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Trillium Villa residents create inspirational bookmarks for Ryan's House
Resident-made gifts offer messages of hope and encouragement to people beginning addiction recovery
8/12/2026
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Deron Hamel
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Trillium Villa residents have created inspirational bookmarks for people accessing services from Ryan's House, a residence operated by Bluewater Health that provides people with a safe place to stay and receive support as they begin addiction recovery.
Tara Klompstra, Trillium Villa's life enrichment manager, provided residents and the life enrichment team with a supply of wooden bookmarks and encouraged them to “get creative” by embossing designs on them.
And that's exactly what they did.
Before long, all the bookmarks featured a colourful array of positive words and messages, including “U Got This,” “Hope,” “Love” and “Joy.”
Tara is commending Tammy, one of the Sarnia long-term care community's life enrichment team members, who led the program.
“Tammy took this challenge to the next level, stepping out of the box with her thoughtful execution, ensuring this project was more than just a craft,” she tells S&R Today.
Tara says Tammy recognized that many communities today are facing a rising number of addiction- and withdrawal-management needs, so creating homemade bookmarks for Ryan's House “was the perfect opportunity to give back.”
“This program was well received by our residents as well; they were ready to get creative,” Tara adds.
Life enrichment team member Jaya is also praising Tammy for her dedication to the project.
“Tammy is to be commended for her leadership and commitment; I am so happy to be a part of the Trillium Villa team and be a part of new experiences like this,” Jaya says.
Ryan's House is a 12-bed transitional residence operated by Bluewater Health. It offers a safe and supportive place for people recovering from substance use, where they can continue their recovery after detox and prepare to return to everyday community life.
Jordan, a staff member at Bluewater Health, underscores the value a project like this delivers to the people Ryan's House serves.
“For the clients receiving them, these handmade bookmarks serve a powerful reminder that they are cared for, supported, and not alone in their recovery journey,” Jordan says.
“Words of encouragement can inspire hope, strength, and motivation during difficult times, helping clients feel valued and uplifted. This gesture of kindness is also a way to bridge generations through compassion and showing us all that even simple acts of generosity can bring comfort, encouragement and healing to others.”
If you have a story you would like to share with S&R Today, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
If you have feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
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