The Story Behind the Vision
Spencer Kell, the founder of Love Soluble, is a survivor of Ontario’s provincial correctional system and substance use disorder. His addiction began in his teens and led to years of criminal behavior, repeated incarceration, and multiple failed treatment attempts. Over two decades, Spencer cycled through approximately 20 jail stays and six treatment programs, deeply affecting his life, family, and community. These experiences ultimately inspired him to create Love Soluble to address gaps in addiction treatment for justice-involved individuals.
In 2013, Spencer completed his first private treatment program but relapsed shortly after due to a lack of life skills and stable supports. In 2017, while incarcerated without bail, he developed a plan to finally achieve lasting recovery. By securing acceptance into a treatment program and presenting this to the court, he was granted release to attend rehab—an experience that revealed the barriers between incarceration and treatment access.
During treatment, Spencer enrolled in a college addictions program, transferred to a program that allowed community integration, and worked full time while studying. Within two months of release, he had completed two treatment programs, secured housing and employment, and committed to ongoing recovery supports.
When Spencer returned to court, all outstanding cases were resolved, and the courts acknowledged the significant progress he had made, issuing community-based sentences with probation.
Today, Spencer walks in lasting sobriety, carrying forward his recovery with resilience, purpose, and unwavering strength. Love Soluble was incorporated as a federally registered nonprofit in 2019 and has since developed a treatment model specifically for individuals caught in cycles of addiction and incarceration.
Spencer has rebuilt his family relationships, completed his education and established stable employment. His journey now extends beyond personal recovery, as he is committed to sharing his lived experience with others who are searching for a path forward. Beyond his own recovery, he dedicates himself to helping to guide men back to their families and loved ones while offering hope through his work in the addictions field and involvement in recovery communities. His journey is a testament to resilience, second chances and the power of transformation.
Spencer Kell