About our programs - Fraser House Society operates a cluster of programs all designed to decrease substance misuse and lead to improved health for the community of Mission.  Each of the five program units has its own specific objectives and target group, but together they function within an overall strategy to meet the needs of the community as a whole.

Fraser House Society holds the view that substance misuse is a serious community, family and individual problem that affects the lives of every member of the community.  Since substance misuse severely impacts the lives of family members and others, all members of the family and community deserve assistance in dealing with the consequences.

Substance misuse seriously affects an individual in all areas of life: psychological, social, physical, spiritual and emotional.  Fraser House therefore offers a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of addiction treatment which recognizes the broad range of factors involved in the development and progression of addiction and recovery.  This model is inclusive rather than  exclusive in its view.  The complex nature of addiction requires a comprehensive treatment approach that will meet individual client needs.

The Adult Outpatient Counselling Program provides assessment, one on one and group counselling and/or referral to residential treatment to any adult adversely affected by the misuse of alcohol or drugs.  The goal of the program is to promote the health of individuals, families and the community by providing treatment and prevention services for those experiencing  substance misuse problems.  The prevention component of this program provides community and client education.

The Youth and Family Program  provides prevention and treatment activities directed toward children, youth and their families.  The goal of this program is to reduce the harmful effects of substance misuse in the youth population by supporting children, youth and their families (both non-using and using) in making healthy lifestyle choices and by offering assessment, out-patient treatment and/or referral to residential treatment to those seeking help.  The program seeks to improve family and school functioning, provide greater self-esteem and reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs within the target population.   Parents are encouraged to attend a weekly support group.   A Wednesday evening drop in “Pizza Night” is held for youth in grades 8 to 10 and provides a safe environment where students can talk honestly and have their questions answered.  Please consult the events calendar to find times and dates for Pizza Night.

The Youth Day Treatment Program component is an intensive day treatment program for youth.  The program was originally designed for students who in the past would have been suspended from school as a result of their substance misuse.  Many of these students would simply have spent their time at home or on the streets and would have returned to school with no greater resources to deal with their problems.  The program, approved by the Mission School District, offers these students one on one and group therapy sessions where they interact with trained staff and a group of peers.  The program is held both in the schools and in-clinic.  In-clinic programs are held on Tuesdays from 12:15 until 2:45.  Recreational programs are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. as well as Thursday evenings.  Please consult the calendar for program dates and up-coming special events.

The School Based Prevention Program seeks to reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs by providing prevention programs and early intervention to students enrolled in the three secondary schools and the alternative school in School District #75.        

It is within the school environment that the greatest potential exists to capitalize on the energy of adolescents and direct that toward positive lifestyle development.  The school is therefore the desirable location for comprehensive, continuous, and age appropriate alcohol and drug prevention services targeting youth within our community.  The overall objective of the prevention programs is to reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs by students by providing prevention programs and early intervention within the school itself.  Our school based prevention program is based on key contributing factors from teachers, parents, students and the community at large. This not only allows for in-put, but also provides a means of influencing and educating parents and teachers.  As the contributing factors are identified, specific, measurable, realistic objectives are developed for dealing with them.  This is an on-going process due to the fluidity within the target group.

The Elementary School/Community Prevention Program addresses the promotion and prevention priority.  It is a community-focused, school-based project designed to raise awareness and educate children about drugs and the adverse health and social affects of problematic substance use, while promoting supportive environments and healthy behaviors.  Fraser House Society has developed a seven session prevention program based on best practices to increase elementary students’ awareness of self, assisting them to feel more empowered, leading them to make better decisions, increased self-esteem and healthier lifestyles.  Mission School District #75 has recognized this need and has invited Fraser House staff to provide the harm reduction project to all elementary students who are in grades four, six and seven.   The program further offers drug and alcohol presentations and information to members of the general public and community groups and agencies upon request.

The Rural Connections Program  is designed to provide a holistic community solution to the problems associated with substance misuse rather than just provide band-aids to cover visible sores.  This program seeks to offer drug and alcohol counselling, prevention and intervention to support families living in the rural and outlying areas in the District of Mission and the Fraser Valley Regional District Electoral Areas C, F and G.   Residents of these communities often suffer isolation due to economic factors and lack of transportation to access social agencies who can assist.

The Rural Connections Outreach Counsellor is available through local schools, community facilities and existing organizations. The counsellor offers drug and alcohol counselling and prevention programs to individuals, families and groups.   The counsellor also helps clarify the issues within the family, and provides information and referral to services and programs that can help.  The role includes building trust, providing guidance and support steps to resolve difficulties such as isolation, lack of transportation, inadequate parenting skills, and similar barriers.  By accessing existing services and programs, relationships within the family are strengthened and stability enhanced.

The Counsellor provides  active leadership to build collaborative community solutions and strengthen existing groups.  By connecting with Parent Advisory Councils, self-help groups, community organizations, service clubs and parenting support groups, the Youth & Family Outreach Counsellor is able to provide information and resources and helps to increase understanding and ability to deal with family issues.  Presentations, seminars, and workshops are offered, to help build skills for local leadership.