Historically, across Canada, women have had fewer options than men when seeking out supportive recovery programming. At the same time, women are statistically more likely to face intimate partner violence and underreported housing insecurity, which means their journeys towards recovery are often more fraught. The opioid overdose crisis in British Columbia has underscored the urgent need for continued — and, where possible, expanded — recovery facilities for women.
That’s why we are so grateful to share with you an incredible and imminent change in our Women’s Recovery programming.
An encouraging move of God — and an unexpected opportunity
Since 1981, Wagner Hills has been a beacon of hope and healing for individuals in recovery. And for the last decade, Wagner Hills has steadfastly provided Women’s Recovery programming in Langley with care, love, and faithfulness. Their commitment to transformative programming has touched the lives of many.
Upon reflection in 2023, Wagner Hills felt God calling them to redouble their focus on their original mandate of providing robust, transformative recovery programming for men. Sensing that shift, they began praying for an organization with shared values that could seamlessly meet the growing needs of Women’s Recovery, and an organization that Wagner Hills could confidently hand-off the leased land to, knowing Women’s Recovery would still continue at that site. Union Gospel Mission (UGM) was at the top of their list.
Humbled by Wagner Hills’ trust and acknowledging the difficulty of their decision-making process, UGM carefully considered the opportunity to take over the BC-Housing leased land and continue the work already begun at Wagner Hills. Through a series of board meetings, evaluations, and prayers, both organizations felt God’s assurance that this was the way forward. Embracing a season of transition, UGM is set to fully open doors to women at the new Cedar Haven Women’s Recovery Centre by July 1, 2024.
Expanding our vision for transformed lives
As you’ve seen in the above video, Cedar Haven Women’s Recovery Centre is not small: it encompasses 50 acres of hills, trees, and farmland, an 11-bed recovery centre, and outbuildings that house a woodworking shop, a pottery studio, and a gymnasium. Operating the centre will be a new adventure for UGM — and allow us to offer women transformative recovery programming in a rural setting for the first time.
With Women’s Recovery facilities in Vancouver and soon-to-be facilities in Langley and Victoria, UGM has become one of the leading service providers for Women’s Addiction Recovery and Stabilization programming in the province. From faith-based communal programming to dynamic stabilization in urban environments, UGM’s range of services offers women increased autonomy and safety as they progress towards well-being.
We can’t overemphasize how much having the power of choice matters to women’s care. Recovery is a deeply personal journey, and women seeking support will now be able to find the setting that best suits their recovery needs. Our mission is clear: to provide women with the support and resources they need to thrive.
As we look forward to new stories of hope at Cedar Haven Women’s Recovery Centre, we are so grateful to Wagner Hills for their careful deliberation process and commitment to the men they serve. Through shared compassion and unwavering dedication, UGM and Wagner Hills are paving the way for people in British Columbia to find healing, community, and brighter futures.
If you, or a loved one, is seeking treatment and need more information on our intake process please click here
