Phoenix Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society

10/10/2026

World Mental Health Day | October 10

Mental health is part of everyone's story. And sometimes, having someone who listens without judgment can make all the difference.

For Max, finding that connection was an important part of his journey.

After navigating mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts and substance use, Max came to Phoenix Society seeking support. Through access to mental health care, counselling and peers with lived experience, he found a community where he could speak openly and feel understood.

💬 “I have been able to talk to them about some of my darkest thoughts without any judgment. The connection, love and support at Phoenix is next level.”

Today, Max chairs peer support meetings, welcomes others into the program and is taking steps toward becoming a peer supporter himself.

💬 “I feel like anything is possible moving forward. I did not feel this way before.”

Max's story reminds us that mental health care is more than treatment alone. It's about relationships, trust, belonging and having access to support that meets people where they are.

At Phoenix Society, we recognize that mental health and substance use are often interconnected. Through compassionate, trauma-informed and person-centered care, we work alongside individuals as they define their own paths toward wellness.

This World Mental Health Day, we're recognizing the strength it takes to reach out, the importance of being heard and the power of connection.

Because everyone deserves to feel supported, accepted and valued. 💚

**Max's name has been changed to protect his privacy.

09/30/2026

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 🧡

Phoenix Society joins communities across Canada in honouring Survivors, remembering the children who never returned home, and reflecting on the ongoing impacts of residential schools.

For several years, Phoenix has invited service recipients and the community to submit artwork for our annual Orange Shirt Day design. This is a continuing a tradition that brings the creativity and voices of our community into how we honour this day.

Across Phoenix, staff and service recipients marked the day through cultural meals, learning, drumming, dance and connection. At our Phoenix Centre site, we were honoured to welcome Sah-ahkw, Ts'ots'emeltxen and Ts'ots'emeltlexw from the Katzie and Sts’ailes Nations, who shared culture, teachings, drumming and dance with our community.

Orange Shirt Day grew from the story of residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her when she entered residential school at six years old. Today, wearing orange honours Survivors, their families and the children who never came home.

Reconciliation is ongoing. We continue to listen, learn and take meaningful action.

08/31/2026

For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought communities together to remember the lives lost to overdose and advocate for change. The fact that this day is still needed reminds us that our work is far from over.

At Phoenix Society, we believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, and access to care: without judgment or stigma.

Research shows that overdose prevention works. Harm reduction services, safer-consumption supplies, naloxone, overdose prevention services, and meaningful connections to health care and community supports save lives.

But access to these services is only part of the solution. We must also challenge the stigma and systemic barriers that prevent people who use substances from accessing care in the first place.

We will continue to advocate for evidence-informed, compassionate approaches that meet people where they are and recognize substance use as a health and social issue. Not a moral deficiency.

Because every life has value.

Because everyone deserves care.

And because support, not stigma, saves lives.

08/15/2026

Help Shape the Future of Phoenix Society

Phoenix Society is seeking experienced, values-driven leaders to join our volunteer Board of Directors and help shape the future of our organization.

Bring your experience, perspective, and leadership to work that strengthens communities and creates meaningful impact.

🔗 Learn more about the opportunity and how to apply:https://phoenixsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026_Board-Reqruitment.pdf

07/22/2026

Please join us in welcoming Carrie-lynn Hicks to Phoenix Society as our new Director of Operations!

Carrie-lynn brings more than a decade of experience leading complex, multi-site operations, with expertise in operational leadership, team development, process improvement, and organizational growth. As a values-driven and collaborative leader, she is passionate about building strong teams, fostering continuous improvement, and supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Welcome to the Team Carrie-lynn!

As we welcome Carrie-lynn, we'd also like to recognize Terri Chanyungco as she begins her retirement.

Over the past three years, Terri has played an important role in strengthening Phoenix Society. She helped build and grow our facilities team, led the enhancement of the Healing Grounds, and supported the development of several key projects across the organization. Her practical leadership, attention to detail, and thoughtful approach to problem-solving have left a lasting impact, and her warmth and sense of humour will be missed.

Thank you, Terri, for your dedication and the many contributions you've made to Phoenix Society. We wish you and your family all the very best in this exciting next chapter.

We're excited for what's ahead and look forward to the experience, leadership, and passion Carrie-lynn brings to our team.

