Lisa Power is a Changemaker

Tell me a little bit about yourself 

My name is Lisa Power, and my pronouns are she/her. Both my parents were born and raised on the Northside (where I now reside) but I was born in Germany while my father was stationed there( an army brat at birth). I lived in Sydney Mines off and on for most of my childhood,  when I was twelve, we moved back permanently. 

After high school , I moved away from Cape Breton for almost thirty years. Eventually I found myself back home with a family of my own. I currently live with my husband (Eric) and our five children and three dogs. It’s a busy, beautiful house! 

What makes you jump out of bed in the morning?

My kids! But honestly, I love waking up early and getting to spend time with them all before we all leave for the day. 

How did you hear about this program?

I saw it mentioned in a church newsletter. I’ve wanted to give back in some way for a while and was exploring ways to do so. I was in the process of writing my Memoir, as a way of sharing my story of addiction, recovery and ultimately hope. Every time I hear about an overdose or violence that led to a death, I cry, it hits me deep. I hope I can help others by sharing my story.

How did this (your) project begin, what made you start thinking about it?

I was already in the process of writing my own story as a way of sharing, and hopefully inspiring others. I wanted to find a way of creating a space for community discussion regarding addictions and mental illness. I created and facilitated an online coffee house with two other people as a forum for sharing stories and resources in the Northside. I also wanted to create something that people could wear when they were having a rough day, and possibly needed additional support. So I designed pins which read “Just For Today” with Cape Breton Tartan and distributed them in the community. The first step to understanding is having a shared language around it, and I hope it helps even one person reach out. 

When you think of the word Changemaker, does anyone you know come to mind?

I think a changemaker is someone that isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty, someone who does  the work and hopes for the best. A person who looks out for all, unconditionally and non-judgmentally. 

What do you love about the Northside? 

I love and am thankful for so many things about the Northside, The wonderful memories I have of my grandparents and their home, the gatherings and talks. 

I love all of our neighbors and  I’m thankful for the friendships I have here every day. 

With a large family, there are people that help when we need an extra hand!

What are your hopes for the Northside?

I want the Northside to be somewhere my children want to stand, a place that has potential for them as they get older. 

What is your best tip for making the world a better place?

Be compassionate, you never know what another person is going through.