Candice Q.
Fraser Valley, B.C.
I just wanted to send my counsellor a little something that I thought would make him smile. Your favourite alcoholic got two of her final grades posted this morning, and get ready for this… A+ in BOTH classes. Indigenous Studies at my age, who would have EVER thought I’d do this well. I am still waiting on my two other courses, but I am over the moon at the grades! Can you believe it, James? I am so, so grateful that I met you at the Orchard because had it not been for you planting that seed in my head to go back to school and reconnect with my culture, who the heck knows where this old alcoholic would be today. I know for certain my life is better forever by having met you. I look forward to the next Orchard Alumni day when I can come and hopefully spread some hope and inspiration.
Darren T.
Victoria, B.C.
Good day Orchard Recovery Center,
Today I awaken to another day of The Promises. I am so grateful.
17 years ago this evening, Oct 23, 2003, I entered The Orchard Recovery Center and began a journey that will forever change my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your professionalism, patience, and dedication to helping me find my way, to learn who I really am deep down inside, to provide a path for me to discover who I really wanted to be, has paid dividends unimaginable when I first arrived off that ferry from the mainland at approximately 7:40pm, 17 years ago today.
Although I am not familiar with all your current staff, those people dedicated to helping people like me find our way through our addictions, I thank you all for your continued dedication and service to the suffering alcoholic/addict. You all make a difference, you all provide hope when we cannot find hope ourselves. Your empathy and understanding of what we, the alcoholic/addict are experiencing, is immeasurable and appreciated beyond what I can express in words.
To Lorinda, thank you for everything you created on Bowen Island. It is a paradise that provides the peace and serenity to support the alcoholic/addict create a new life in tune with our inner souls. Your commitment pays off in results!
To Sue, thank you for your shoulder, your listening skills, your dedication to all alcoholics/addicts at all the stages of recovery. You were always there, always listening, always compassionate, no matter how long your day was.
To Kim, thank you for your smile, your amazing food that fed the soul, your patience with clients when they were grumpy. The role you play may sometimes seem in the background, but you are an integral part of the success and you are an amazing chef/cook!
To Shelagh, thank you for your spiritual guidance, the depths of your compassion and understanding. You provided an amazing path to follow. Your seminars were always inspirational. You always recognized in each individual what was required to assist in their development and your ability to deliver what was needed at the right time.
I have been clean and sober now for 10 years plus. I practice my recovery every day. My life just keeps getting better and better. My gratitude is overflowing. Thank you all who work at The Orchard. Keep up the good work. It is appreciated.
Lynda
Alberta
It is always on this day that I reflect not only on this past year but all previous ones before and since leaving the Orchard. Each year I think I will send out pages on pages of all the times, whether it’s been in celebration or in sorrow how grateful I am to have had lived them in sobriety.
This summer we celebrated our son’s wedding. He and his bride asked if they could have their reception here at our home. As anyone would tell you hosting such an occasion can be quite daunting and in that moment I truly felt the weight of such a responsibility. They went on to explain that being here on their special day amongst family and friends was the most meaningful to them both.
I felt very honored by their choice. Our son was born here and raised here. The ten years leading up to me checking into the Orchard were years I look back on as one long drinking roller coast after another. To know that even though those times must have been filled with so many negative emotions, the 13 years of not drinking had made our home a positive, beautiful place to be.
I once again, send you my heartfelt thanks and profound gratitude for enabling me to turn my life around. My time at the Orchard gave me such great tools to quite literally rebuild my life. I never would have seen, shared in or celebrated my son’s wedding day if it hadn’t been for all of you there providing such an amazing place to help people like myself.
Wishing you all another 24 hours of freedom,
Carrie B.
Toronto, Ontario
I came to the Orchard on March 23, 2008. It was my last stop on the block. My addiction had robbed me of all hope and the one thing I wanted the most.
Taking that long flight, drive, than ferry ride, the thought crossed my mind more than once “what am I doing here”. I wasn’t really going to stop – slowing down the drugs, and maybe not drinking quite “as much” is what I had in mind. The first few days were a fog (my sober date is March 24, 2008). I vaguely remember going to my first AA meeting and getting my 24-hour chip (which I still have). By day three something happened. I was sitting in the cafeteria – and the sun beat down from the sky light on me, and I said to myself; “I can never have just one”. I got it – Step One.
