Meet Our Ambassadors
Substance Supports in Neighbourhoods Accessed through Police Partnerships (SSNAPP) recognizes individuals beyond substance use and officers beyond enforcement, prioritizing compassion, and collaboration. Our ambassadors and their stories show us that we are so much more than what we may seem and that, together, we can be so much more.
Constable Surjeet Gill
Community Services Branch, Windsor Police Service
"Substance Use Disorder or Addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a choice. Stigma creates barriers that prevent people who use substances from seeking and receiving the care and support they need. To successfully address these underlying issues, the police, public health officials, and social services agencies need to work collaboratively to help people in crises get the help they need to protect themselves from substance-related harms. Project SSNAPP continues to work towards improving community collaboration and supporting a healthier community for everyone.
As a police officer, I strongly believe it is important to show care and compassion for people when they need it the most and expect it the least and that fostering strong community connections and supporting individuals are crucial for building trust and promoting public safety. Collaborative initiatives like the Crisis Response Team (CRT) and the Nurse Police Team (NPT) help de-escalate crisis situations, provide immediate mental health supports, and assist with connecting individuals with appropriate services or community supports." - Constable Surjeet Gill
Constable Matt Davis
Community Services Branch, Windsor Police Service
"As a police officer, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addiction and mental health challenges on our community. The intricate nature of the intersection of the courts, substance abuse and mental health treatment require a nuanced understanding of the issues and proactive strategies. Addressing addiction and mental health with empathy and resources is not just part of our duty, but essential for building safer and healthier neighbourhoods and insuring positive outcomes for those suffering and in need." - Constable Matt Davis
Barbara Mann
Complex Trauma Program, RE/ACT Windsor-Essex
"Hi, my name is Barb. I have been sober since October 4, 2004. I have been through numerous challenges that would sink any boat. I have been through so many tragedies, two daughters in Heaven, yet so many miracles finding RE/ACT Windsor-Essex Complex Trauma Program. I was able to change my whole perception. 'Reveal it to Feel it to Heal it.' Now I can go through each day and hopefully help inspire others to just hold on." - Barbara Mann
Chris Thibert
Phoenix Recovery Program, Downtown Mission
"I grew up in an alcoholic family with many challenges. It all came to a head when I was 16 and was in some trouble that I needed help getting out of. I was young, lost and didn’t know what to do. Brentwood Recovery did wonders for me, and I would be drawn back there over the years when things would get so bad that I had no other place to turn. We (my wife and I) were lost in addiction ourselves for the first four years of our relationship. We missed our children and our family and wanted so badly to be able to be sober and function normally. Everything came to a head when I had been jumped one day and left for dead in an alley. I spoke with Katie (my wife), and we both decided that we wanted to live and not die! It was not easy, but we rose from the ashes and put all our energy into sobriety! I decided that I wanted to go back to school and become an addiction counsellor, and that’s just what I did. I have worked at the Mission for seven years now and have been sober for almost nine. I now run the Phoenix Recovery Program at the Mission and help as many as I can daily. Our lives are filled with joy and happiness." - Chris Thibert
Read Chris' full story.