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We sat down with Sylvia Parke to learn more about her and her new position in the Supportive Recovery Program.

What is your name and role at Threshold Housing:

My name is Sylvia and I am the Cultural Wellness Worker in the Supportive Recovery Program at Threshold Housing.

My English name is Sylvia, my Haida name is ‘7stil aa yaa’ which translates into ‘always doing something.’ I am from the Haida nation on my Mother’s side, from the Saangaalth Stas’stas Eagle clan of Old Massett Village, Haida Gwaii. My Naanii (granmother) was Sylvia Storry (Kelly), oldest daughter of Godfrey and Victoria Kelly (Edenshaw). I am a grateful visitor on the unceded territory of the Lkwungen and Wsanec speaking people.

Who does your role support?

I mainly support Indigenous identifying youth in the Supportive Recovery Program.

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We are so happy to announce our newest acquisition to the Threshold Housing Society group of homes. This beautiful heritage home enables us to expand our mission of providing safe housing, support services, and community to the at-risk youth we serve. Everything we do here at Threshold is focused on impacting the long-term trajectory of young people’s lives. This is one more step moving us closer to our vision of a community where all youth thrive. Please join us in celebrating this new home in our community where young people will find safety and healing for decades to come.

Photo of: Our Executive Director Colin Tessier at the new home holding the keys!

Virtual movie screenings are back!

Join Threshold Housing Society for a virtual screening of the documentary 19 & Homeless on Wednesday May 5th, 12th, 19th at 7pm or Friday May 28th at 3pm.

This documentary captures two years in the lives of a group of former foster youth as they age out of care and transition into adulthood. This documentary includes a Threshold graduate’s journey from aging out of foster care to being supported by the Threshold program. This film captures youth navigating their challenges, barriers, their trauma, as well as their moments of joy.

Get your free ticket here.

You can watch the trailer here:

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In British Columbia, when a youth in government care turns 19 years old they often lose access to essential support services, such as their housing, social worker, mental health services, and financial support. Youth age out of care, whether they are ready or not – at an age that is often already challenging and stressful. Due to the unprecedented times we are living in, youth in BC have just been granted a reprieve from aging out of care. This is an encouraging step in the right direction, although at this time it is a temporary shift. We must continue to highlight the various challenges, barriers, and trauma youth aging out often face. Why? Aging out of care without appropriate supports in place is often cited as a risk factor that leads to experiences of youth homelessness. We especially know this through the youth we serve. It is also often stated that only 28% of people know that youth age out of government care after their 19th birthday. So, now until June 31st, we will be bringing awareness to the challenges youth in care are exposed to when aging out. We look forward to highlighting stories of lived experience, articles, research, and stats on our social media pages. This year, we will also be sharing local Indigenous organizations and the incredible work they are doing in our community with youth. We can’t discuss aging out of care without highlighting that Indigenous youth are over represented in the child welfare system due to ongoing legacy of colonialism. Join us and help us spread the word by sharing our posts! #ReadyOrNotAgingOutOfCare

Today is #InternationalTransDayofVisibility. This day started as a day of awareness to celebrate individuals who identify as trans and gender non-conforming. This day is also a day for allies and advocates to show up and show support!

Here are 5 ways you can be an ally:
1. Listen – make sure you are centering trans and gender non-conforming people and not yourself.
2. State your pronouns – sharing your pronouns can make a space more inclusive and safe for people to also share their pronouns.
3. When you mess up – apologize and move forward.
4. Use gender inclusive language.
5. Help spread awareness- share posts and help educate your friends and family

Threshold Housing Society Expands Services to include a Supportive Recovery Program for Youth

Threshold Housing Society is expanding our service delivery model to include a supportive recovery program for youth who are battling substance use issues. In partnership with Island Health, Threshold Housing will offer youth a safe and supportive environment as they access a recovery-oriented and healing-focused program.

Coordinated, accessible and low-barrier services that meet youth ‘where they are at’ are particularly important during the opioid crisis, given that youth are a highly vulnerable group in terms of substance use. The Threshold Supportive Recovery Program is providing eight supportive recovery beds and host family bed in Greater Victoria to meet the health and social needs of a wide range of youth and support them on their wellness and recovery journey.  These beds are part of a reconfiguration of youth substance use beds in Victoria.

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Hot off the press! Winter Newsletter 2020

We are so excited to share, that in response to the opioid crisis, and with the knowledge that youth are a highly vulnerable group in terms of unhealthy substance use, Threshold Housing Society is expanding our service delivery model, to ensure youth have a safe and supportive environment to work on their substance use issues and have access to a recovery-oriented and healing-focused support program. This will create eight supportive recovery beds and one host family bed in Greater Victoria and will contribute to healthier and brighter futures for at-risk youth. The Supportive Recovery Housing Program will feature an inter-disciplinary team that includes a Clinical Addictions Counsellor, Indigenous Cultural Worker, case manager and more. Seven days a week, youth will have access to a robust recovery-oriented program, all within a safe home environment.