Our Story

Martin and Tina first began their work with New Life Women’s Home in 2020 after completing three years of intensive training in the operations of a faith-based residential recovery campus in New Brunswick.

Their journey to becoming leaders in addiction ministry began 25 years ago, when Martin was first drawn to supporting people living with substance use problems.

Then, in 2016, everything changed when they heard God speaking to them.

Someone close to them was struggling with addiction and they felt called to help. Recognizing this person needed specialized support, Martin connected them to a recovery centre in New Brunswick dedicated to helping individuals with drug and alcohol problems. This was a pivotal moment: God had led them here to equip them to start their own ministry back home.

For the next three years, Martin and Tina developed a thorough understanding of addiction and learned how to minister to people facing substance use problems.

When New Life Women’s Home asked Martin to take the lead as Executive Director in May of 2020, it was clear that God was at work, directing them to step into their ministry.

With Tina taking on Marketing and Donor Relations, the two along with their team are working to build on the foundations that were laid over thirty years ago. Together, they’re leading a renewed vision for providing healing ministry to people whose lives have been seriously impacted by substance use and other life-controlling problems.

A new campus opened in the fall of 2023, opening a promising new chapter in Martin and Tina’s 25-year-long journey to fulfill their calling. God is good.

The Need for Support

Everyone knows that addiction is a complex condition that can overtake your entire life. Many people are unable to stop using drugs or alcohol regardless of the negative consequences. In Canada, approximately 21% of the population will struggle with addiction in their lifetime. Those experiencing untreated psychological or physical problems are more likely to seek out alternative ways to cope.

Individuals struggling with substance use need hands-on personalized care. Without sufficient support, many people relapse or fail to recover. But addiction doesn’t just hinder one’s ability to maintain a healthy life, it also harms relationships, affecting healthy relationships to self, others and God.

That’s why New Life Women’s Home works with residents to develop an individualized transition plan. Our staff helps residents utilize local resources and community-based relationships that provide ongoing encouragement and support during the recovery process. Here, residents learn that all things, including long-term success, are possible with God’s help.

Darrel Brown

Chair

Darrel, having walked with family members struggling with addiction and mental health problems, believes at New Life we have all the God given resources we need to help people recover and thrive.

Arlene Kennedy

Vice-Chair

Organized, skilled at improvising and knowing that a smile can go a long way, Arlene is excited to share her empathy, skills and experience in the development of New Life and to witness the transforming work of Jesus Christ in the lives touched by this ministry

Teresa Veenstra

Treasurer

Having experienced seeing someone Teresa loved struggle with life controlling addictions, her heart is passionate to be part of this ministry! She is excited to be able to encourage & help with the gifts God has given her.

Cathy Kuipers

Secretary

Having worked as an educator in the public school system and arranging counselling for students who consistently chose drugs as a coping strategy to escape their emotional hurt and pain, I am passionate to see New Life Ministries be the hands, feet, and heart of Christ to those struggling with drug addictions.

Joe Dibbits

Director

"Having been involved in many construction projects at the home over the years, it is exciting to be invited as a board member to implement God's vision for New Life, and continue exploring new opportunities to share the life changing hope of Jesus".

Bob Burkinshaw

Director

Having worked as a volunteer in a men's recovery ministry and in Celebrate Recovery, Bob is passionate to see the love and power of God set people free from life-destroying addictions. He brings experience on a variety of boards and in educational administration to his role on the board of New Life.

John Scheerhoorn

Director

Addiction affects everyone differently. I have had to wrestle with how to love my neighbour while also keeping my business and customers safe. Serving on the board of New Life Recovery Ministries allows me to do both. It is a blessing to be part of an organization that brings transformative change to the lives of those seeking it.

The Team

Martin Vanderlaan

Executive Director

Tina Vanderlaan

Marketing, Donor Relations & Program Director

Carole Robichaud

Nurse Practitioner

Steph Little

Program Facilitator & Intake Coordinator

Chris Little

Facilities & Grounds

Laura Crockett

Work Therapy Facilitator

Glenda Peddle

Program support

Neil Bouma

Industry Development

Rachel Avery

Facilitator in Training

Join us for a campus tour!

New Life Women’s Home would love to welcome you for a guided tour! Whether you are a program applicant, or someone looking to get involved, a tour is a fantastic way to learn more about our programs.

Tours can be arranged Monday-Saturday. Please call ahead.

Address: 543 Thrasher Rd. Plainfield, ON K0K 2V0

Phone Number: (613) 394-3341

Email: office@newlifecanada.org

"New Life helped me through my early challenges, and most of all I had learned that HIS TRUTH SETS ME FREE. There is no heartache, pain, affliction, or addiction that He cannot DELIVER."

Jeanette - Graduate of New Life Women's Home

Memberships & Affiliates

GCMF Canada

Global Christian Ministry Forum (GCMF) Canada is a network of Christian leaders, ministries, and churches who share their gifting, calling, and resources with one another.

GCMF Canada | Global Christian Ministry Forum Canada

ISAAC International

ISAAC is a network of Christians working in the field of addictions and recovery across the world, which aims to connect, encourage and equip its members.

ISAAC (isaac-international.org)

Our Story

The Need for Support