Spirit Bear Center

Society

Building Confidence,

           Leadership,

               & Independence

   Among Aboriginal Young Women

 

Welcome

Spirit Bear Center Society (SBCS) is a charitable organization operating a 10 bed Residential Wraparound Treatment Center/ Shelter that houses young Aboriginal girls (ages 13-18). Our clients are at risk of experiencing homelessness and/or substance misuse and trauma issues. At SBCS we work to decrease incidents of homelessness, violence, substance misuse and perpetuating the cycle of abuse with our youth. Recognizing that our clients have experienced victimization in the past, often on an ongoing basis for much of their childhood, we approach recovery from a holistic point of view, with the intentions of healing not only the body, but the spirit.


Our year long program addresses the damage done to the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well being of a person.  It is well known that female Aboriginal youth in particular, are a highly marginalized demographic. Historically Aboriginal female youth have made up a disproportionate percentage of those who are homeless, in-care, and/or incarcerated. Issues such as sexual exploitation and substance misuse make
them hard to place in foster car, leading to street entrenched lifestyles, which for this group, usually results in justice involvement. SBCS helps these girls in their recovery while developing life skills that will enable them to maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle upon completion of the program.

Through our team of professionals and supportive staff, our clients have access to:

•24 hour Staffing

•Alcohol and Drug (A&D) Counseling

•Individual and Group Therapy

•Grief/ Loss Counseling

•Sexual Abuse Counseling

•Trauma Counseling

•Mental Health Clinician

•On site Nurse Practitioner

•Access and transportation to Specialized Health Practitioners

•On site Registered Dietitians

•Full time School District #34 Teacher and TA

•Education K-12

•Cultural Teachings including: carving, Pow Wow dancing, drumming, singing, sweats and traditional arts/crafts

•12 Step Aboriginal teen curriculum

•NA/AA meetings

•Spiritual healing

•Work experience

•Workshops/Groups

•Life skills training

Our primary goal is to set these young women up for success in their future by creating the foundation for long term sustainability of a healthy lifestyle.

 

“We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

                                      

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NEWS!

SBCS was recently featured in the Abbotsford Times. Please click here to read about our recent changes, desperate need for financial assistance and future plans!
SBCS has recently received a generous donation from Progenic Dental Lab, which has allowed us to purchase a portable classroom. With this new addition, SBCS is now able to run all education, training and workshop programs from this spacious and convenient on-site facility.  Special thanks to Lynn & Lester Ned who provided the funding to cover the cost of transportation and set up of the portable. Their generosity to SBCS is matched only by their commitment. Others who have also come forward to help cover the costs of making this transition possible include; Mr & Mrs Gerry Ennis and Mr. and Mrs. George Ferguson.

Special thanks to community sponsors: Blackwood Home Hardware Building Centre Ltd., Cloverdale Paints, Town and Country Floor Design, Deans Gas Heating and Home Depot, Abbotsford for their generous donation of renovation materials.

And last but not least, to all of our volunteers - Gerry Sawatzky, Randy Rebar, Greg Sankey, Harold Budd and Barry Penner for their hard work and dedication to this project. The results you have produced are truly a testament to your professionalism and honorable & charitable nature.

Thank you again to Progenic Dental Lab, Lynn & Lester Ned and all our community supporters and volunteers, your thoughtful gifts, time and commitment has greatly contributed to the growth of our programs. You are all an integral part to the SBCS family!

 
Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest celebration.

**NEW POSTING!**

Read our Mission & Vision