Jennifer Seniuk started an initiative called ‘My Friend Dave’ after meeting up with Dave Lanza at a warming station last winter.
Seniuk, an art therapist, was volunteering. Lanza was looking for a place to get out of the cold and have something to eat. The two formed an instant bond.
“He was like ‘I really want to tell my story’ and I said okay let’s do it,” said Seniuk. “So we met up and he brought three of his friends, he’s like ‘well, they also want to tell their story’ and so that’s how it all started.”
Seniuk works with men in her private practice talking about shame, trauma, and grief along with understanding and compassion. With the ‘My Friend Dave’ initiative, she provides a safe and supportive environment where men can share their stories through writing, film and art.
“A lot of times it’s hard to access our emotions …