After six years of brainstorming, planning and consultation with the City of Richmond and various organizations including Vancouver Coastal Health, Richmond finally has its own recovery house for women.
On Friday, the Turning Point Recovery Society had its official open house for its nine-resident facility that helps women overcome substance addiction by providing structure, a constant support network and group counseling.
Representatives from the city, non-profit organizations and community members came to tour the building and meet staff, counselors and residents. Located in Steveston and leased from the City of Richmond, it has been operating since November, said Turning Point executive director Brenda Plant.
"We have a waitlist already, and we've had no incidents with neighbours (who) have been very receptive," said Plant.
"Previously, before we opened in November, women with addiction issues seeking residential support recovery, there was nowhere for them to get help in Richmond."
Instead, women had to travel to the society's 30-year-old Vancouver co-ed location, with a constant waitlist for the 22 beds.
The needs have risen in conjunction with the rising population in the Lower Mainland, but also because there is now more recognition in society, Plant said.
"As we become more aware, and addiction itself becomes more de-stigmatized, there's less shame. A lot more people are willing to publically seek help as opposed to living with shame and isolation."
Tamara is one such example. Looking like any other 28-year-old, she was the first client of the Richmond house and this is her first experience being in a recovery program. Suffering from alcohol abuse, she said she decided to join after taking the advice of a professional.
"It's been great so far. It's always good having (counselors and peers) around (at all times)," she said, adding it works better than traditional therapy where people often have to wait a week between sessions.
Amy is another resident, living at the house for just a week. A university student, she also battles with alcohol addiction - something she has used to cope with the stresses of school and work. When she was still taking classes three years ago, it started by drinking with friends, but she soon crossed what she called an "invisible line."
Plant stressed that often it is "regular people," who are affected by substance abuse and are in need of assistance. While there is more acceptance of a recovery house in the community now, there are still some myths, one being that the neighbourhood will become unsafe.
"Our residents don't drink or use drugs. They can't be at our site if they are doing that; we have a zero-tolerance policy."
Turning Point also runs a men's recovery house on Odlin Road, which opened in 1999. Initially met with opposition, it has since operated without incident, said Plant.
One service unique to Richmond is domestic abuse counseling for women dealing with substance addictions - 75 to 80 per cent of whom have been a victim of domestic or relationship abuse, she said.
Specialists are brought in to counsel those affected; a program that Plant hopes to fully implement in Vancouver as well.
For more information about the Turning Point Recovery Society, call 604-303-6844.
