The Annex

11/11/2025

11/03/2025

If your drug use has become a problem, it is time to drop the mask. The mask that says, "I'm just partying,' or "I've got it under control." The mask that says, "I don't need anyone," or "That didn't hurt." Especially the mask that says, "I'm okay," when you're not.
Masks can serve a purpose, like limiting infection or preventing identification. The masks related to addiction often cover the roots of trauma and try to eliminate any current or future trauma. You may be surprised, but there are those who will like that person you're hiding. Give us, yourself, and sobriety a chance. We are on your side. 321 Talbot St. St Thomas, right beside the Grace Cafe. 226.896.0080 and 184 Davis St, Sarnia, phone 226.216.0863.

10/23/2025

What was meant for evil in your life, including what you have done to yourself, can be used for good. As long as you are alive there is hope for something better, something productive, something meaningful. The control that we so tightly cling to is an illusion, and life can change in an instant.
As we approach the two year anniversary of the prayer meeting at the Annex, I am reminded that a little prayer to a big God is where change can begin. It is written that God is a very present help in times of trouble, and these are certainly troubled times. We are willing to pray whenever our doors are open, but there is a dedicated group that prays every Thursday at 1 pm.It is time to take the refuge that is openly offered to you. We are on your side. 321 Talbot St. St Thomas, right beside the Grace Cafe. 226.896.0080 and 184 Davis St, Sarnia, phone 226.216.0863.

10/21/2025

Robert Frost wrote about "taking the road less travelled by," and we like to think we're unique and stand out. Unfortunately the road to recovery is the road less travelled by, and many never make it there. The beauty of recovery is that if you do choose the more highly travelled road the road to recovery doesn't go away. It sits waiting for you, just like the two paths in this picture.
While none of us can see the details of the end of the path we're on, the two paths of addiction end with sobriety or death. While the thought of sobriety can be overwhelming and the road of recovery is often littered with potholes, the decision to begin is as simple as stepping with your right foot or left. Make the choice to start today. The road to recovery may be less travelled by but there are many who will walk with you on it. We are on your side. 321 Talbot St. St Thomas, right beside the Grace Cafe. 226.896.0080 and 184 Davis St, Sarnia, phone 226.216.0863.

10/10/2025

Although we live in a time of increasing government dependency, the Annex was started by the Grace Cafe to address a gap in the "system" that wasn't going to be addressed otherwise. The board of the Cafe saw the need and took action.
It is the same if you are suffering from addiction. There are many, such as us, that will walk with you on your road to recovery, but no one is coming to rescue you. In fact, even if every conceivable support was put into place it would still require you to take action. Today is a chilly and cloudy autumn day in St Thomas, but it's a great day to take that first step, or maybe the next one. Your step doesn't have to be perfect, and it doesn't have to be complete, but it is you that has to take it. If not now, when? We are on your side. 321 Talbot St. St Thomas, right beside the Grace Cafe. 226.896.0080 and 184 Davis St, Sarnia, phone 226.216.0863.

10/06/2025

(Photo used with permission) This photo warms the heart of everyone who knows him. He took steps forward and back, was on, off, and under the "wagon," and persisted in relationship and attempted sobriety until the day he looked at us and said, "I'm ready to go." Just look into those eyes.
The lesson to learn here is that failure does not have to be the end or shameful. In fact, "failure" can be a part of the process, a stop on the road to successfully learning a new way to live. We are so happy for our friend. You can begin your road to a new life today. We are on your side. 321 Talbot St. St Thomas, right beside the Grace Cafe. 226.896.0080 and 184 Davis St, Sarnia, phone 226.216.0863.

10/02/2025

There is a lot of frustration with the homelessness and addiction crises, both with the individuals affected and the government response. This frustration is understandable, as people in crisis can be difficult, and in many municipalities the government response has been seemingly ineffective and expensive. The trouble with our perspective, though, is that we just want this problem to be fixed. We want a perfect program, a silver bullet, a magic wand to cure these massive issues.
The struggle is that people came into their crises individually, and will only come out of them one at a time. There is no perfect program or magic wand, which is frustrating to those looking in from the outside. If we want to see progress we must be committed to both building more housing, and to sobriety and sober living as the goal. Ignoring those in need will not help those in crisis, nor will it help the rest of us. We are on your side. 321 Talbot St. St Thomas, right beside the Grace Cafe. 226.896.0080 and 184 Davis St, Sarnia, phone 226.216.0863.

09/26/2025

A SPECIAL Blog & a bit late too but still VERY sincere!! ❤️
Thanks to the Elgin Community Mental Health Association for their donations to the Grace Cafe & their many kindness to our Guests! ❤️
Grateful!! And blessings to y’all! ❤️