Kamloops and Okanagan cities part of pilot project to employ people in recovery

A pilot project will try to help employ people recovering from severe addiction in B.C., and many of the resources are based in Kamloops and the Okanagan.

The project will run for three years thanks to a $4.9 million grant from the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, according to a release from the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division.

It’s an evidence-based program that will help people overcoming addiction “gain the skills and support needed to enter and thrive in the labour market,” according to the release.

The pilot project will fund 12 beds in Kamloops through the ASK Wellness Society, eight beds in Vernon through the Turning Points Collaborative Society and five through the Penticton Recovery Resource Society. There will be an additional 15 beds in Nanaimo and six in Prince Rupert.

“We all want people going through addiction treatment to have the care and support they need to recover,” Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction said in the release. “Integrating employment services into some publicly funded treatment beds will help people get the jobs and connections they need to build a better life.”

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