Finding a new way to live is possible. Now that he feels he has been saved from his past, Jon “Bear” Green is doing everything he can to help others too.
Green, an outreach worker for Elevate NWO, was selected as the 2023 Holiday Hero by the readers of TBnewswatch. The honour came shortly after he received the Mayor’s Community Safety Award for empathy and sensitivity displayed while providing support to homeless individuals.
“It was surreal. I was absolutely shocked,” Green said, noting the many deserving nominees. “Anybody who helps anybody is a hero in my mind.”
Green says it has been a big year, not only because of his recent recognition, but because of his personal achievements. Two years ago, Green was released from jail and went to Thunder Bay to receive treatment for his addictions.
“I was lost,” Green said. “Thunder Bay saved my life.”
Thanks to friends in Green’s life who were on the same journey to recovery, Green began volunteering in the community. He soon received a part-time job which led to his promotion as a peer support worker with People Advocating for Change Through Empowerment and with the Rapid Access Addictions Medicine Clinic.
“Don’t get me wrong. There are some days that are harder than others,” he said. “I really, really, really owe a lot to people from my past and me doing the next right thing helps at least makes some kind of amend toward stuff I have done in the past.”
“I felt like I was a ship lost at sea. And now it’s like I found a way to adjust my sails. I found a passion. And I haven’t looked back since. It’s a whole new life and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Green said.
Based on his experience, the 12-Step Program and attending sweat lodges has been a key part in Green’s recovery. To this day, Green believes that self-care is so important. When he takes care of himself, he feels he can best care for others.
At his current role with Elevate NWO, Green connects people with the services they need. He looks forward to helping organize awareness events such as the 5k Run For Recovery in the summer. Green also keeps his eyes open for ways he can help people in any way, such as by providing a listening ear or a warm blanket at night.
“Somebody listened for me once made a huge difference,” he said. “So if I could do anything to make their day just a little bit better, even 1 per cent, because they’re so used to living in ways we can’t even imagine.”
Many clients are forced to sleep on cold benches in the winter or walk kilometers just to use the bathroom, Green says. Passion only scratches the surface of describing Green’s relationship with his work. He helps people in need receive necessities for survival, but in turn, he is filled with hope.
“It gives me hope. They inspire me. Like I said, I don’t think I should’ve been award a hero thing when there’s so many other heroes out there that inspire me,” Green said.
For those looking to make a difference in the community, the first step is to show up consistently to build trust with the people who have experienced trauma and may have a hard time engaging with new people, he said.
“Everybody’s journey is different,” Green said. “I’ve had clients now that I couldn’t engage with and have a conversation with. They would tell me to ‘go away’ when it first started, but through being consistent… I showed them I would love to earn their trust.”
To anyone who may be struggling with addictions and seeking to find a better way to live, Green reminds them to not give up and that they are not alone.
“Don’t give up. Every storm ends. If you fall down eight times, get up nine,” he said. “Somebody will be there for you… Don’t ever give up. Believe in hope.”
