Shannon Brogan and husband Keith Smythe are no strangers to pain and suffering, but bolstered by faith, family and community, the former drug addicts emerged from the experience with a passion to help others.

To do that they formed Second Beginnings Charitable Foundation, which includes the flagship, downtown 91原创鈥檚 Kalma鈥檚 Family Restaurant, plus Brogan鈥檚 Family Deli and Second Beginnings Thrift Store, building community, connections and resources to help find solutions.

鈥淭hey lived it and they came through it. They are such gracious people and bring knowledge, experience and authenticity to others facing similar situations,鈥� says Brenda Weidner, Director of Second Beginnings Foundation. 鈥淪hannon is the vision behind this. We want people to get involved, we want people to know what鈥檚 available to them and find connections.鈥�

1. Kalma鈥檚 Family Restaurant

At , diners enjoy hearty, affordable comfort food with an atmosphere to match.

鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely warm and friendly 鈥� it鈥檚 family, and it鈥檚 authentic,鈥� Brenda says.

Kalma鈥檚 is a major hub in downtown 91原创, but with far more on the menu than delicious home cooking: it鈥檚 a place to build connections within the community. Among the events on the calendar this year are:

• Tuesday Freedom Session, from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday worship, open discussion and Bible study from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday open mic, with music on-stage from 6 to 10 p.m.
• Friday karaoke from 7 to 11 p.m.
• The first Saturday of the month, Kalma鈥檚 free community dinner, from 5 to 9 p.m.
• The remaining Saturdays offer community fellowship, from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Sundays are for family karaoke from 5 to 9 p.m.

2. Brogan鈥檚 Kalma Family Deli

Next door, discover , named after Shannon鈥檚 father and Kalma鈥檚 founder, Michael Brogan. A force throughout the Lower Mainland. Michael passed away in January 2017. 鈥淗e had the biggest heart ever and Shannon has carried on his legacy,鈥� Brenda says.

Greeting the new year with expanded catering offerings, additional Brogan鈥檚 activities include Weekly classes like Freedom Session, Alpha, Bible Studies, and other development classes to help people of all walks of life.. Come for a visit, a safe haven, a friendly ear and a warm hug with a cup of coffee. Stay tuned for all upcoming dates and times.

3. Second Beginnings Thrift Store

In addition to raising valuable funds for outreach and initiatives like sending children to camp, offers individuals training opportunities and a chance to gain valuable skills they can take into the workforce.

The shop also offers emergency assistance for those in desperate need, whether leaving an abusive situation, getting off the streets or embarking on a new life after rehab 鈥� furniture, a new set of clothes, and simply knowing someone cares can help someone get back on their feet.

鈥淲e want to provide a means to an end here, a sustainable answer to these problems,鈥� Brenda says. This is only the beginning.

How can you help?

Stop in 鈥� for a coffee, a meal, to volunteer or just to say hello. Find Kalma鈥檚, Brogan鈥檚 and Second Beginnings in downtown 91原创 at .