From 19 to 25, as an undiagnosed neurodivergent youth, I struggled with severe intravenous addiction. Rooted in low self-worth and disconnection, I found community on the streets. Through harm reduction methods that worked for me:
As of June 2025, Iāve now reached over 10 years since leaving behind those substances, a milestone I celebrate deeply! š
Accessing daily programming at Operation Come Home + Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa + Ottawa Innercity Ministries, where I had my first art show and joined two public art projects with local muralist Mique Michelle - experiences that sparked my art career and saved my life š©µ
Finding myself living at the shelter Shepherds of Good Hope on King Edward, receiving meal service at St. Joe's Supper Table as well as Ottawa Food Bank, and various peer-support groups - these services saved my life š
Grateful daily for Ottawa's Site Needle and Syringe Program, which would deliver clean needles and safer use training - this may have been the most essential service in saving my life š
Difficult stays at the Ottawa Withdrawal Management Centre detox multiple times to try and get clear if the substances. So many years of trying and relapsing - this facility saved my life š
Travelled to CAMH in Toronto for their progressive harm reduction in-patient program, as abstinence is not what I needed to recover - their open minded views helped me love myself more and saved my life š„°
Eventually moved to Toronto where I went for ongoing weekly support for my eating disorder Stella's Place, and found an amazing hub for at-risk youth called SKETCH Working Arts where I had my my first Toronto art show at the Toronto Media Arts Centre - these safe places saved my life šæ
Turbulent journey stabilized by strong community as I've grown stable - finding myself through opportunities like grants and partnerships - Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Arts Ottawa, Music.Art.Ppl, and the Urban Art Collective have been amazing collaborators, continuing to inspire with fearless innovation.
This next decade for me, as late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult, is all about self-healing & helping the collective by transforming spaces into places of play, connection, growth, and joy - let's do it together! š
"I commissioned Sara to create a painting as a gift for a friend. Sara listened attentively to my intentions and ideas for the artwork, kept me updated throughout the process, and created something even more magical than I could have envisioned! Sara's artwork is unique, creative, and delightful, and I would be happy to work with Sara again."
Tania Cheng (she/they)
