Becky’s Story: Finding Her Voice

Thursday morning, Becky walked into Foundry Kelowna and the room seemed to light up around her. Staff greeted her by name, voices calling out in recognition. She smiled, steady and confident. “Everyone here knows me,” she said.

The Girl Who Came in Scared

When Becky first connected with Foundry as a teenager, she describes herself in one word: scared.

“Being here has changed my life,” she says. “I went from a scared 18-year-old… to a thriving 25-year-old.”

That change didn’t happen at once. It came through relationships, consistency, and learning how to reach out, even when it felt hard.

With support from trusted staff, Becky began to build confidence and skills that now shape her everyday life.

“I’m able to reach out when I need help. I talk to my supports. That’s something I’ve learned.”

Living with challenges and showing up anyway

Becky speaks openly about living with a disability and managing depression. It is part of her life, but not the whole story.

There are still hard days.

“I’m getting better at communicating how I feel,” she says. “But sometimes I still shut down.”

And when that happens, support matters.

“Someone will notice. They’ll step in and help me.”

That kind of care – being seen, even in silence – has made a lasting difference.

Learning by doing

Over the years, Becky has taken part in peer support, workshops, and hands-on programs. One memory stands out.

“I did a cooking class here,” she says, laughing. “We made Greek chicken salad, and the smell filled the whole building.”

Soon, people started gathering at the door.

“I think there were about 25 people waiting,” she says. “It was a big moment.”

Moments like that, she explains, helped her feel part of something. Not just someone receiving support, but someone contributing.

A full life

Today, Becky stays busy.

She volunteers in multiple roles, including supporting her church community – helping with audio-visual setup, cleaning, and assisting people with visible or physical impairments.

“She has no free time,” her mom jokes.

But for Becky, that fullness is something she has built.

It reflects independence, confidence, and a growing sense of purpose.

Being known, being welcomed

One of the things Becky values most is the sense of belonging she feels when she walks into Foundry.

“When I come in, people know me,” she says. “Sometimes by my name, sometimes by my voice.”

She pauses, smiling.

“I have a distinctive voice.”

She recalls small, human moments, like joking with someone at the front desk over the years.

“It makes a difference,” she says. “You feel like you matter.”

A message to others

Becky knows there are other young people who feel the way she once did – unsure, overwhelmed, or hesitant to ask for help.

Her message to them is simple and direct.

“Talk to someone. The counsellors here are really kind. They want to help.”

She also speaks to young people living with disabilities.

“If you’re like me, come here. They will help you in any way they can. And if they don’t have the answer, they’ll find someone who does.”

Still growing

Becky is clear that her journey is ongoing.

She is still learning how to speak up when she needs support. Still building strength. Still growing.

But she is no longer the scared teenager she once was.

“I’m stronger now,” she says.

And that strength shows up not just in what she has overcome, but in how she continues to show up – for herself and for others.

Want to make a difference like Becky’s story?

Support our Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign to help bring Foundry services to the Westside.

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