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As part of my ongoing journey of rebuilding life after incarceration, I want to highlight a ministry that has played a meaningful role in my own reintegration and healing: Whitestone.
On most Tuesday evenings, I attend a meeting of Whitestone downtown. Whitestone serves both men and women who have been released from prison or jail, as well as those who have completed an addiction recovery program. Their focus is on helping participants reintegrate into the community by connecting them with a local church, stable housing, and meaningful employment.
I’ve been attending Whitestone since late March, and what I’ve experienced is consistent with what many participants describe: genuine care, acceptance, and structure. Many of us arrive carrying significant emotional baggage. What stands out about Whitestone is that it offers something many people rebuilding their lives rarely receive—a real second chance.
Whitestone is a place where people are welcomed regardless of background. Support comes in many forms, including mentorship, help finding employment or housing, and simple fellowship. This support is made possible entirely through the generosity of donors and partners who believe in restoration. Whitestone provides a hand up, not a handout.
Whitestone meets every Tuesday, with breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Canada Day. Each gathering includes fellowship and a shared meal, creating a consistent, stable, and welcoming environment for participants.
Who Benefits from Whitestone?
Whitestone Participants
Participants are men and women from all walks of life, many of whom are recovering from addiction or rebuilding after incarceration. Whitestone has no prerequisites for participation. The ministry operates from a foundation of grace and accountability, grounded in the belief that people are not defined by their worst moments:
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 (NLT)
Canadian Taxpayers
By surrounding participants with positive, faith-centered influences and partnering with employers and community organizations, Whitestone helps reduce recidivism. Importantly, Whitestone is funded entirely through private donations and partnerships. It does not receive federal, provincial, or municipal tax funding.
When people have safe housing, legitimate employment, and community support, the likelihood of reoffending drops significantly. Addressing these root causes benefits individuals, families, and society as a whole.
Whitestone Partners: Churches and Marketplace Partners
Participants who are connected to a local church become part of a broader support system. They are more likely to seek help when struggling and to serve others in return. Many participants are employed by Whitestone’s marketplace partners—not out of pity, but because they are capable and valuable contributors. Participants also serve in volunteer roles at partner churches, strengthening those communities as well.
What Does Whitestone Provide to Participants?
At Whitestone, past mistakes do not define a person. Like everyone else, participants carry hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Brokenness takes many forms.
Employment Connections
Through mentoring relationships and partnerships with local businesses, Whitestone helps participants secure meaningful employment. This reflects a belief in patience and restoration rather than permanent judgment (2 Peter 3:9).Housing Support
Through partnerships with like-minded ministries and community agencies, Whitestone assists participants in securing safe and stable housing.Mentorship
Participants are paired with Whitestone leaders or marketplace mentors who provide guidance, accountability, and encouragement. These relationships often prove mutually beneficial.Treatment and Support Referrals
When addiction or other serious challenges arise, Whitestone helps participants access appropriate treatment and support services, standing with them through difficult seasons:“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed… struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NLT)
Where Do I Fit In?
I am a proud participant in the Whitestone program. While my personal struggles differ from those of some other participants, Whitestone has been a place where those differences are respected without minimizing anyone’s pain. If you’re interested in a fuller account of my background and recovery journey, you can read more on my story here.
https://downbutnotout2025.blogspot.com/2025/03/my-story.html
A Call to Action
This work is made possible entirely through private donors, volunteers, churches, and marketplace partners who believe restoration is worth investing in.
If you believe you could benefit from Whitestone’s program—or if you feel called to support this work through partnership or giving—I encourage you to learn more.
Visit Whitestone Canada at:
👉 https://www.whitestonecanada.ca/
For inquiries, you may also email:
📧 info@whitestonecanada.ca
Thank you to everyone who continues to walk with me, hand in hand, in my journey of healing and rebuilding.
Author's Note: I was informed that Whitestone is just Whitestone. While they are a ministry, we don't refer to Whitestone as Whitestone Ministries. It's just Whitestone.
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