Helping women recover

Photo: Contributed

Bill's Place has set aside four of its 19 beds to help women with addiction issues.

For the first time, the doors to a North Okanagan recovery house is open to women.

Bill's Place has set aside four of its 19 beds to help women with addiction issues.

Kelly Fehr, co-executive director with the John Howard Society that operates the recovery house, said women will be able to access services as of Oct. 1.

The move is another step in the evolution of the society which has been operating in Vernon for the past 50 years and Fehr said over the past 10 years the society has made changes to become more co-ed.

“Almost all our programs are co-ed now with the exception of Howard House,” said Fehr.

Fehr said there are few recovery options for women in the North Okanagan, so allowing access to Bill's Place was a natural progression.

The goal of Bill’s Place is to develop a sober living community, and create a safe environment for men and women choosing to enter into a recovery program. The program is designed to help men and women during their journey towards restoring their lives and the lives of those around them. Bill’s Place Recovery Home offers a variety of recovery programs for people 19 years of age and older.

Fehr said a private recovery facility can cost upwards of $15,000 a month and it usually takes several months to become sober.

Bill's Place and the JHS offer an affordable alternative.

The programs are based on the 12 Step Model of Recovery, addressing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual deterioration that occurs from the use of mood-altering chemicals and behaviours. Place will provide the structure necessary for residents to grow in their sobriety, and personal recovery.

To access services at Bill's Place email Brad Houton at [email protected].

Referral forms can also be found online.