Mustard Seed Kamloops to re-open men’s live-in sober support program

KAMLOOPS – The Mustard Seed Kamloops has announced the re-opening of a men’s support program.

The 17-bed, live-in Men’s Sober Living Centre at the agency’s West Victoria Street outreach centre provides support for men who have been sober for at least one week. It is meant to replace the Men’s Recovery Centre.

In a news release, the agency says participants will be given a chance to attain their high school diplomas, and given an access to a program that teaches first aid, non-violent crisis intervention and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS). The goal of the programs is to help participants bolster their resumes.

Managing Director Mario Borba says residents in the program will volunteer for the first few months before being given an opportunity to be employed. Borba notes the agency is contemplating “social enterprise ventures include a thrift store, janitorial work, catering, and a coffee shop.”

If a resident relapses, Borba says Mustard Seed will offer access to additional supports such as a treatment centre. The second time the individual relapses, Mustard Seed will work with him to get him into a “more appropriate” placement. The third strike, if it occurs during the period of the agency working on another placement, would result in the man being kicked out of the program.

Borba says the agency has begun interviews as it looks to fill the 17 spaces in the program.