system is usually an unhealthy one. We give them long-term individualized care. Our clients feel supported and encouraged because we’re a closeknit group.”

A Brighter Future Barbie says that New Choices taught her everything: “Compassion, empathy, how to be courageous and how to cope. The staff showed me

how to love myself again because I hated the version of who I was before.”

Today, Barbie maintains a good relationship with her adult children and custody of her four-year-old daughter, Rhythim, and she recently took kinship of six-month-old Dylan, the child of a family friend who is in active addiction and unable to care for him.

The kinship approval process requires extensive screening by Children’s Aid. After a criminal record check and visits with Dylan to determine Barbie’s fitness, Children’s Aid approved her application.

“It was an overwhelming feeling of pride, love and accomplishment,” says Barbie. “I’m so happy Dylan is in my life and God gifted him to me.

“New Choices made a huge impact in my life. I took every program offered, not because someone told me to, but because I wanted to,” she continues. “I got rid of people, places and substances, and made so many changes. My life is full and amazing today.”

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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin OLD-FASHIONED APPLE CRISP TIME 50 min MAKES 6 servings SERVE WITH ice cream

6 medium-sized apples 30 ml (2 tbsp) sugar 7 ml (1½ tsp) cinnamon 5 ml (1 tsp) lemon juice 125 ml (½ cup) brown sugar 60 ml (¼ cup) maple syrup 175 ml (¾ cup) rolled oats 175 ml (¾ cup) all-purpose flour 125 ml (½ cup) softened butter 60 ml (¼ cup) raisins (optional) pinch of salt

1. Preheat oven to 175 C (350 F).

Grease a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 in.) baking dish.

2. Peel, core and dice apples. Place in bowl with sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.

3. In another bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, oats, flour, salt and softened butter.

4. Place apple mixture in baking dish and then top with oat mixture.

5. Bake for 45 minutes uncovered.

LEMON HERB RICOTTA FETTUCCINE

Recipe photos: Erin Stanley

TIME 15 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH toasted garlic bread

400 g (14 oz.) fettuccine 500 ml (2 cups) ricotta cheese 45 ml (3 tbsp) fresh lemon juice 45 ml (3 tbsp) fresh dill 15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh parsley 1 garlic clove pinch of salt pinch of pepper 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh Parmesan cheese olive oil to garnish lemon wedge

28 • JANUARY 2022 I faithandfriends.ca

1. Boil water and cook pasta according to package.

2. Blend ricotta, lemon, dill, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper.

3. Add 30 ml (2 tbsp) of pasta water to sauce and mix.

4. Drain pasta and mix sauce and pasta together in a bowl.

5. Garnish with fresh Parmesan, drizzle of olive oil and a lemon wedge.

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© www.kevinfrank.net

HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank

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Faith&Friends

NIFTY THRIFTY

I’ve Been Framed!

Hanging an inspirational slogan makes for an awesome upcycling project.

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am a sucker for a lovely frame, an item I never buy new since there’s always so much choice at my local Salvation Army thrift store. And I recently acquired an inspirational printed quote I found at my neighbourhood stationery store. I combined my two finds into an awesome DIY. Supplies Needed: Thrifted frame, printed quote, cardboard, patterned paper, tissue paper (optional), scissors, tape (regular or double-sided) or white glue.

Step 1 Source a frame at your local Salvation Army thrift store. I adore a natural wood frame like this one!

Next, you’ll need to track down the perfect quote to give you inspiration.

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Step 2 Remove everything from the frame. Be sure to keep the hardware and inserts since you’ll want to reuse these. For my wood frame, I sanded it, then added a coat of oil. You can use cooking oil to help give the finish a bit of oomph.

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30 • JANUARY 2022 I faithandfriends.ca

Step 3 Trace the shape of either the inserts or glass onto cardboard or measure the inside of the frame, then cut out a piece of cardboard to fit. This will be the base of your background for your printed quote.

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Step 4 Choose a patterned paper that works well with your printed quote. I chose a geometric design to help frame mine. I also chose to layer the patterned paper with tissue paper to mute the design. Use tape or white glue to add the patterned paper and tissue paper to the cardboard.

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Step 5 Now you’re ready for your printed quote. I used doublesided tape on the back of mine to adhere it to the paper. Measure the space around the printed quote to ensure it’s in the middle and centred.

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Step 6 Finally, we’re putting it all together.

First, put the glass back in the frame and wipe the surface. Next, insert the cardboard with your printed quote. Lastly, nail or screw in the old hardware.

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That’s it! We’re ready to hang our inspiring, DIY wall art.

(left) Denise Corcoran (aka Thrifty By Design) is an author, upcycler, community builder and workshop facilitator based in North Vancouver. She shares her enthusiasm for crafting and upcycling by facilitating “Crafternoons” throughout Vancouver. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores.

Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

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