Two mothers who lost custody of their children due to substance use are now spearheading a transformative initiative that could change lives across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
Brittany Stockley discovered she was pregnant with twins while incarcerated—a moment that became her turning point. Today, she sits on the advisory board for Roots of Resilience, a non-profit organization launching Shelly's Haven, a recovery residence designed specifically for mothers and their children.
A New Model for Family-Centred Care
Shelly's Haven will accommodate up to six mothers over 29 and their children, enabling families to remain together while receiving round-the-clock support. The facility, opening in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador in summer 2026, will offer integrated services including mental health care, addiction support, parenting guidance, and help navigating social systems.
"This will be new to our province to have a sober recovery home for women and children, but we really want to focus on a family-centred approach," said Jeannie Piercey, Roots of Resilience co-founder.
From Struggle to Purpose
Stockley's journey illustrates the power of second chances. When her twins were born three months after her release, her sister provided initial childcare. With family support and guidance from Piercey, Stockley gradually rebuilt her life, regained parental rights, and stopped using substances entirely.
Her friend Courtney Pearce experienced a similar transformation. When Pearce became pregnant with her second child while still struggling with addiction, Stockley connected her with Roots of Resilience. "I tried as soon as I found out that the pregnancy test was positive. I tried to stop using," said Pearce. The connection proved life-changing.
"I've got friends still out there. I miss them. I've got friends that I've lost. I've got friends that have lost families. It's everywhere."
— Brittany Stockley, Advisory Board Member, Roots of Resilience
Breaking the Cycle
The initiative addresses a critical gap in Canada's addiction recovery landscape. Traditional programs often separate mothers from children during treatment, perpetuating family trauma and reducing recovery success rates. Shelly's Haven's family-centred model recognizes that maintaining parental bonds strengthens both mothers' motivation and children's emotional wellbeing.
Stockley's advocacy work reflects a growing understanding within health and social services that lived experience matters. People who have walked the recovery journey often understand barriers and solutions better than professionals without that perspective.
The opening of Shelly's Haven represents hope for mothers across Atlantic Canada and demonstrates how community-led initiatives can address gaps left by institutional systems. For Stockley and Pearce, it's personal—they're building the support network they wished existed when they needed it most.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Health.