Testimonials
What you as a team do matters and changes lives
Greenstone… helped me make sense of the months prior… of what I had experienced, how I chose to cope, and begin to get a path to the life I knew was possible but just couldn’t quite put the pieces back in place. It was life changing.
Today… my life is blessed… in ways I could never have imagined. Work (real estate) is so good… and it does two things: it provides for me and my family well and gives me the freedom to do the things I believe I need to be doing or feel called to do for this season life. In St. Catharines I work with the homeless (cooking, studies and pastoring) at a local shelter and have developed a “unofficial” work of simply walking with people in pain, or who have made significant mistakes – typically these people come from the church world.
More importantly – two things that matter to me most are unimaginably better. My relationship with God and my relationship with my family. While both chugged along – in some sense – better then most I guess (who knows and it doesn’t matter), today these two parts of life are vibrant, engaging, fun and rewarding. In was I could never have imagined. Its unique – these days my heart aches more for God in the sense of wanting to know God more deeply. And my heart for my family is just deeper, softer, and real. It is true -pain and the dark nights of the soul – can be the place and spots where our lives are forever molded and shaped. Character refined and recovery made possible. It opens a window to what can be – the unimaginable abundant life with what matters most.
Finally, in simple terms… rarely a week goes by that something someone said to me at Greenstone doesn’t either get thought of, repeated or put into practise in ways that work well for me and the situation I am in. Repeatedly.
So just a note to say thank you!
I wish you and the staff well this week. I pray for you all. What you all do makes a difference and changes lives.
Thank you!
Alumnus – November 2019
I feel prepared for future challenges that may come my way
I wanted to thank the team, in particular Leslie and Abby for all of the kindness, empathy, sometimes ‘tough-love”, and compassion they conveyed to me during and after my stay. The idea of 45 days for treatment seemed daunting at first, but as the program flowed I became more comfortable and feel in hindsight it was the right thing for me.
From my experience, I have new friends that I would never have met that are helping me, and we help each other with our journey in sobriety. I would also be remiss in not thanking the nursing staff and the kitchen teams for the great food!
While my journey is really just beginning, the tools you have given me have been excellent. With the AA meeting, our own “GS Family” chat lines that 6 of us use daily, and the tools; I feel I am prepared for future challenges that may come my way.
Thank you again for the team has done, I really appreciate it!
Anonymous – 2022
2020 Indigenous Healing
My addiction had nearly killed me and I was on the verge of losing everything. I knew that I had to get help and deal with devastating trauma. As an Anishinaabe person, my initial search was a centre that provided traditional ceremonies. Due to Covid, this was not an option. My therapist made a couple of suggestions, and I knew that I needed to be at Greenestone, I could bring my own Anishinaabe ceremony and healing to the beautiful land that the centre is located on. The forest trails and closeness to water allowed for me to connect with Mother Earth and gain strength from her strength.
The privacy of the rooms and easy access to outdoor space allowed me to use my medicines whenever I needed. The staff and other residents were so respectful and appreciative of the healings I shared through Anishinaabe prayers and medicines.
Choosing Greenestone was the best decision. It transformed my life journey and I have found some of the most beautiful and supportive friendships through the alumni program. Everyday I am so very grateful for the gifts that recovery is giving me.
Chi-miigwetch Greenestone for caring for me and helping me get well enough to start this new journey.
Alumnus – 2020
Seeking treatment was by far the hardest decision of my life
When I checked into GreeneStone in March 2020, I was underweight, overwhelmed with life, terrified, on the edge of self-destruction and full of shame.
GreeneStone’s holistic approach was immediately supportive, loving and non-judgmental. Every step of the way I was lovingly guided and supported by many of the highly experienced Therapists and Recovery Coaches. They helped me to lay out the puzzle pieces of my childhood trauma and discover healthy ways to manage my emotions and life struggles. The daily education sessions, participation in process groups and the Centre’s amazing amenities gave me a better understanding of my addictions and a strong sense of community and connection.
Through my time with GreeneStone’s Trauma Therapist I learned about the concept of fear versus trust and how to tackle my anxiety from within, rather than relying on outside sources to soothe the feelings of discomfort. Their hyper-focused treatment environment taught me to place more trust in myself and that our substance use is a symptom of our trauma, rather than the original problem – this concept changed absolutely everything for me!
GreeneStone’s team continues to work with those who have completed treatment by providing excellent aftercare, two weekly Alumni Zoom meetings and additional peer support opportunities. I am grateful to have had the gift of treatment and will hold the memories of my time in beautiful Muskoka forever in my heart.
Today I am an addict living in recovery. I am full of hope, optimism, spirituality and feeling it all. Simply put, GreeneStone gave me my life back.