I vowed from that moment on to give sobriety a one-year chance. It was, and is, the hardest thing I have ever done on my life. I had not gone a day without drinking since I was 16 (I was 32 at this time). The Orchard walked me through the first three steps. They helped me in being able to talk about the root of my disease. They helped me start to see the light inside me, and in others. They taught me how to start to love myself. Needlesss to say I gave it the one-year and was absolutely amazed at how quickly my life changed – for the good mostly how I felt about myself. And how I realized that I was worth it.
In the last few years, sadly more than a few friends didn’t make it. I have been to three funerals within 6 months of each other, all from losing people to this disease. They all tried, as do I. I often wonder why I have made it, coming up to 4 years, and I can honestly say, the foundation The Orchard helped lay down for me; meetings, the steps, spirituality, and being comfortable to share about what is going on with me, I know these things saved me.
Thank you to The Orchard for help me in finding a life I never could have imagined, and I life I never even knew I wanted until I found the beginnings of it there.
Connie
Vancouver, B.C
My name is Connie and I’m a recovering alcoholic. I went to the Orchard in July of 2007 and have not had a drop of alcohol or any drug since. When I agreed to go to treatment I really thought I was just going to take a break from my rotten life and return to it with more control. I had no intention of staying sober and changing my ways. Although it took a long time for me to learn how to open up and speak the truth, the promise of a better life started to sound really good and one day it hit me that I wanted it and I wasn’t going to let anyone stop me from getting it.
I have had hundreds of reasons to relapse. Some of those reasons include people dying, financial problems, severe depression, anxiety attacks -you name it. But when I decided I wanted that better life, I made a conscious choice to quit giving in every time something bad happened to me. The Orchard helped me get through the really hard part of getting started, but then it was up to me to take their suggestions and keep going. This isn’t like high school where you slip up and get in trouble or that sneaking around doing shady things is somehow cool. The truth is, you can blow it all you want, risk your life all you want. No one can truly stop you.
It’s very lonely to realize you are the only one that can move forward or backward. I didn’t like the thought of moving forward all by myself. I figured only those really confident people could do recovery alone. I wanted a higher power and I wanted friends. I didn’t want these things because I was told it would be good for me, I wanted these things because I wanted to rebel from the people I had been hanging around, from the whole angry lifestyle I had been part of. I wanted something better than what I had.
Today I have a beautiful life. I can actually say I’ve been told by people that they wish they had a life like mine. They never seem sure of what it is about my life that they want. It’s certainly not the money cause there’s not a lot of that. I think it’s the spirit inside me that makes everything look so appealing. I have this constant feeling of joy. It’s weird. To be honest, it’s been over five years now and never seems to go away. I feel strangely content and can’t think of any way I’d like life to be different. I don’t see the world through a negative light. And why? Every day I choose to live by spiritual principles and give my life over to my higher power. Once I gave my higher power full control of my life, things have just fallen into place.
I graduated from Emily Carr at the very top of my class. I continue to sell paintings without even trying. I became a ballet teacher, am going for my final advanced RAD exam (which I never got because my alcoholism got in the way) and I just bought an acreage in horse country where I’ve wanted to live since I was 12 years old. I have two wonderful dogs (Boxers) that go everywhere with me and best of all I have a partner that I absolutely admire and love. He is more than I had could have hoped for. I know in my heart that there is not even one small personal success that would have happened if I was still drinking or using drugs. I was going to be spinning my wheels for the rest of my life if I didn’t get serious about cleaning up my life and my problem- which was not being able to see the truth of who I was. Of all the personal goals I have achieved, overcoming my addiction will always be number one.
To end my letter I’ll list a few of the suggestions I’d give to someone who wants them. They are from the perspective of making it 5 years and seeing way too many friends not even make it to a year.
First off, if you’re struggling to have a higher power you might want to ask yourself how long you’re going to let that negative energy run your life. Second, do yourself a huge favor and don’t think about any kind of financial success. Third, learn to look at the world with humor every time you’re tempted to judge. Fourth, don’t think about all the people that seem to hate you right now and start thinking about the people who care enough to come talk with you, or take the time to write a letter to you! You matter to us. And last, decide NOT to feel sorry for yourself.
