Our Collective Journey

12/14/2025

The holidays are often painted as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many people navigating mental health challenges or living in recovery, this season can feel heavy, isolating, and overwhelming.

Changes in routine, family dynamics, financial pressure, grief, and the presence of alcohol or substances can intensify cravings and emotional distress. In an abstinence-based recovery journey, these moments can feel especially challenging and they are not a sign of weakness. They are a reminder that recovery is a daily practice, not a destination.

If the holidays are feeling hard, please know this: you do not have to carry it alone. Reaching out for support is an act of strength. Whether that means leaning on a trusted person, accessing professional help, or connecting with a recovery-focused community, support can make all the difference.

Our Collective Journey is here to walk alongside you, offering compassionate, recovery-focused support rooted in connection, accountability, and hope. You deserve care, stability, and understanding, especially during this season.

Additional community support resources are included in the graphic attached. Please use them if you need support today.

Learn more or reach out at www.ourcollectivejourney.ca

You are not alone. 🤍 Recovery continues even through the holidays.

12/12/2025

An amazing conference AND 12 hours of continuing education credits? Yes, please! Check out the post for more info!

12/08/2025

Every young person could use a coach in their corner- and we have just the ticket! Youth 11-25 can check out Coach’s Corner with Coach Derrick at Kickstand Medicine Hat from 3-6 PM Monday to Friday!

Please note, Kickstand will be closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 26, Jan. 1, and Jan. 2 so staff can have a break for the holidays. 😊

in store for you this week.

From a confidence building session on Monday to Graham Cracker Holiday House building Thursday, and Game Hub Friday. Kickstand offers experiences that are diverse and fun. Just like you!

12/06/2025

We have something *special* in store for you at SARRCon ‘26 with one of our incredible keynote speakers, Jill Drader.

Check it out to learn more! 👇

12/05/2025

What looks like a simple craft is actually so much more. It’s part of a space where resilience is built through connection, conversation, and showing up for one another.

Twice each month, our OCJ Resiliency Coaches join the youth at the Y Corner by YMCA of Southeastern Alberta to do exactly that.

These sessions are youth-led from start to finish. Our coaches support presentations, hold space for honest and open conversations, and create an environment where every young person feels seen and heard. Depending on the group size and what the youth need that day, we adapt! Sometimes it’s hands-on crafts, sometimes it’s structured activities, and sometimes it’s simply hanging out and being together.

The goal is always the same: to empower youth to lead, to foster resilience in real time, and to build community through meaningful connection.

If you know a young person who would benefit from a supportive, welcoming space like this, we encourage you to learn more about the Y Corner sessions. Together, we can help the next generation grow in strength, confidence, and resilience.

Our next session is December 16 at 4 PM at the Y Corner, located at the Downtown YMCA. No registration required- just show up!

12/04/2025

Have you heard of OCJ’s Kindness Project?

The U15 Medicine Hat Wildcats T1 joined members of Our Collective Journey to create Birthday Cake Kits at the Root Cellar Food and Wellness Hub, our community’s Food Centre. These kits will be gifted to Root Cellar clients so families can celebrate birthdays with dignity, joy, and a sense of togetherness.

Alongside this kindness project, Wildcats players also participated in an OCJ resilience workshop focused on growth, connection, and the power of giving back. Together, we explored how meaningful acts of kindness strengthen personal resilience, build community bonds, and help young people see the difference they can make.

Projects like this matter. They remind us that resilience is not built alone. It grows when people come together, support one another, and create moments of hope for those who need it most.

If your team, workplace, or organization would like to take part in a kindness project or book an OCJ resilience workshop, reach out to us today. We would love to help you create a meaningful experience that strengthens your group and our community.

11/27/2025

We have very exiting news! Our Collective Journey is excited to announce the Emcee for the upcoming Southern Alberta Regional Recovery Conference conference, Trevor Moore.

As a mental health speaker and resiliency coach himself, Trevor’s mission is to help ambitious leaders reclaim their energy and focus by quieting their inner critic, staying grounded under pressure, and taking consistent action without burnout.

Trevor has appeared on our podcast not once, but twice! You can check out the most recent episode with Trevor, and learn more about his own personal journey by having a listen at the link below or on your favourite podcast streaming platform.

Trevor’s work helps, build sustainable habits, deep confidence, and real resilience, and we look forward to him, bringing his expertise to all of us at SARRCon. Please help us welcome Mr. Trevor Moore.

Have a listen to Trevor Moore’s episode of From Darkness to Life here: https://www.ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast/from-surviving-to-thriving

11/21/2025

Looking for an inspiring listen this weekend? Check out our newest podcast drop with Kori Leigh.

