What To Expect

What To Expect

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our programs are designed to support youth ages 12–18 who are experiencing problematic drug or alcohol use. We help youth work toward abstinence or reduce the harmful consequences of substance use. All services are voluntary and offered in a private, safe, and culturally centered environment, with access to medically supervised withdrawal support and supportive recovery programming.

 
PROGRAM FEATURES
LIVE-IN WELLNESS PROGRAM (Stabilization)
The Live-In Wellness Program provides youth with an opportunity to stabilize from the physical, emotional, and educational impacts of mental health challenges or substance use. The program runs for ten weeks.

Individual Wellness Plans
Each youth collaborates with staff to create an individualized wellness plan tailored to their needs. Plans may include:

Educational support
Vocational and life skills development
Leisure and recreation
Relapse prevention
Harm reduction
Personal development
Program Experience

Live-In Wellness offers a safe, supportive environment where youth can:

  • Explore new opportunities
  • Overcome barriers
  • Build healthy relationships
  • Participate in circle work
  • Make meaningful life changes
  • Develop confidence and practical life skills
     
    YOUTH WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT (Detox) – Coming Soon
    The Youth Withdrawal Management program will provide a safe, medically supervised setting for voluntary withdrawal from alcohol and/or other substances. It is designed for youth who are: Under the influence, In withdrawal, Experiencing a crisis related directly to substance use. 
    Youth will receive support and supervised care throughout their unique withdrawal process. The expected stay is 7–10 days. During this time, a case manager will work with each youth to develop an individualized wellness plan tailored to their needs.

This service is not currently available.

woman walking on pathway during daytime

Holistic Wellness

At Orca Lelum, we care for your complete wellbeing—heart, mind, body, and spirit.
We work alongside participants to co-create individualized whole-person wellness plans that may include the following:

CULTURAL & SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES
Cultural Learning: Traditional crafts, stories, practices, drumming, and singing.
Ceremonies: Blanket ceremonies, cedar brushings, traditional water cleansings, and other healing rituals.
Elder Support: Guidance and teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
Traditional Medicine: Introduction to traditional plants and healing approaches.
 
THERAPEUTIC & COUNSELLING SERVICES
Individual Counselling: One-on-one support with trained counsellors.
Equine Therapy: Individual and group sessions with horses.
Group Therapy: Peer support and group counselling circles.
Family Involvement: Inclusive support that welcomes family into the healing journey.
Trauma-Informed Care: Specialized care for understanding and healing from trauma.
 
EDUCATION & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Life Skills Training: Practical skills for daily living and independence.
Job Readiness: Resume building, interview skills, and job search support.
 
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Physical Activities: Sports, yoga, hiking, and movement-based wellness.
Art & Music Therapy: Creative spaces for expression and healing.
Outdoor Activities: Nature-based experiences that strengthen connection to the Land.
 
HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES
Medical Care: Access to healthcare professionals for physical wellbeing.
Nutritional Support: Healthy meals and education on nourishing the body.
Mental Health Support: Services that promote emotional and mental wellbeing.
Healthy Living Environment: A culturally safe and supportive home-away-from-home.
Nature Connection: Time on the Land to ground, reflect, and reconnect with self.
 
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Peer Support: Building meaningful connections through shared experiences.
Community Service: Opportunities to give back and strengthen purpose.
Cultural Connections: Activities that support cultural identity, belonging, and pride.
 

AFTERCARE PLANNING
Prevention & Relapse Support: Tools and strategies for maintaining sobriety.
Continued Support: Ongoing access to counselling and community resources.
Goal Setting: Supporting participants to create and achieve personal goals.

Packing list or travel planner. Preparing for vacation, journey or trip.

What to Bring

PACKING LIST

CLOTHING
Pants: jeans, track pants, or shorts
T-shirts
Sweatshirts
Shoes: runners, slippers, rain boots
Socks
Underclothes
Jacket
Housecoat
Gym clothes (shorts, t-shirt)
Bathing suit
SEASONAL ITEMS
Winter coat
Rain coat
Scarf / toque / mittens
Winter boots


TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS
Toothbrush / toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo / conditioner
Hairbrush / comb
Personal items
Lotion
 
DO NOT BRING (RESTRICTED ITEMS)
The following items are not permitted:

Aerosols of any kind (including hairspray)
Mouthwash
Nail polish or polish remover
Razor blades
Perfumes
Matches or lighters
Any sharp items
Any items containing alcohol
Electronics: stereos, CD players, cell phones, iPods, laptops, electronic games, DVDs, CDs, cameras
Pop or junk food (chocolate bars, candy, chips, etc.)

Luggage is searched upon program entry.
Restricted items found or turned in at entry will be sent home immediately or held until the end of the program.

 
OPTIONAL ITEMS YOU MAY WISH TO BRING
Favourite stuffed animal
Cuddly blanket
Items that help share your culture
Photos from home (no glass in frames)
Books / magazines
 
CARE PACKAGES
Care packages received during treatment will be searched. Any restricted items will be held until the end of the program or sent home.