The end of September marks the close of Recovery Month, and the first year of the Umbrella Society in our new office.
On September 1, 2024, with the help of staff & volunteers, we made the move from 415 Dunedin St., to 2675 Bridge St. With the move came:
-a permanent walk-in program
-2 new, private counselling spaces
-a separate space for outreach meetings
We didn’t miss a beat. Our sites and hospital staff worked as efficiently as ever—very patient with loud background noise over the phone; our outreach workers continued to meet people where they are at—even if it meant grabbing a couple lone chairs and sitting with a client in the quieter parking lot, and office staff managed day-to-day operations in between security installations and the occasional furniture move.
Needless to say, the teams did not sit around and (literally) watch the paint dry.
The same can be said for our clients and visitors. They did not let the busyness of an unfamiliar building deter them from reaching out and seeking support in recovery.
For this big move, we thank Sharlene Law, our former Executive Director. She saw where Umbrella was heading and gave the organization the space to stretch its legs. The first year at 2675 Bridge St made such an impact on staff and the clients we serve, and the community is grateful for her hustle.
Every September, we have promoted the impact of recovery, and our part in the journeys of so many. Recovery Month 2025, and our new-building-milestone, has encouraged us to share a snapshot of what we’ve been doing in the past year:
-We have hosted 11 outside community presenters to educate our staff on their primary initiatives. These organizations have included:
-the Borderline Personality Disorder Society of BC
-the Victoria Cool Aid Society’s REES Program (Resources, Education, Employment, & Support)
-the AA Bridging the Gap program
-Canadian Mental Health Association’s ASIST workshop (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
Internally…
The front desk phone connected with 9,180 callers.
Our drop-in workers have connected with 548 individuals, and 68 families.
They have made over 100 new in-house counselling referrals.
Our outreach workers have had 190 client meetings in office.
Comfortably UN-Numb has seen 45 clients complete their four-week program.
Women’s Group has had 56 participants complete their 6-week program.
Intensive Journaling has had 30 people complete its 6-week program.
We experimented with 5 summer workshops.
To those supporting this work, and to those who make the first steps to reach out seeking help, we appreciate you.
Recovery is possible for everyone.
We can help.
-The Umbrella Society for Addictions & Mental Health