Supportive Recovery Initiatives

In partnership with service providers, people with lived/living experience of substance use and recovery, community stakeholders, and policymakers, CAI is investing in initiatives to build and strengthen capacity of the supportive recovery sector in BC.

Supportive recovery services meet a critical need in our communities and are currently in high demand amidst the ongoing drug poisoning crisis. These bed-based or live-in substance use services provide a range of programs and a supportive environment for people who are working to reduce, abstain from, or reduce harms associated with substance use.

The future vision for this sector includes: consistent service quality; a focus on multiple pathways to recovery; strengthened accountability and oversight; adequate funding; services that are informed by people with lived and living experience; and connection of supportive recovery services to the broader system of care.

Capacity Building Grant for First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Urban Indigenous led Bed-based Treatment and Recovery Operators

Overview

The Capacity Building Grant was a one-time funding opportunity of up to $25,000 available to First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous-led organizations currently providing bed-based treatment and recovery services. This grant stream was offered over a two-year period (2024–2025 and 2025–2026) to support organizations in developing and/or implementing capacity-building strategies aligned with the Provincial Standards for Registered Assisted Supportive Recovery Services.

Funded activities included, but were not limited to:

• Programming to support wellness, culture, traditional practice, and maintain service quality
• Development of organizational documents, policies, and processes
• Expanded training and supports for staff
• Administrative and staffing supports
• Other capacity building initiatives, as determined by the organizations

This grant was established in partnership with Community Action Initiative (CAI) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). Grant funds were used for expenses such as program and event supplies, equipment, technology, staff wages and benefits, honoraria, travel expenses, consultant fees, staff training, administrative costs, resident resources, and other expenses related to proposed capacity building initiatives.

Timeline

Grant Details

• Grant Guidelines – Learn more about the grant, timeline, how can funding be used, who can request funding, how to apply, contact information, and examples of capacity building projects.
• FAQ
• Provincial Standards for Registered Assisted Living Supportive Recovery Services (gov.bc.ca)

In 2024, 11 First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous led organizations who provide bed-based treatment and recovery services in B.C. were awarded grants. The 11 funded organizations include:

• Carrier Sekani Family Services
• Gya’ Wa’ Tlaab Healing Centre Society
• Letwilc Ren Semec Centre
• Nenqayni Wellness Centre Society
• North Wind Wellness Centre Society
• Round Lake Alcohol and Drug Treatment Society
• Seabird Island Band
• Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society
• We Wai Kai Nation Healing Society
• Wilp Si’Satxw Community Healing Centre
• Witset First Nation

Click here to access the MMHA information bulletin about the past grants.

In 2025, 15 First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous led organizations who provide bed-based treatment and recovery services in B.C. were awarded grants. The 15 funded organizations include:

• Carrier Sekani Family Services
• Gya’Wa’Tlaab Healing Centre Society
• North Wind Wellness Centre Society
• Northern First Nations Alliance (NFNA)
• Tsay Keh Dene
• Wilp Si’Satxw Community Healing Centre
• Split Rock Healing House (Tsë Lhts’ënc’il Nec’igekh Be Yikh)
• Letwilc Ren Semec Centre
• Lillooet Friendship Centre Society
• Nenqayni Wellness Centre Society
• Red Road River Tsilhqox
• Round Lake Alcohol and Drug Treatment Society
• Telemexw Awtexw Healing Centre
• Kackaamin Family Development Centre
• Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society, Nenqayni Wellness Centre

For any questions, please contact Samantha Young, Project Manager at [email protected] or (604) 638-1172