I wish I had all the words to keep you sober. Somewhere, sometime you’ll hear them and you’ll be free.
Jamie
N.S.
I came to the Orchard on 08 August 2010. My sobriety date is the 9th of Aug 2010.This date is very important to me, as I have not had to have a drink since. I struggled with addiction for most of my adult life. I entered into treatment of one kind or another in early 2000, not being able stay clean for any length of time. Before coming to the Orchard, I knew I had a problem, but did not know what to do about it. While working with the Orchard staff 1 on 1, in supervised group discussions, with a step coach, individual counseling and many other great programs; we were able to identify where I struggle and what my strengths are. The staff then assisted me in coming up with a plan for living. It at times was a struggle, but, solely through the time and patience of the staff, I was able to understand why I felt the way I did, what I needed to do to overcome these struggles, and continue to move forward. I participated in all aspects of the daily programs. After 42 days, I entered into the extended program, which I participated in until the 15th of December, 2010. Before leaving, we came up with an aftercare program, which I have followed, and through hard work, I am a better husband, Dad, son, employee, and a happy and contented member of my community. I could never put into words the respect and gratitude my family and I have for the Orchard and the staff for their time, patience and genuine concern. I believe my biggest asset upon arriving at the Orchard was keeping an open mind and full participation in the program. It has worked for me, and I hope it can work for you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for giving me my life back.
Marla
Ontario
My sincerest thanks to you and all the staff at the Orchard for all that you have done for my daughter, Sam. Since she arrived home in February she has been so happy and she is a totally new person. That beautiful smile of hers has returned and she is really doing very well. She attends her meetings and is determined to live a life of sobriety. I can’t tell you enough how thankful we are that we found the Orchard and that as parents, we were able to send her to your wonderful facility. She absolutely loved it. I find it amazing that after only 28 days, the transformation in her is so remarkable. I think she is really and truly happy with the “new” Sam and looks at her future in a whole different light. In fact , she is currently out visiting some of the wonderful friends that she met at the Orchard and it is wonderful how they all support and encourage each other. They attend meetings together and it is quite a unique bond that they have. She is seriously thinking of moving to B.C. permanently so we will see what happens. Thank you so very much for all your help and support and please pass along my thanks to all those you knew and worked with Sam. The experience of being at the Orchard saved my daughter’s life and you sent her on a wonderful new path of recovery and sobriety. That could not have been accomplished without your help and support. Thank you for the wonderful work and contributions you are all making towards fighting this terrible disease of addiction. Keep up the marvelous work and God Bless.
Mary M.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
My Christmas at the Orchard. If you want what we have, Christmas at the Orchard was a necessary choice for me. Christmas?? The time of year most of us love or hate. For some of us, it is family, presents, caroling, celebrating, turkey dinner, treats and being around loved ones. For others, it is sadness, no companionship, isolation, fear, hardship, and no warm lovely place to sit by a glowing fire & maybe not even enough to eat. Most of us fall into one of these categories or somewhere in between. Mine had always been chaos because of alcohol.
My decision to come to the Orchard, meant that I would not be home for Christmas. How could I do this? Be away from everything I loved – including the booze. It would be the very first time in my life – I would be away for Christmas. This was my last chance. I had to accept not being home for Christmas, if I was going to get better. I would have nothing left in my life if I didn’t deal with my disease. It was life or death for me. For once – I surrendered & accepted this. I accepted that it was the only gift I could give myself, my husband, my grown children and my grandchildren. There was no other gift that would mean anything.
This Christmas was to be like no other I had experienced before. There were caring people, helping me to deal with my living problems and my fears. Everyone – Counsellors, Step Coaches, Admin staff, Medical staff, the wonderful Chefs, Kitchen staff, Maintenance staff were all very much in the Christmas spirit. They all put our Recovery first. They made my Christmas stay in treatment as if I were part of a family. I was part of a family – the Orchard Family. I finally felt a sense of belonging. There was fellowship, AA and hard work to be done on myself.
