OOTA Alumni: Building a Future in Human Services

The Out of the Ashes (OOTA) Bursary was created in 2007 by Leann Kopytko and her late husband, Ron Kopytko, to support individuals in recovery who are pursuing education and building a new path forward. Administered through Day One Society, the bursary helps reduce financial barriers while recognizing the determination, resilience, and potential of those working toward their goals.

For Tre Rhiness, receiving the Out of the Ashes Bursary comes at an important time in his journey. He is currently entering his second year of the Human Services Program, the first step toward his Bachelor of Social Work. His decision to pursue this field comes from a long-standing desire to help others.

“I have always wanted to help people,” Tre shares. “I went through years of addiction and adverse experiences that I believe put me in a position to understand people and their unique situations.”

While pursuing school, Tre has also been maintaining full-time employment. Balancing work, studies, and daily responsibilities has brought added pressure, especially with the rising cost of living.

“Receiving the Out of the Ashes Bursary right now is a huge help at this time in my life,” he says. “I have been pursuing school while maintaining a full-time job, and that has brought on a lot of stress. With the increasing costs of everything, it makes taking time off work quite difficult, and having some extra funds will allow me to eliminate some of my major stress factors going into the school year.”

Tre sees his current program as an important step toward the work he hopes to do in the future. Over time, he hopes to use his education and lived experience to support others in meaningful ways.

“This part of my education is just the foundation for my future education and career goals,” he shares. “I’m hopeful that in the future I will be able to run a non-profit.”

When asked what he is most proud of in his journey so far, Tre reflects on the daily commitment recovery requires and the life he has worked hard to build.

“Being in recovery requires that I continue to make the decision every day to stay clean,” he says. “Over the last several years, I have put my life onto an entirely different trajectory, and I now have a life that I didn’t even believe was possible before I got clean.”

His message to someone in recovery who may be thinking about applying for the Out of the Ashes Bursary is simple and direct.

“Go for it,” Tre says. “There is absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

As Tre continues his studies in Human Services and works toward a future in Social Work, his story reflects the lasting impact of the Out of the Ashes Bursary. Through education, encouragement, and community support, recipients are able to keep moving forward and build futures grounded in purpose, stability, and hope.