In this episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' guest Kori Lee shares her inspirational story of overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life. Kori, a globally ranked podcast host, business coach, spiritual mentor, and sobriety warrior, discusses her journey from hitting rock bottom in 2016 to finding sobriety, faith, and helping millions around the world.

Kori emphasizes the importance of habit stacking, daily spiritual practices, and fitness in maintaining sobriety. She shares her top non-negotiables for a powerful life and how she has given her daughter a gift by raising her in a sober environment. The episode highlights the importance of faith, self-care, and prioritizing recovery in creating a fulfilling life.

Check out this episode at the link in the comments, or on your favourite podcast platform.

Listeners are encouraged to connect with Kori through her website, Korileigh.com, and Instagram, .

For more resources on mental health and addiction recovery, visit ourcollectivejourney.ca

NOTE: Guest's audio has been digitally enhanced for clarity.

11/18/2025

We vote for Derrick, but we might be biased. What’s your vote?

Who wore it best? Derrick or Grapes?

Be sure to drop in to Kickstand any weekday from 3-6PM for a resiliency coaching session with Derrick from Our Collective Journey .

He doesn’t always dress like this, we promise! See you soon. And in the meantime, keep your head up in the corners!

11/15/2025

Showcase Your Organization at SARRCon 2026

Our Collective Journey is now accepting vendors for the Southern Alberta Regional Recovery Conference, happening March 19–20, 2026 at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.

This two-day conference brings together service providers, community organizations, educators, leaders, and individuals in recovery for an inspiring and impactful event focused on resilience, recovery capital, and community connection.

Vendor Booth Details
• Price: $395
• Includes: 1 full conference ticket
• Meals: Breakfast, snacks, and lunch both days
• Purpose: Promote your organization, share resources, and engage directly with attendees dedicated to recovery and wellness.

Why Become a Vendor?
• Connect with delegates passionate about recovery and community impact
• Highlight your programs, services, and resources
• Build new partnerships across sectors
• Increase visibility within the Southern Alberta recovery network

SARRCon features inspiring speakers, an immersive workshop experience, interactive elements, and meaningful opportunities to collaborate with organizations shaping the future of recovery.

Secure your vendor space today by emailing info@ourcollectivejourney.ca.

Join us March 19–20, 2026 for an event that will ignite hope, strengthen collaboration, and empower our regional recovery community.

11/12/2025

Early bird tickets for SARRCon 2026 are on sale now for $195!

Join us March 19–20 in Medicine Hat for the Southern Alberta Regional Recovery Conference — a two-day event focused on building resilient recovery communities through connection, collaboration, and lived experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity for professional development, networking, and personal growth alongside leaders in recovery and resilience.

Secure your early bird ticket today! Limited quantities available.

Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3LCp54y

11/12/2025

You’ve heard about our incredible keynote speakers, but do you know what SARRCON really is?

SARRCon is where recovery, resilience, and community come together. This two-day event brings professionals, peers, and community leaders together to explore how we can build Resilient Recovery Communities across Southern Alberta.

Why attend?
SARRCon offers a unique blend of professional development, networking, and personal growth. Attendees gain practical tools for supporting recovery-oriented systems of care, connect with others passionate about wellness and collaboration, and reignite their sense of purpose.

What’s the focus?
This year’s theme, "Strength in Community, Recovery through Connection", centers on shared learning and collaboration. We’ll explore the connection between recovery, nature, and resilience, highlighting how grounding ourselves in community and the natural world strengthens our collective wellbeing. The conference also amplifies lived experience, sharing real stories of recovery, hope, and leadership from right here in Southern Alberta.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Jody Carrington — exploring connection, belonging, and resilience.

Jill Drader — presenting Knowings: Where Logic and Intuition Meet, integrating creativity and self-awareness in leadership and recovery.

Workshop Experience
This year, instead of multiple breakout sessions, attendees will take part in an immersive two-hour workshop with Jill Drader. Participants will explore how intuition and self-awareness support resilience, gain practical tools for leadership and purpose alignment, and engage in creative exercises designed to turn personal insights into professional and community action.

Community Connection
SARRCon 2026 will also feature space for networking, collaboration, and resource sharing. Expect art displays, wellness moments, and grounding practices that make the event both engaging and human-centered.

Join us in March 2026 to connect, learn, and lead the way toward a stronger, more resilient recovery community in Southern Alberta.

Registration opens TOMORROW at 2 PM. Get your tickets while they last!