Despite the situation, there was breath taking scenery. A ton of snow fell that year, crisp cool fresh air, bright lit skies. The trees weighed down by mounds of snow, the surroundings were that of a fairyland. We even made a snowman. Christmas light sparkled in the snow at the Orchard and in Snug Cove. Inside there were decorations and a Christmas tree. We had roaring fires in the fireplace in the evenings when we shared. Always, there were Christmas cookies, treats and healthy food to eat. We sang carols and had an afternoon of fun with the staff, clients and alumni. Yet it was serene and peaceful. Christmas Morning there were gifts under the tree from the Orchard for everyone. Christmas Dinner was spectacular. The Chefs and staff worked so hard to provide us with turkey and all the trimmings. It was fantastic. Christmas came to the Orchard, the same way it does all over the world – no matter where we live. Together all the clients and staff came together in fellowship and understanding. In peace and good will.
I had a wonderful sober Christmas for the first time in many years and I was grateful. It was a gift, a miracle and magical. If it wasn’t for the Christmas I spent at the Orchard – I doubt I would be sober today. I was where I was supposed to be that Christmas.
Rhoda B. & Mother
Toronto, Ontario
To Daryl who put up with my “Do you think I will make it?”, “Can you tell me if I will make it”? So far it’s been 36 months (in 2016) and I’m still on the journey. Thank you.
To the girls in the kitchen who brought me clothes (some of which I still wear) when all I had was a pair of sweat pants and a shirt. Thank you.
To Shelagh, for helping me find faith when God was not my friend. To this day, it’s God that gets me through the hard times. Thank you.
To Lorinda, for helping me on the last day of my stay. When the the one person who had been there for me was no longer there, she sat me down and somehow knew what I was feeling and I was able to cry. Thank you.
To all of you, for teaching me to get out there and face the world. These 3 years have not been easy- there has been loss, cancer in the family and struggles. I was told “not to use under any circumstances”. For this I thank you because through the struggles there has also been joy, love and life.
Rhoda BI thought I had lost my beautiful daughter but then she came to the program at the Orchard and my heart started to hope that she would make it back to us. Even in the darkest moments of her life, I never stopped loving her ! Step by step you brought her back to me. I have my daughter back-and her daughters have their mom back. Also, I have my life back. Thank you to the family program that helped heal the family. I can finally sleep at night. Thank you to the Orchard- for teaching Rhoda how to do the work !
Shane
White Rock, B.C.
My wife and I have been meaning to contact the Orchard and thank you all so very, very much for all you did for our son, Colter. He has done absolutely fabulously and is still very much ‘clean’. More importantly he recognizes where he was and where he is now and for the first time in his life tells us he is proud of himself – in many ways, but certainly proud of what he accomplished at your center.
As a ‘spin off’, his roofing crew he has working for him have all quit alcohol and drugs (mind you he has threatened to fire them if they continued) and some of Colt’s other roofing buddies have also joined the change, so your efforts have certainly had a ripple effect.
Anyway, we thank you for not just giving us Colter back, but a much better and healthier one!
Yvonne
Vancouver Island, B.C.
Just thinking about how far Mike has come in the past three months just blows me away. I remember lying in bed one morning in early December, desperately asking God for a miracle……. and a few weeks later he gave me one. If you had told me 5 months ago that I would be sitting here on the eve of the anniversary of my son’s 3rd month of sobriety with a big smile on my face I would have told you that you were crazy. God works in strange ways, doesn’t he? Thank you so very much for being one of his guiding lights along the way, helping me make the right decisions for Mike and myself and believing that miracles can happen. I am so very grateful! In a couple of weeks we will start our next journey as Mike returns home, re-enters the workforce and the real world once again. I was driving home up Granville street and as I was passing a church I noticed their sign outside that said “Miracles happen if you believe in them”. God just gave me another sign that he is there and watching over things that are happening. I know in my heart that he will help guide Mike through the next step of his journey. I suspect I will be in touch with you over the next year as I will probably need a heart to heart every so often. Once again, I want to thank you and all the staff at the Orchard for everything you have done for Mike and our family. The kindness and care shown by staff as well as clients has been fabulous. Jess and Casey have stepped up to the plate and supported their brother through his time in rehab and look forward to having their brother back in their lives. I know this means a lot to him. It’s a mother’s dream to have all of her children sitting around a table laughing, joking and enjoying each other’s company. Thanks so much for helping to make it happen!
