Twenty Years Later

When Karen and I were first invited by Rabbi Fine to come to Montreal and lead Project Pride, there were just two addiction counsellors working out of a drop-in centre on Queen Mary Road.

Not long afterward, Eddie and Helena Wiltzer came into the picture, and things began to change quickly! Under Eddie’s leadership as Chair of the Executive Committee, we were able to steadily expand our services and strengthen our organization. One step at a time, we grew into what Chabad Lifeline is today.

Nearly 20 years later, we have grown into an organization with a team of 21 dedicated staff members, . What began as a small initiative has become something much greater: a community of professionals and compassionate individuals committed to helping people find hope, healing, and a path toward recovery.

But this growth is about much more than numbers, staff members, or the size of our organization. It represents the countless individuals and families we have reached, the lives we have helped change, and the people who have found support when they needed it most. Every step forward has allowed us to extend our reach, strengthen our services, and help more people navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

As we reflect on how far we have come, we are reminded that behind every milestone are people who believed in our mission and helped move it forward. We are especially grateful to three foundations whose support has played an pivotal role in our journey: the Tender Smiles Foundation, the Charles, Evelyne and Sandra Dolansky Foundation, and the Azrieli Foundation. Their generosity has helped us reach more individuals, support more families, and, ultimately, save more lives.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping us transform a small beginning into a growing community of hope, support, and recovery. Together, we look forward to reaching even more people and making a difference in the lives of those who need us.