Introducing Juli

March 15, 2022

My name is Juli Holland, and I’m the Community Relations Assistant at Adeara. I have an extensive professional background in events and have always had a heart for people, which has proven to be a good combination. I’m so excited for all that God has planned through Adeara and that I get to be a part of it.

Near the end of 2020, I found myself in the darkest season of my life. I was 7 months pregnant with my second son, had just lost my job, and my husband felt further away than ever before. Little did I know, he was struggling deeply with his mental health and an addiction to alcohol. I found out abruptly when he was whisked away to recovery.

My husband began his recovery at Wagner Hills Farm Society which is a long-term, residential, faith-based recovery centre in British Columbia–a long distance away from Edmonton. While I knew this was the best option for him, I was consumed with anxiety, fear, and, with a child in my care and another on the way, uncertainty for the future of my family. I have an amazing support system in my family and friends, and yet, I felt more alone than ever. I quickly realized that my circumstances were so much more than I could handle on my own.

While he was in recovery, I made the decision to start attending Evolve Church. I was welcomed with compassion, understanding, and a loving community. More than that, I was reminded of the hope found in Jesus. I prayed everyday for a certain outcome, and it wasn’t until I surrendered to God’s plan for my life that I received so much more than I could have ever imagined. He opened doors that I never thought possible.

Although I have never struggled with addiction myself, my husband’s choice to seek treatment at a faith-based centre changed the direction of our lives forever. We were reunited as a family and welcomed our son, Lane Luca (Lane meaning path and Luca meaning bringer of light) into the world. Our little ‘path to the light’ is such a beautiful reminder of God’s grace and goodness.

I became familiar with the work of Adeara Recovery Centre through my church, which we now attend as a family. What set Adeara apart in my mind was that they provide women and their children the opportunity to heal and recover together. Although I will never understand the devastating reality of having to choose between treatment or being with your children, I can relate to the vulnerabilities that come with being a mom affected by addiction. Fortunately, the residents of Adeara can make the choice to seek treatment with their children by their side.

One of the most meaningful things my pastors often refer to is that there is no ‘place of arrival’ in faith. It’s an individual journey; filled with steps forward, sometimes back, and completely sideways for that matter. We are all in process. I believe that to be true about recovery as well. It’s about making a conscious decision, every day, to break the cycle of addiction and seek healing. That is what I hope to do through Adeara – aid in providing women with a safe, supportive and compassionate community to help write their stories of success and heal their hearts in the process.