Living Your Life Your Way with Less Harm/Risk
Discover the best version of yourself
Discover the best version of yourself
I was born and raised in North Perth, and attended LDSS but moved to Kitchener, Waterloo in the early 1990s While in KW I began to use alcohol and drugs in an increasingly out of control way. These addictions led me to a life of homelessness and shelters and a place inside myself that I didn't want to be.
During this time I found out
I was born and raised in North Perth, and attended LDSS but moved to Kitchener, Waterloo in the early 1990s While in KW I began to use alcohol and drugs in an increasingly out of control way. These addictions led me to a life of homelessness and shelters and a place inside myself that I didn't want to be.
During this time I found out about harm reduction. After several tries (over the course of roughly 10 years) at abstinence with no success. I began to move more toward who I wanted to be and the life I wanted by using harm reduction principles.
I went on to attend the University of Waterloo and get a BA (Social Development Studies) and to work with ACCKWA (AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Waterloo and Area) as their Outreach Coordinator for 6 years. During that time I was privileged to work with many people on their life journeys as clients and Peer Workers of SafePoint Needle Exchange. I was also able to participate in the early efforts to provide Naloxone to Outreach Workers and PWUS(People Who Use Substances) in KW.
In the last 4 years I have been introduced to the benefits of physical body work therapies (Deep Muscle Therapy, Cranio- Sacral Therapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage) and the amazing benefits of these treatments. During that time I have become a qualified therapist in these discipline (trained by Touchstone)
Dignity Alternatives believes that every individual has the potential to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. Our approach is centered around helping clients cultivate self-awareness, identify their values and goals, and create actionable steps towards achieving them.
Dignity Alternatives takes a broad spectrum approach to Harm /Risk Re
Dignity Alternatives believes that every individual has the potential to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. Our approach is centered around helping clients cultivate self-awareness, identify their values and goals, and create actionable steps towards achieving them.
Dignity Alternatives takes a broad spectrum approach to Harm /Risk Reduction and does not limit it services to substance use. Rather it aims to work with people of all ages and circumstances to help reduce the risks in their lives related to behaviours. Allowing those we work with to have more control over the path of their lives.
Dignity is committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their options for their life. It is our role to assist them to work towards their desired outcomes so they can live their life with dignity and reduce their risks.
Dignity Alternatives offers a range of services, including:
* drop in location to pick up harm reduction supplies, information and socializing
* one-on-one harm reduction sessions,
*workshops on harm reduction for communities and employers/agencies
*mobile body work by appointment only (deep muscle, cranio-sacral and manual lymphatic drainage therapies)
Please call us at if you cannot find an answer to your question.
For some having their therapist come to them for their treatment is a significant harm reduction method (particularly in the winter months--fall prevention). This is why we offer the service to anyone but especially to those who are seniors. If you would like to book an appointment call (519) 444-5499.
It is important you leave a voice message. Someone will return your call as soon as possible
Yes, they are. Risk reduction is an umbrella term that is associated with a wide range of actions and a specific mindset that looks to reduce harm(s) that may/may not include but are not limited to the use of substances such as alcohol and drugs.
Non-substance use related forms of risk reduction include such things as seat belts, bicycle helmets, safety glasses, gripping bars in showers and washroom stalls.
These sessions are available Tuesdays-Fridays at a variety of times and can be booked by calling 519 444-5499 or filling out the form below.
Harm Reduction 101 Workshops are required to be booked 3 weeks in advance of the desired date.
Come stop in, sit for a while in our lounge area and find out what we are about. Visit with friends and meet new ones. The haven is a place to relax and be yourself with no judgement regardless of age. The only prerequisite is respect for others.
Harm Reduction Counselling is by appointment only --to ensure your privacy.
Mon | 01:00 p.m. – 04:00 p.m. | |
Tue | Closed | |
Wed | Closed | |
Thu | 03:00 p.m. – 09:00 p.m. | |
Fri | 05:00 p.m. – 09:00 p.m. | |
Sat | 01:00 p.m. – 05:00 p.m. | |
Sun | Closed |
The Haven will be open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month only.