Real Stories. Real Healing. Real Change.
At the DEK Foundation, every voice matters. These stories come from the heart of our community—women in recovery, families who’ve found hope, volunteers, and allies who believe in dignity, healing, and second chances.
We are grateful to share these powerful reflections. Together, we’re ending the stigma.
Hi, my name is Shayn Wilson, and I’m writing today to share how volunteering with the DEK Foundation has impacted both my life and my community.
After over 20 years of active addiction and involvement in the drug trade, I was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison. During my incarceration, I was able to sober up and begin working on a recovery program. Upon my release, I continued my journey, building a support system of recovery-focused family, friends, and connections. One of the most important connections I made was with the DEK Foundation.
After all the chaos I had caused in my life and my community, I knew I wanted to give back—to support others in recovery and help those still struggling with addiction. When I learned about the DEK Foundation, its mission, and the story behind it, I knew this was where I needed to be. Without hesitation, I jumped in—helping wherever I could and doing whatever was asked of me.
The DEK Foundation has a major impact in Thunder Bay, supporting not just those in recovery but also individuals still battling addiction and those experiencing homelessness. Through community events like the DEK Family BBQ, providing meals for PACE, making and delivering sandwiches for the care bus, and organizing fundraisers year-round, DEK is actively making a difference.
In my opinion, the DEK Foundation is an essential force in our community, fighting the war on addiction with love, hope, and respect—meeting people exactly where they are, without judgment.
Personally, the DEK Foundation has played a crucial role in my recovery. It has given me the opportunity to give back with compassion, love, and true empathy—helping me stay sober and live a life of purpose. Today, I’m a father again, a loving partner, brother, son, and friend. I truly believe that DEK, along with other recovery supports, has helped me reclaim my life.
But more than anything, being a part of Team DEK doesn’t just feel like volunteering—it feels like family. And for me, FAMILY IS FOREVER. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the DEK family.
— Shayn Wilson
Our Testimonials
Hear Our Stories of Hope and Recovery
Brittany C.
Community Member
“I was struggling with addiction for 20 years of my life. I came to treatment here in Thunder Bay. The recovery community in Thunder Bay is amazing. They welcomed me and all newcomers with open arms. DEK Foundation has given us ladies in the recovery community great experiences. I was scared to lose the “fun” part of addiction but Carolyn and the DEK is always giving us opportunities to experience, fun in recovery. I am extremely grateful to be in recovery and to have the opportunity to experience life. I would like to thank the recovery community as well as the hard work that DEK Foundation does for the people struggling with addiction in and outside of recovery.”
Robin J. C.
Community Member
“I allowed active addiction to steal three and a half decades of my life. And since being in recovery, Carolyn and the DEK Foundation have allowed me to experience some pretty incredible 1st experiences. And I am so extremely grateful I want everyone to know how incredible this foundation is and what it has done in my life and what it could do for theirs.”
Sharon D.
Community Member
“When I first heard about the DEK Foundation and what happened to Dayna Elizabeth Karle, I was unbearably sad and heartbroken. But now, the DEK Foundation reminds me that hope exists. It’s a beacon that shows no one has to recover alone—a mechanism to combine resources and ideologies. It highlights the huge gaps between in-patient addiction treatment facilities and affordable safe sober living options. I love that the DEK Foundation provides opportunities for women in recovery to build bonds and share experiences. When I feel overwhelmed by addiction and its collateral damage, the DEK Facebook page always lifts my mood. I don’t know what the future holds for DEK, but I look forward to being part of it.”