Leadership & Board: https://phoenixsociety.com/about-us/leadership-board/

07/17/2026

Thank you to the Surrey Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1271 for your incredible generosity and continued commitment to the community. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution and for your ongoing partnership with Phoenix Society.

Over the years, we've had the privilege of working alongside your team through community events, with the Phoenix Flame Food Truck, and we've seen firsthand the impact that collaboration can have. Together, we're helping create stronger, healthier communities by ensuring people have access to hope, connection, and the support they need.

Thank you to everyone who made this donation possible! Your support helps change lives, and we're honoured to be part of this shared commitment to our community. ❤️

The Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society was proud to present a $5,000 donation to the Phoenix Society in support of mental health and recovery programs serving individuals and families in Surrey.

This contribution was made possible through the incredible support of our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and community partners who continue to make our Annual Charity Golf Tournament such a success.

We are honoured to support programs that provide hope, healing, and recovery right here in our community.

Community Focused. Community Driven.

Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society
Phoenix Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society

06/26/2026

June 21 was National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, languages, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

We recognize that connection to land, culture, community, and self is essential to well-being. Through the Healing Grounds, an Indigenous Elder-led land-based healing space, members of the Phoenix community have opportunities to participate in Sweat Lodge ceremonies, traditional healing practices, cultural teachings, and community gatherings that support healing, connection, and belonging.

The Healing Grounds play an important role in supporting the wellness of Indigenous service recipients, staff, and community members while creating opportunities for learning, cultural reconnection, and relationship building.

Across our organization, staff and service recipients came together to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day through cultural activities, shared learning, and community connection. Celebrations included traditional foods such as bannock and fry bread, cultural discussions, creative art activities, drumming, community gatherings, and opportunities to learn from one another in meaningful ways.

Through Indigenous cultural programming, guidance from Elders, support from our Cultural Liaisons, and ongoing staff education, we continue to advance Truth and Reconciliation while strengthening culturally safe care across our organization.

Today, and every day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, knowledge, and leadership of Indigenous Peoples and remain committed to listening, learning, and walking alongside Indigenous communities with humility and respect.

Learn more about Community Connection & Inclusion:
www.phoenixsociety.com/community-connection-inclusion

06/25/2026

Help Build More Than Buildings. Help Build Community.

We're hiring a Full-Time Facility Technician.

From repairing and maintaining our facilities to creating welcoming spaces where people can thrive, this role is essential to supporting the important work happening across Phoenix Society every day.

If you enjoy problem-solving, take pride in your work, and want your skills to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today:
https://easyapply.co/a/fda6521c-c052-4dc8-abe4-ee9bc52ea311

Looking for another opportunity? Browse all Phoenix Society careers:
https://phoenixsociety.easyapply.co/

06/18/2026

Phoenix Society is pleased to announce the opening of Phoenix Pathways in Chilliwack.

Phoenix Pathways provides a continuum of housing options, including a 42-bed long-stay shelter, 27 supportive housing units, and 22 enhanced care units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Residents have access to 24/7 wraparound supports, including case management, culturally safe programming, meals, laundry facilities, and support to maintain housing stability.

This new development reflects a collaborative commitment to providing safe, stable housing and enhanced supports that help individuals build healthier, more connected futures.

Learn more about Phoenix Pathways and the services available: [LINK IN BIO] Or full link below.
https://phoenixsociety.com/portfolio_page/chilliwack-rowat-housing/

05/30/2026

This week Phoenix staff participated in the “Decolonizing Substance Use & Harm Reduction” virtual training led by Len Pierre Consulting. This important session explored the impacts of colonialism, racism, stigma, and prohibition policies on Indigenous health and social inequities, including the toxic drug crisis. Staff actively engaged in discussion, reflection, and learning around culturally safer language, person-first approaches, and Indigenous perspectives on harm reduction and healing.

The training highlighted the importance of compassion, inclusion, dignity, relationships, and “meeting people where they are at”. Recognizing that substance use and recovery journeys are deeply personal and shaped by lived experiences, trauma, and systemic barriers.

As part of Phoenix Society’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, culturally safe care, and the continued development of our Cultural Safety and Reconciliation Action Plan, opportunities like this help strengthen learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations across our organization.

We are grateful for the opportunity to continue growing alongside Indigenous voices, knowledge, and leadership.