Spiritual Soldiers bringing strength and hope through storytelling

By Amos Johnson

Spiritual Soldiers are on the front lines in the fight against addiction

The organization, which started two years ago as a clothing company with a charitable component, has opened a coffee shop in Windsor catering to recovering addicts.

“What we wanted was to create a safe space for people to come in and be themselves,” said Bianca Oliverao, the owner of the Spiritual Soldiers coffee compound on Erie Street.

“It’s just a judgment-free zone and we just want to welcome everyone with open arms. The common question was ‘do you have to be in recovery to be here’ and the answer’s ‘No.’”

Spiritual Soldiers focuses on helping others by sharing their stories. Last Wednesday, the group held its second ‘Mind of an addict’ talk at the coffee shop where one of its founders shared his story in front of the crowd.

Listening intently was Corey Gelinas, a recovering addict who has been sober for three years.

“By listening to The Mind of an Addict and their stories here, [it] can probably answer some questions,” said Gelinas. “If not, someone may take something good away from this. It may save someone’s life, you never know.”

For more information on future talks, you can follow Spiritual Soldiers on Facebook or on  Twitter.

Also, if you want to support their clothing brand you can shop on their website or stop by the coffee shop. Ten per cent of all sales benefit local charities.