On Tuesday, the BC government unveiled funding for an addiction recovery center in View Royal, offering support to hundreds of men on their path to recovery.
The New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community in Victoria is set to provide essential support to men who have faced repeated incarceration, housing instability, and addiction challenges, as the province allocates $4.39 million for the program over the next three years.
According to the BC government, the new funding will support an estimated 330 people in the recovery program over the next three years.
Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of such centers, stating, “When people make the brave decision to break free from addiction, they need support and a welcoming community.”
Operated by the non-profit organization Our Place Society, New Roads caters to men aged 19 and above who have experienced multiple encounters with the criminal justice system, housing instability, and addiction issues.
The program offers stays of up to 24 months and provides a range of services, including on-site nursing and physician care, counseling, Indigenous healing approaches, and skill-building programs for employment and daily living.
Residents at New Roads develop a strong sense of community through daily activities that require mutual reliance and job training, thus increasing their potential for employment after completing the program.
Tyson Airaksinen, a resident of New Roads, attested to the transformative impact of the program: “At New Roads, I discovered a lifeline that would change my life forever. I was able to examine the underlying causes of my addictions and behaviors, find healing, develop new skills, and gain a profound understanding of myself that will forever influence my life.”
The facility accommodates up to 47 residents at a time and offers a structured recovery program organized into four major stages: orientation, primary recovery, early re-entry, and re-entry.
Services encompass therapy sessions, peer support, mentorship, recreational activities, relaxation and educational groups, personalized recovery programs, and discussions on preventing relapse.
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, stressed the importance of such programs, noting that, “Recovery is rarely linear and everyone’s pathway is unique.”
Referrals to New Roads can be made upon an individual’s release from custody or through Island Health and other community organizations. Self-referrals are also accepted, helping individuals stabilize their lives and break the cycle of re-offending.
New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community plays a vital role in the province’s efforts to enhance mental health and addiction care.
This includes the addition of numerous treatment beds, expanded services for youth, and improved access to harm-reduction programs.
“New Roads has proven to be a beacon of hope for the men who come through its doors,” said Our Place CEO Julian Daly.
