As we approach the end of another year and the holiday season, many families in Canada will experience the heartache of celebrating without a loved one who has died from a drug overdose. News stories often highlight addicts living in homeless encampments, prompting debates about whether this should be allowed. However, as a society, we must ask ourselves what actions we are taking to address this issue. Every person living on the streets is someone's son or daughter. Despite the poor choices they may have made, they are still our children and need our support.
I am heartened to see the Ontario government backing two excellent initiatives on the Bruce Peninsula this year. Ontario Health for Grey Bruce has received additional funding in 2024 to provide round-the-clock support for a 12-apartment transitional home in Owen Sound. They are at the forefront of establishing temporary housing, helping homeless individuals with mental health issues or addictions transition to independent living. Their comprehensive approach includes a case management team, peer support team, addiction counselling, and some primary care options. Their goal is to transition 36 residents annually to permanent housing.
Brightshores Health System in Owen Sound, Ontario, inaugurated the new Wellness and Recovery Centre for Mental Health and Addictions in 2024. This comprehensive facility offers withdrawal management, relapse prevention, long-term supportive stabilization treatment, counselling, peer-based programs, recreational activities, daily living and job skill programs, a rapid access addiction medicine clinic, and more. The centre uniquely combines inpatient and outpatient services, allowing staff to engage with and support individuals while they wait for available beds. The facility includes 21 dedicated withdrawal management beds, 14 relapse prevention and treatment beds, and 10 supportive studio units for extended stays.
Both of these facilities are not only generating new employment opportunities within the community, alleviating the pressure on their hospital’s emergency department, but most of all they are providing compassionate care to those in need of support and recovery.
Joeriaknits continues to advocate for recovery in Canada by donating 20% of our net sales to these types of organizations.
In 2023, we donated $2,060 to the Wellness and Recovery Centre in Owen Sound, and we will support them again in 2024. Additionally, proceeds from the sale of our Children's Knit and Crochet Kits allowed us to donate $377 to the Cedars at Cobble Hill Society on Vancouver Island, BC.
Every community must work towards making treatment more accessible by eliminating financial barriers, stigma, and discrimination. It's essential to continue building effective systems of care and foster a society that promotes and celebrates recovery.
There is hope, One Day At A Time!
In loving memory of Lucy Jewel, my constant companion for nearly 14 years.
Yvonne xoxo