Client Centred
Approach

Centring a recovery approach to the needs of the participant. Applying one model to the masses is not effective. 

Every participant will take a different path in terms of what recovery looks like for them. The individualized Participant Recovery Plan (PRP) will outline a unique blend of support services necessary to transition participants into healthy, independent community life. Key to this is the participant’s desire for change as they will play a major role in the development of their PRP. 

What makes the Riverwood House PRP unique is that it is “Participant Owned” and there are no restrictions to timelines.

Communal
Experience

within a peer supported environment

The communal part of participant recovery will be sharing their experience with others. The design of Riverwood House was intentional to ensure that the Communal Experience can be maximized. When Participants who want to be part of the Riverwood House experience are reaching out for help in their recovery, they are also saying that they wish to receive help within the context of a communal experience.

We believe there is no better formula for participant recovery than to have access to peer support by someone who has walked the recovery journey and can help predict the type of support that a participant might require. 

Participant
Independent
Living
Experience

The design of Riverwood House ensures that participants will experience independence by having their own living quarters (suites). 

Participants will come as close to an independent living experience as possible under one roof, thus preparing them for an eventual transition to fully independent living in the community. 

We will ensure that a comprehensive After-Care support network is in place after a participant transitions to responsible, independent, and healthy community life. 

Trauma Informed Approach

to Recovery Programming

Research has shown that 95% of people who live with addictions have experienced trauma as a child or adolescent and did not receive the support needed to address the trauma. Research also shows that addictions is a primary cause of homelessness. 

Riverwood House’s partnership with Finding Freedom and RE:ACT is built on that premise.We can try and use tools in addressing addictions and changing behaviour but unless the underlying reason contributing to addictions is not addressed, most addicts return to that lifestyle. This step is critical to rebuilding most relationships in a participant’s life. 

Onsite
Recovery
Support
Services

This is achieved through partnerships with other community services as well as the Riverwood House Social Services Team. 

We believe that having onsite programs and access to services at critical times is essential in a Participant Recovery Program. The focus can then shift from emergency services to personal development through life skills training, education and enhancing self-esteem through supportive client/staff relationships.

Having
a Place
to Contribute

The role of contribution within Recovery Programming is an essential element to recovery success as well as providing a key step to integrating participants back into healthy community life.

Riverwood Church Community (owners and operators of Riverwood House) has developed a wide array of services to their local community that will provide important opportunities for Participants to engage in. Prairie Crocus Thrift Shop will also use these volunteers.