Brad
Alberta
Hi all. I just wanted to say thank you for the second chance at life you have given me. I never would have guessed how much my life could have improved by learning what you all have taught me. My family is very happy with the changes I’ve made. My family and friends are so proud of me as I am also. To admit defeat and surrender to drugs and alcohol takes a strong person. I used to worry what people would think of me being an “addict” most didn’t know and were completely shocked that I had to go and get help. The people I used to drink and drug with all respect me and do not come over with drinks or drugs, nor do they call or come over intoxicated. We still talk and some have been by for a cup of tea or hot chocolate. My sons have both improved their marks in school and have also improved in sports. I never realized how much I was negatively affecting their lives. We do readings and checkout every night, they love it. I bought a book called “The Secret”, also a “Secret” gratitude book, very good reading. My marriage which was over when I came to the Orchard, has now blossomed into a new loving relationship. My wife still does not admit she trusts me yet but I think she is well on the way as she sees the changes in me. Everyday I say the serenity prayer, take time to think before I speak and am able to control my thoughts. I am able to catch myself if I start to get irritated or frustrated, I have also told my wife and kids to call me on it if they see I am getting frustrated. I am very grateful for everyone and everything in my life, including you all at the Orchard. If you feel this letter will be helpful to someone who is struggling in recovery please read it to them. Thanks once again.
Dan S.
Vancouver, B.C.
Just thought I would send an email to say “Hi”. I’m coming up to 4 years at the end of the month. Since completing the program at the Orchard, I have been working at a shelter in the DTES. At the time I just needed a job- little did I know what I was in for. I started as a shelter worker for homeless men-it was honorable work. I moved up the ranks over time and created an Outreach department, educating people in the community about our detox, stabilization, and treatment programs. I would run into my step coach from time to time which was really cool. After a year and a half of doing Outreach, I was promoted to case worker. I feel truly blessed for the path God has laid out for me and I am very grateful to all the staff at the Orchard for teaching, mentoring, and supplying me with the tools which help me in my daily life. On the family side, my wife and I are still together (thanks to the Family Program. My eldest son is 8 and my youngest son is 3. I can’t thank you all that help me in my journey in life. I had no idea I would be heading on this path.
Jim C.
West Vancouver, B.C.
I cannot thank you enough-each and every one of you at the Orchard- for my recovery. What stands out most was that first phone call to Joanna. It was the last of many calls to treatment centers from the psych ward at the hospital. I was deemed unfit for recovery by many psychiatrists and was told I was better off back on the streets. This was also the consensus of the other treatments centers I had called. By the time I reached Joanna, I was convinced that the back alley was where I belonged. As hard as I tried to convince her that I was no good, the only words I heard from her were “it’s okay, you are welcome here”. Imagine being in a place of hopelessness and hearing those words. Those words have given me the life I have today.
Jordan M.
Calgary, Alberta
Christmas is one of those times of year where I thought about family, and what it was like to have one. Walking the streets, in the snow, planning on how I could get to a Turkey Dinner. Thinking, “Which church was it that I was supposed to go to?” and “I wonder what my mother and brother are doing?” “Should I call?” “I don’t want to leave another message.” And then “What happens if they answer the phone?” Christmas was like this for years.
Christmas at the Orchard was one of those things that I’ll never forget. It was the first time I spent Christmas with my mother since I was twenty-one. She has been remarried now, and this is the third time that I’ve met her new husband. My mother flew out to see me for the holidays, this is a vast change from screening her calls. She tells me how proud she is, and I can feel the pride in her. I think I cried a couple of times over the few days that my mother was at the Orchard to visit me. I don’t think that I had felt that kind of love in any of my memories at that time.
I’ve talked about the visit with my mother since then, and we both remember the same things; a little bit of awkwardness, lots of excitement, and a family taking one very big step towards coming back together.
Lee
Halifax, N.S.
