PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2024
CEASE OF SOBER LIVING AND OUTPATIENT DAY PROGRAMMING OPERATIONS
Lloydminster, AB – It is with great sadness and after heavy deliberation, the Board and Management of Residents in Recovery Society regrets to advise that it will no longer be accepting applications for Pre- and Post-Treatment Sober Living and Outpatient Day Programming. Existing residents in our Sober Living Programs will be transitioned into other treatment programs and independent living over the next few weeks. Outpatient day programming will continue for a couple weeks in an effort to prepare individuals for their transition. Wherever possible, administration and sober living staff will be transitioned into other Residents in Recovery
programs. Those where no role exists will be given a lay-off. The Board and management will be working hard over the next couple weeks to minimize the impact that this decision has on existing residents and staff. The nearly 100 individuals on our wait list will be advised during their weekly check-in that they will have to apply to other programs to begin or continue their recovery journey. Unfortunately, this is not an option for many of them as Residents in Recovery is one of
only a few that allow barrier-free transition from the justice system.
This decision has not been made without carful consideration of other available options. Requests for funding from both provincial governments have been made without success. Our existing funding agreement with the Saskatchewan Health Authority was effectively reduced when the cost-of living increase was removed from the contract last year. As this agreement covered less than 23% of the cost of providing this program, additional funds have been sourced elsewhere. The recent changes to the income support program in both provinces, has had a major negative effect on our resident’s ability to pay the $540 monthly rent from the shelter
allowance allotted by these programs. The Alberta government turned down our request for funding and has not offered any long-term community-based support for Alberta residents in our area. Community donations from 2021 to 2022 saw a 131% drop to $75,237. The last half of 2023 has seen a further 150% drop in donations. With the higher cost-of-living and wages, combined with a drop in the limited provincial funding and donations, Residents in Recovery has accumulated significant debt that it is no longer able to manage, while maintaining operations. With no funding options in sight, the Board has made the difficult decision to cease operations
of the Sober Living and Outpatient Programs. The Family treatment Program and Childcare facility will not be affected by this decision. They will be incorporated as separate non-profit entities and continue operating as they have been