The Province is providing $1 million to support some of B.C.’s most vulnerable residents, those living with addictions challenges.

Health Minister Terry Lake presented the cheque last night at Turning Point Recovery Society’s eighth annual Making Recovery a Reality gala in Vancouver.

“The road to recovery can be filled with challenges for people struggling with addictions. Client-centred programs like the ones offered at Turning Point play a key role in supporting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness as people work to get their life back,” said Lake. “The funding will help expand recovery spaces and improve services for those living with substance use issues.”

Turning Point Recovery Society is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide a supportive, abstinence-based residential environment for people to recover from addiction. It offers 49 beds for men and women aged 19 and older in five homes in Vancouver, North Vancouver and Richmond. Clients typically spend three to five months in the program, receiving support with their recovery through traditional counselling and alternative programs like art therapy, acupuncture, fitness and nutrition planning. The organization also provides domestic violence counselling which deals with victimization and anger management.

The funding will support renovations at Turning Point’s Vancouver sites to increase capacity to serve individuals with mobility issues and transgendered clients. These funds will also be used to support the development of transitional residences and to develop outreach and comprehensive case management services in Richmond for clients with addiction issues.

“We greatly appreciate and welcome this support from the provincial government,” said Brenda Plant, executive director of Turning Point Recovery Society. “This funding supports British Columbia's most vulnerable citizens and will not only help individuals facing unique challenges in addition to their addiction to get well, but it will also provide for a continuum of service delivery and affordable housing options for aftercare. Turning Point is proud to be able to provide these unique services and thanks the Government of B.C. for their contribution.”

“Addiction is a challenge that people of all walks of life struggle with and supporting recovery is a cause that’s close to my heart,” said actor and comedian Jim Belushi, who was the guest speaker at Turning Point’s gala last night in Vancouver. “I want to thank the Government of British Columbia for recognizing the needs of those with addictions and for its donation of $1 million to Turning Point.”

Priority placement at Turning Point is for residents of the communities they serve, but they accept people from throughout British Columbia and across Canada. Turning Point has supported more than 3,500 men and women living with problematic substance use issues since 1982.

Learn more:

For more information on the Turning Point Recover Society, please visit: www.turningpointrecovery.com

Media Contacts:

Laura Heinze
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)