Union Gospel Mission is known for its work on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Now it's gone country, opening a women's treatment centre in rural Langley.
Women have not typically had access to the same level of addiction recovery services as men and have added factors, such as intimate partner violence and housing insecurity that make is more difficult to seek out recovery assistance, according to UGM.
Union Gospel Mission (UGM) has taken over the Wagner Hills Women's Recovery Centre in South Langley and renamed it Cedar Haven. Women have not typically had access to the same level of addiction recovery services as men and have added factors, such as intimate partner violence and housing insecurity that make is more difficult to seek out recovery assistance, according to UGM.
"The name was chosen with purpose. For many coastal First Nations in British Columbia, Cedar trees serve an important and sacred role in ceremonial life, and for those who are faith based, Cedar trees represent strength, growth and flourishing in the Bible," said Nicole Mucci, UGM media relations manager.
UGM has women's programs in Vancouver, Victoria, and Mission, but this is the first time it has taken on a rural facility. Cedar Haven's land is owned by BC Housing, however UGM owns all of the buildings on the land.
"With the addition of Langley, women can now choose to be in a rural environment for their time in recovery if they prefer to be away from the city and urban life," she explained.
Cedar Haven Women's Recovery Centre at 460 216 St. will give clients more options. They can choose a serene rural setting and even help with farm activities as part of their recovery.
"There are certainly opportunities for women in recovery at Cedar Haven that differ from programs in urban settings," Mucci said. "Women at Cedar Haven can walk the 50-plus acre property to find a sense of calm and be reinvigorated by the rediscovery of their own resilience and inner strength. They can also care for the ducks, chickens, horses, and other animals who share the property to reconnect women to an innate sense of purpose – something you wouldn’t see in an urban setting."
Mucci added that women's recovery needs are unique, which is why UGM has programs in several communities.
"We hope to transform lives every year through our Women’s Recovery Program at Cedar Haven, with the aim of having between 12 and 16 women move towards brighter futures after finishing the program," she said. "Adult women are accepted and we don’t limit where they can come from – which means that if rural recovery is the best option for a woman, she is able to apply.
UGM started about 80 years ago. It offers street-level outreach, meals, clothing, shelter, alcohol and drug recovery, career services, social and affordable housing, and programs for children and families. The mission has done work in communities south of the Fraser River.
"Along with Cedar Haven, we also have The Orchard, affordable family housing located in Surrey, Mucci said. "Our Mobile Mission vehicle services all of Metro Vancouver. We also have a Fraser Valley Mobile Mission which goes all across the Fraser Valley."