Nestled amidst a serene landscape, near Salmon Arm, BC, Canada is the Oaks Wellness Center. The Oaks is a private Supportive Recovery Residence, that offers holistic evidence-based psychosocial supports designed to help individuals explore their issues, strengths and build upon strategies to help them cope and recover from substance misuse.
Our approach to recovery is rooted in a psychosocial, trauma informed, framework. We understand that addiction doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's intertwined within the individual’s psychosocial context, some of which includes, coping skills, family dynamics, cultural and spiritual beliefs, self-worth, physical and emotional needs, basic life skills, finances and many other aspects. Psychosocial supports and contexts are rooted in “person-in-environment,” including the “medicine wheel” (encompassing the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual components of wellness). We explore these areas with the goal to work with the resident to help them gain an understanding of the impact the psychosocial dynamics have on their substance use with the goal to help support them to gain insight and tools needed to embrace recovery. Additionally, we combine traditional Indigenous spirituality with the 12 Step Model, as a valuable support to assist residents with recovery.
We understand the prevalence and the interconnections between trauma and substance misuse. We know there is an emotional, physical, spiritual, interpersonal and behavioral response to trauma, and that this can overwhelm an individual’s capacity to cope. It is crucial to understand the impact and response to traumatic life experiences. We explore areas of trauma with an emphasis on safety, trustworthiness and stabilization. We believe individuals have a choice in how they choose to look at the impact of their traumas, we focus on collaboration and connection, while looking for opportunities to honour “what happened.” We assist residents to remember and mourn, to integrate and reconnect by helping them to create meaning. We look for opportunities to harness their strengths and build resiliency skills. Trauma informed approaches are paramount at the Oaks to better support recovery for our residents.
At The Oaks Wellness Center, our commitment to residents’ well-being and safety is unwavering. We strive to provide the highest standard of supportive care, and hope. We walk alongside them through their transformative journey towards recovery. Our team comprises many levels of expertise, all are compassionate professionals, many of whom have personally experienced the trials of addiction and are now living testimonies of successful healing. Their personal insights and professional dedication are instrumental in helping our clients navigate the challenges that emerge during the initial stages of recovery.
We offer assisted living recovery services that span 30 to 90 days, tailored to meet each person’s unique needs. Our program provides:
- 2 individual counselling sessions per week,
- daily process groups,
- weekly gender-specific groups,
- twice per week psycho-educational classes,
- weekly recreational activities (hikes, swimming, gym access, and other activities)
To further enhance our client's recovery, we offer various other activities, some of which includes, smudging, sweat lodges, clearing circles, meditation, mindfulness teachings, exercise, art and more, all designed to help individuals develop healthier coping skills, become empowered to make better choices related to their recovery. We have an art, and meditation room and exercise facility at the Oaks. We also provide access to 12 step meetings regularly, as we know recovery takes a community, and it is important for residents to have a supportive social recovery network upon completing their stay.
We work with individual residents to understand their goals for recovery, and their goals for aftercare. We believe that a robust aftercare plan is a cornerstone of sustained recovery. To this end, residents collaborate with an Aftercare Specialist each week to craft a personalized aftercare plan for their transition post stay. We acknowledge the effectiveness of 12 Step programs and assist our residents to regularly attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and/or Cocaine Anonymous as part of their ongoing recovery journey. We provide collaboration and referrals to various community resources to help with their ongoing care needs, such as housing, financial assistance, and various community and health related services and agencies.
The Oaks welcomes both male and female applicants, (all sexual orientations). We provide residents with information on what to bring, guidelines around expected behaviours, zero tolerance for illegal substances brought on to the premises, or consuming alcohol, and expectations around program participation
Our Values

We believe in self-determination, respect and inclusion for all, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, cultural or religious beliefs and that everyone suffering from the disease of addiction has a right to care and supportive recovery.

We believe every individual has the capacity and right to be actively part of their recovery journey. We are steadfast in our belief to empower clients to overcome their addiction, reclaim their lives and achieve enduring recovery.

We value partnerships and teamwork with individuals, other community programs and health care providers, who can be an integral part of the recovery process.

We believe in upholding the human rights of persons who have been marginalized and discriminated against because of their substance use.