The Basics
Identifying a lack of transitional housing opportunities for those leaving substance abuse treatment in Abbotsford, British Columbia, social services professionals Jeannette Dillabough and Sharon Forbes opened the first residence of the Raven’s Moon Resource Society in 2009. Raven’s Moon has since grown into a network of 14 homes in Abbotsford.
In addition to the sober living facilities, Raven’s Moon offers a low-barrier residence for addicts who are not ready to enter treatment: A Home to Stay program for individuals and families in need of secure long-term housing, and Harvard House, a home for mature men who need long-term support for substance use or mental health challenges. Raven’s Moon supports over 120 residents each year, one third of them of Aboriginal descent.
Accommodations and Amenities
All of Raven’s Moon’s homes are within walking distance of each other, enabling residents to develop a peer community. Residents have private, lockable rooms, and each home houses five to six clients. The homes have TVs, house phones and free WiFi, and there are gyms and recreation centers within walking distance.
Rules and Regulations
Residents have rotating chore assignments and an 11 pm curfew. While they’re not required to be employed or enrolled in school, they are encouraged to set goals, and the Raven’s Moon staff helps them make plans and stay on track to achieve them. While Raven’s Moon works to help clients transition into independent living, they are welcome to stay as long as they’d like.
Most clients have case managers provided by social services agencies before entering Raven’s Moon. However, Raven’s Moon’s founders are MSWs and also provide constant support to clients. In addition, students enrolled in The University of The Fraser Valley social work program complete training with Raven’s Moon’s clients, giving them an unusual amount of support and guidance for a sober living facility. Residents are also encouraged to attend peer support meetings such as AA/NA in the neighborhood.
Extras
Residents can receive visitors from 1 to 4 pm on weekends. Raven’s Moon also hosts a Christmas Party for all residents that has become a highlight of the recovery community.
In Summary
Raven’s Moon Resource Society’s network of 14 sober living and transitional housing residences provide a long-term supportive community for those who have recently received treatment, are considering entering treatment or are in need of long-term support due to mental health challenges. With a staff of social workers and social workers-in-training, Raven’s Moon enables clients to bond with supportive clinicians who offer resources, guidance and accountability.
Raven’s Moon Resource Society
Addresses Confidential
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Canada
Raven’s Moon Resource Society Cost: $450 CAD ($344.12 per publishing day exchange rate, 30 days.) Reach Raven’s Moon Resource Society by phone at (604) 751-4631 or by email at jeanette@ravensmoon.ca. Find Raven’s Moon Resource Society on Facebook and Twitter
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