Alumnus – May 2020
I attended GreeneStone in the fall of 2019
I came in with a significant addiction that had gained full control of my life. Through my time at GreeneStone I began the process of recovery and freedom from alcohol. As important as that was, my life was also significantly impacted by the breadth of the program material. I learned many things about my alcoholism, who I am as a person, why I think as I did, why I responded as I did to circumstances, and this helped me begin to identify the values that matter to me as I live this new life in sobriety.
The facilities, food, and program are a blessing for those seeking a new beginning. Perhaps the biggest blessing is the staff. At all times I was treated with kindness, and respect. They listened, challenged and helped me process my life journey and my experiences with addiction. The multidisciplinary approach was so appreciated. My intellect, emotions and faith were challenged, encouraged and explored safely and competently. I will be forever grateful.
Finally, I am so grateful for the aftercare provided. The care and concern did not end after I left. Whether through phone calls, emails or weekly zoom connections they have helped me solidify both my sobriety and life change after the program.
Thank you to GreeneStone. My life is forever different because of GreeneStone and its work in my life.
Alumnus – October 2019
Dear GreeneStone, thank you ever so much for saving my life
When I hit my bottom with my alcoholism, I did some research on treatment centres. Your programs, facilities and approach to addiction treatment attracted me. This was my first attempt at recovery and the first thing I have ever done for myself. “All of my life I never felt I was where I needed to be,” until I arrived at GreeneStone.
My gratitude list is just way too long to list, I just can’t say enough about GreeneStone. Thank you for giving me the support, knowledge, and tools I required to start what I feel will be “the most beautiful chapter of my life.”
GreeneStone will always be a part of me for the rest of life.
Alumnus – May 2019
I came through the gates of GreeneStone spiritually, emotionally, and physically broken; ready to do whatever it takes to pull out of my downward spiral
The amazing nurses made sure I was comfortable through stabilization (way easier than I thought) then continued care during my stay.
The therapists and counsellors were actively engaged in my recovery and went above and beyond making time for me anytime I needed them. Non-judgmental conversations with staff and other clients was very refreshing. I made lifelong friends.
The breathtaking Muskoka scenery brought me closer to my spiritual self. The world class chef, programming and amenities gave me the opportunity to get emotionally and physically fit. I left a new and improved person with a zest for living, equipped with the tools and attitude to continue through my journey of recovery.
Greenstone not only saved my life but gave me a better life!
Alumnus – August 2017
Deciding to seek treatment for addiction is the single greatest decision I’ve ever made
My eventual choice for a facility was GreeneStone and it is a choice I am glad I made.
GreeneStone is a fantastic facility for a number of reasons. The educational value at Greenestone is incredible. I learned so much about both the emotional and physical sides of addiction. Gaining knowledge of the neurological aspects of addiction was a real help to me.
The counselors are wonderful, helpful and compassionate. The rest of the staff are also very friendly and caring. GreeneStone’s holistic approach to treatment was a very good fit for my needs. It is not institutional in any way. Residents are treated as adults with choice (and with choice, accountability).
Finally, opportunity for bonding with fellow residents is plentiful. For me, developing close bonds with my fellow residents and forming a sense of community was instrumental in allowing me to really dive in and take advantage of all that GreeneStone has to offer.
I am of the opinion that anyone considering the decision to seek treatment for addiction would benefit greatly by choosing GreeneStone. I certainly gleaned priceless benefit and will hold a special place in my heart for this facility the rest of my life.”
Alumnus – July 2017
In March, I spent a month as a client at GreeneStone and it was a very positive experience
The buildings and grounds are welcoming, very attractive and private. My room was comfortably equipped, with private bathroom.
The program was up to date, very informative and the schedule varied enough to allow time for both study and physical exercise. Medication was built into the formal programming and recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle. Meals were both nutritious and delicious and the dining room was intimate enough to make meal hours something to look forward to.
Last, but by far most important, staff was well chosen, knowledgeable, helpful and encouraging. I would not hesitate to recommend GreeneStone to anyone searching for a treatment facility for addiction.
Alumnus – March 2017
The GreeneStone team and approach broke through my resistance and introduced me to ways that positively changed my life
To start, GreeneStone was the only treatment center to answer the phone on a Sunday morning. I checked in that afternoon.
I had been an addict for 20 years and of course didn’t really think I had a problem. Going into treatment seemed excessive but I was broken and didn’t know what else to do.
My time at GreeneStone opened my eyes and through the team’s support and counselling I learned to feel comfortable in my skin. I never thought a life without drinking and drugging was possible…. but it is and it’s better than I ever imagine!
If you are reading this wondering if this is the right step for you, I strongly recommend giving them a call to discuss. An extra nudge, the food is phenomenal! And the facilities and surrounding environment are beautiful. Many thanks GreeneStone!
Alumnus – 2017