As Jamie’s wife and mother to our four children I was not positive the Orchard was the way to go after everything else we had tried, but after talking to the staff I felt this was a new level of treatment that he had never tried. It was a long time apart and some days were very tuff and hard to get through but each day I heard a little hope in his voice. I also talked to the staff and received emails on his progress on many occasions. It was an incredible feeling to see people so focused on his recovery that they could overcome any hurtle he had as they came to light. They truly gave me back my husband and for that I will be forever grateful.
Mark
Colorado
After discovering the limitations and narrow vision that I lived with when I came to Bowen 16 months ago I look back at my time there. I was in a situation no different than a wild mustang in a small corral rejecting or seeing any new ideas. Your program allowed me to pause and see the corral of alcohol, pain killers, and depression that circled around me. Your efforts over the course of a few weeks showed me where the gate was. I now had simple choice to stay in that familiar small world or take the 1st step out into new territory where my strong will is of no use.
I know that corral will always exist and always be the same, but if the choice of freedom from it is offered I’ll take it even if I don’t know the trail very well.
Thank’s for opening the gate!
Terry E.
Vancouver, B.C.
Well HELLO everyone….
I hope the day finds you all well.
I am just sending this note to inform you that in just a couple of days I will have reached a year alcohol free! I could not have done this without the special help of…all the wonderful staff too numerous to name. You have a superb program and I am sure you are all proud. I reflect back daily and ask how I let this horrible disease get it’s grip on me. Well, not anymore or ever again!
I want to thank my wife, who drank rarely, but quit anyway to lend support.
Take care all, and THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
Craig T.
Pitt Meadows, B.C.
I heard someone at a 12 step meeting say that people with long term sobriety have one thing in common – an unwavering passion for their recovery program. The Celebration of Success Day at the Orchard gave me an immeasurable injection of passion for my sobriety program. Staying connected to the Orchard; fellow alumni, staff and current clients, is the cornerstone of my relapse prevention plan. The Orchard is where my new life began and because of events such as Alumni Day my growth continues and I hope in turn contributes to the recovery of another suffering alcoholic or addict.
THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!
Gayle
Vancouver Island, B.C.
First of all I wanted to thank you for everything you helped me with during my time at The Orchard. When I walked through the doors I knew I would get sober but I never expected my life to change so drastically for the better. I have found a home in the Narcotics Anonymous fellowship. I have a home group I feel comfortable in and I am now the secretary. I go to at least 3 meetings a week and have a sponsor who has a similar background and I am working the steps with her. Life today is fantastic, I have my family in my life and I get to see them daily. Hanging out with my young niece is reminding me what innocence is and how much fun playing like a kid can be. I got a new puppy to keep me company. I have started to remember all the things I loved to do before addiction took over my life, I forgot I was a bit of a jock and love sports. Thank you for helping me get myself and my life back, I will always be truly grateful to you and the staff at the Orchard.
Jeremy
Vancouver, B.C.
Last night our baby boy was born, all 7 lbs 12 oz of him, arriving at 11:34 pm Sept 17. He and his mummy are doing great. All the work towards getting clean was worth it for that experience. Not so long ago most people had written me off for attaining sobriety. A lifer for relapses. A number of years ago the doctors told me my chances of having a biological child were extremely slim. Through a loving God, through which all things are possible, perseverance and dedication to change, and a commitment towards a goal, I now sit at 20 months clean and the proud father of a one day old baby. Those who say there are no miracles do not know what they are talking about. I’ll send along pics one day soon.
M. L.
Vancouver, B.C.
I wanted to convey my gratitude and love for this wonderful healing place that you have created. I personally witnessed countless miracles every day, including many that transpired in my own life. I found my true spirit and sense of self during my time at the Orchard. I am so grateful for the gift of life and the passion that was revealed to me. Your recovery center will have a lasting effect on not only my life but the lives of my family- most importantly on my children. I see the difference in me through their eyes and they are so happy for my having had the opportunity to grow in this magical place.
The Dodge Family
Vancouver Island, B.C.
I just wanted to wish the staff a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are blessed to have found such a wonderful place for our son to recover. I want to thank the entire staff for having such an impact on our lives. From the bottom of our entire family’s hearts THANK YOU and we wish you the healthiest and happiest Christmas and New Year.
