Mind the Gap: UGM announces new Stabilization Program for women seeking recovery from addiction

VANCOUVER, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Union Gospel Mission is pleased to announce that after years of careful research and consultation with community members, service providers and academic researchers, the official direction for its emergent Women and Family's Centre is announced. Opening in the summer of 2014, the Stabilization Program will help women in the Downtown Eastside bridge the gap between detox and recovery or from treatment to supported housing. Renovations have begun and construction in the east wing will be complete on Monday, March 31. Renovations of the west wing will begin shortly thereafter.

The building, which until April 2011 existed as UGM's main facility, will be retrofitted to facilitate a one to three month program with 24-hour staffing. The Stabilization Program aims to continue the success of the Women's Day Shelter which has allowed UGM to reach transient, street-entrenched women who would have otherwise been difficult to engage with and help. Many of the women UGM is reaching have endured multiple forms of trauma and abuse, addiction and some are working in the survival sex trade.

"Many women come so close to completely changing their lives, but without a safe place to land, and without specialized support, most fall through very large gaps," says Atkins.  "Often, individuals are not sufficiently prepared for recovery, for it requires a life-changing willingness to let go of things that have become a key element in coping with tragedy and stress—an element that has been woven into every aspect of her life."

The full news release will be posted at www.ugm.ca/media-centre after 9:00am PST on Wednesday.

SOURCE: Union Gospel Mission

Media Contact: Keela Keeping, [phone], [email protected], Twitter: @UGM, UGM.ca