With Seabird Island’s A:yelexw Center these include:

• Community health, mental health, or addictions workers
• Fraser Health’s community substance use services
• National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program
• Social Workers

With compassion and cultural humility, the A:yelexw Centre welcomes Indigenous people from all referral channels who are ready to walk the healing journey. Client stays are guided by an Individual Recovery Plan that the Case Manager creates in collaboration with the client. Programming includes group and individual coaching, cultural programming, health and fitness, and life-skills activities based on the Individual Recovery Plan. We are not a family-based recovery program; our goal is to work one-on-one with the client. However, we do encourage clients to build and maintain their extended support network throughout their stay by accessing passes hourly or daily.

Referrals: We do not accept self-referrals. Clients or family members are not authorized to make referrals or apply for funding. The referring agent is responsible for submitting the referral and funding application to the chosen funding source. Fraser Health is in partnership with our homes, and they screen all referrals to determine if each client meets our criteria. Please do not send us the referral directly; after screening, Fraser Health will fax it to us. (We will not process it unless it comes from Fraser Health.) Referrals need to come from a source that will continue to work with the client during their time at the recovery home, as well as once they have graduated and/or have been discharged from the program. Complete a Fraser Health Referral and fax it to 1-604-519-8572 or email it to mhsuresidential.service@fraserhealth.ca.

Detox: We ask that clients have obtained 14 days of clean time prior to entry, preferably in a Registered Medical Detox Facility, or upon completion of an Intensive Treatment program (IRT). We are a second-phase program.

Funding: Referring agents must apply for the client’s funding. We must have funding approval before we will accept the client for an intake date.

Ministry clients: Submit proof that the client has an open Ministry file (verification of income form) and submit it with the referral. Fraser Health and FNHA require that you apply for MSDS through the Ministry before attempting to apply for funding through them.

Fraser Health Funding: AFS subsidy through Fraser Health (eligible only if the client resides in the Fraser Health Region). Apply through a Fraser Health SUSAT Clinician at AFS@fraserhealth.ca or call 1-866-624-6478.

Non-FNHA Treatment Centres Subsidy: FNHA will approve 90 days with no extensions if the client has a status number. Apply on the Non-Funded FNHA treatment subsidy application online at http://www.treatment.fnha.ca. You will see a reference number when you fill out the application form. Before closing the page, write down the reference number to show us that the application has been submitted so our staff can follow up with FNHA for approval. FNHA will no longer give funding extensions for clients at A:yelexw

Self-Pay Option: If a client chooses to pay, they will have to pay each month in advance. For self-payments, the cost is $60.00 per day ($1,800.00 per month). If the client self-discharges early, the remaining balance will be refunded. Contact the A:yelexw Finance delegate to discuss setting up the self-pay option at 604-798-0949.

Programming: The programming is mandatory, and each client is assigned a counselor for regular one-on-one sessions with our Physician. They will have to attend all groups, one-on-one sessions, Wellbriety classes, NA/AA meetings, and chores. If they miss any programming or chores during the week, clients will not be permitted a pass on weekends.

Culturally Based: Indigenous healing concepts and practices. A:yelexw uses the “Red Road to Wellbriety” materials and steps. Some cultural art workshops are provided, and we also attend community and cultural events when we can.

Monitoring: Clients are monitored by the Case Managers, who will create and follow the goals of their Individual Recovery Plan. This will be assessed weekly and monthly.

Waitlists: When a new referral is received and the committee accepts the client for intake, the name is added to the waitlist in order of the receiving date from Fraser Health. The intake will happen when a bed is available for the client.

Additional Notes:

• Criminal History: Submit any criminal history (no to clients who have a history of violence—physical and/or sexual assault).
• Psychiatric/Mental Health: Submit any psychiatric or mental health issues. A:yelexw will assess clients with psychiatric or excessive mental health issues to decide if we could accommodate their needs. Our staff is not trained to deal with excessive cases.
• Early Exit Plan: Must submit an early exit plan with the referral.
  
  

Admission Criteria:

• Be 19 years or older.
• Open to Indigenous approaches to recovery.
• Have a history of substance abuse.
• Be screened and assessed by a referral agent through Fraser Health as requiring the services and support of a stabilization and transitional setting.
• Be a voluntary admission.
• Be a safe addition to those around them.
• Detoxed 14 days prior to intake, or completion of an Intensive Treatment program (IRT).
• Physically able to do daily chores and willing to follow all programming.
  
  

Exclusion Criteria:

• No evidence of active problematic substance abuse.
• Individual needs are out of the scope of A:yelexw employees.
• Unable to make independent decisions.
• Unable to protect themselves or follow directions in an emergency.
• Extreme mobility concerns.
• Requires daily Home Health services.
• Requires 24-hour licensed supervision.
• In an active stage of withdrawal.
• History of inappropriate conduct with children.
• History of violence, physical assault, and/or sexual assault, and unresolved court issues that pose a risk to other clients, employees, or the Seabird Island Community.
• Wearing an ankle bracelet as part of their release.