Ali S.
California
Hi, I was in your program in Nov-Dec 2004. I loved it, loved what I learned and love being sober. I struggled for a few months after coming home, but have now been sober for close to 3 years, have two beautiful kids and am very happy. My husband shares my sobriety date and is very involved in the program. I think of the Orchard often, I still do my Qigong sometimes and wonder about those in my cohort.
Daryl was my counseler and I thank him and everyone at the Orchard – what a beautiful place.
Bruce M.
Bellevue, Washington
You have saved my life. I am so grateful that you cared enough to create a warm, compassionate, respectful and spiritual environment for recovery. The facility, the program, the 12-step introduction, the environment and the community you are part of… were all uniquely and perfectly suited for my journey toward recovery. There cannot be another place like this in the world.
Cheryl B.
Lower Mainland, B.C.
I would like to thank all the staff for all their support in assisting me in my sobriety and all the words of wisdom. Please continue to keep it real!
Colin
Seattle, Washington
The atmosphere that exists at the Orchard is such a positive power. It’s an energy of compassion and understanding, open-mindedness and joy.
Constance
Vancouver, B.C.
I am a stronger human being in every way, my health, mind and spiritual soul have become something I never new lived within me. I thank the Orchard Recovery and Treatment Center and all its staff each and every sober day of my life!
Dave
New Jersey
I can’t express deeply enough the profound influence and impact the O has had on my recovery and my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the O or my time there in some regard. I wish there was some way I could come back up there, but I know everything happens when it is supposed to, and not necessarily when I want it to, so when that time does come…. thank you again and please pass along to everyone my holiday greetings and well wishes!
Elaine C.
Vancouver, B.C.
I can’t believe its almost 6 months (in 2008) since I was at the Orchard. I think of everyone often. I know for me I had to get past thinking I was a failure because of being to other treatment centers and not staying sober and going to the Orchard getting the help I needed so I could be the person and the grandma I knew I could be. I have been able to watch my little granddaughter so that is truly a joy and is only because I’m sober. I am really thankful for the Orchard, as are my family.
Elise
Vancouver, B.C.
Although we didn’t converse often, I wanted to convey my gratitude and love for this wonderful healing place that you and your family created. I personally witnessed so many countless miracles every day, including many that transpired in my own life. I found my true spirit and sense of self during my time there. I am so grateful for the gift of life and the passion that was revealed to me here. Your recovery center will have a lasting effect on not only my life but the lives of my family and most importantly my children. I see the difference in me through their eyes and they too are so happy for my having had the opportunity to grow in this magical place.
Greg
Vancouver, B.C.
I hope this makes you as happy as it does me! Yesterday marked my 27th month of sobriety!! Life is awesome. I accepted a new position at work and life is good. AND May 13th will be my 1st wedding anniversary!!! So YOU must always remember what a profound impact you had on me and how it changed not only my life but the lives of all those around me. As I sit every day in my big fat office and go home to my sweet loving wife in my home on the water, I thank you. Wow!!!!! And so it is true, a lot of “one day at a time” has poured the foundation and building a new life that was literally rescued from the edge and is now flourishing into happiness, love and joy.
J. J.
Lower Mainland, B.C.
I’ve been meaning to send you a note for a while now. Just wanted to let you know I am still on the right track. One of the main reasons I am managing well is the help I received from you. Our chats were one of my favorite things about the O. I go to at least 3 meetings a week and have regular counseling sessions….My work life is steadily improving. Keep up the good work.
John C.
Vancouver, B.C.
Hey everyone. I just wanted to take the time to thank you for giving me the jumpstart in my path to recovery. Being at the Orchard was probably the best experience I’ve had in life. The bonds i’ve created with clients there have grown stronger here in the bigger bubble. My last night at the “O” I stared at the ceiling in bed, cried and laughed at the same time, and thanked whatever force landed me into your arms. I’m back at home living with my family rebuilding trust, restarting the steps with a sponsor, following my music career, and working a great job. I couldn’t have imagined when I walked through your doors I would be leaving them with such potential ahead of me. Words can’t express, only actions. Never the less…thank you. Truly.
Jonathan P.
Vancouver, B.C.
…those that are here to heal, will. The beauty of the Orchard is that it is all here for the taking. The wise ones will absorb what is useful – the tools, and discard what is not – addiction and resentment, and add what is uniquely their own and Learn, Love, Laugh, Live and Walk on. I am able to do those things today only because of what I learned here. Thank you for helping me save my life.
Kate
Vancouver, B.C.
I’m writing to say thank you for giving me the skills to live a real life. It has been three years since I was there and my life is blessed. I was given the skills to be a productive member of society and more importantly the skills to be a good mother. My son J– is now two and he is doing well. If it wasn’t for you guys I don’t know what kind of a mother I would be or if my son would be a part of my life. I will be eternally grateful to all the staff at the Orchard. Thank you.
Katherine L.
Arizona
It is a blessing to be of service, to change the planet one person at a time. Words cannot express my gratitude to each one of you and how you have all touched me and helped me to become more of myself. Thank you so much for all your support and guidance. I will forever remember this part of my journey. God bless!
Lauren
Calgary, Alberta
Thanks to you and everyone at the Orchard I’m clean and sober today. Without all your support I could be out there still dying. I know I’m the one who has to do the work to get it, but you and all the staff gave me what I needed in my first 6 months. It gave me the foundation I needed. I’m forever grateful! Don’t worry I’m still grinning out here in Calgary 🙂 Miss you!
Lynne
Vancouver, B.C.
When I arrived at the Orchard I felt very welcome. Everyone was so nice and helpful. My friends see a big difference in me and that is because of all your staff, the good seminars & meetings. Buckets of thanks.
Marla
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
My experience at the Orchard was nothing short of marvelous in every way! The staff were, to a person, compassionate, understanding, intelligent role models. I made some good friends who, I’m confident, will stay in my life in one form or another. I learned a lot about myself, about living, about addiction. My expectations were more than met (and they were high). I came to the Orchard not expecting a life altering experience and, although these are early days, I think I had one. Thank you again and keep up the excellent work! I will see you all again at some time.
Max
Vancouver, B.C.
I often reflect on the gratitude that I feel for my stay at the Orchard. Gratitude for being heard with empathy, sincerity and benevolence. I felt a genuine nurturing concern for my emotional and physical wellbeing by all the staff. I cannot express enough how important that was and how it carried me from day to day in that difficult time.
Richard M.
Vancouver, B.C.
I remember being sober and clean on Christmas Eve at the Orchard Rehab Center. I wasn’t trying to find any drugs and I wasn’t trying to get high. In many ways nothing happened, it was anticlimactic, stress free, comfortable, and peaceful. I talked to my family on the phone. They told me how much they missed me and I told them how much I missed them; and I really did.
Rita C.
North Vancouver, B.C.
During my visit with Matt on his thirtieth birthday, I was reminded of how far he has come and how grateful I am to you and your wonderful staff for the very important role you have played in the success of his recovery. You have all encouraged and supported him every step of the way. We congratulated him on his “other” birthday in May and we are so proud of his hard work and determination. I know that as he prepares to leave the Orchard, he is well equipped to deal with whatever lies ahead. Thank you for your continued commitment to helping Matt and so many others. You have definitely changed his life- and ours.
Ryan S.
Calgary, Alberta
Best place on earth! Gave me my soul back and a new way of life.
Shelley
Kelowna, B.C.
Hope all is well at the Orchard and with you and your family. I wanted to send you a quick note as I have 6 months today!! All is well, no cravings or any urge to drink. I am running our Wednesday meetings and I am in a step group as well as a big book study. I have a sponsor. Anyway just wanted to say thanks again for all the support and guidance you gave me Daryl, happy wednesday.
Sheri G.
Eugene, Oregon
Working with people who are truly passionate about what they do makes all the difference. Each staff member at the Orchard Recovery Center lives a life for the change they wish to see in the world. Much more than a treatment center. Thank you team Orchard!
Susi
Victoria, B.C
I don’t have words to express my gratitude to the Orchard. After 50 years of searching, I finally can see myself and like myself.
Wendy
Edmonton, Alberta
I will forever be grateful to the orchard not only for helping save my life but also grateful to be able to give back in some small way. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.