Bernard House

Mailing Address:
1849 Ethel Street, Kelowna BC V1Y-2Z2
Telephone: 250-762-7175, Fax: 250-869-4715

Bernard House is situated in Kelowna, British Columbia and is able to accommodate eight women over the age of 35 years, who have been struggling with mental illness and/or addiction and have difficulty managing to live on their own. Our aim is to provide them with a safe environment while they maintain their recovery. There is no time limit on the length of their stay.

Residents are encouraged to attend programs that are provided for them at the house, and those offered within the community, which deal with issues such as anger, self-esteem, and relapse prevention. They work and attend school if they are able.

The process of admittance is by referral only, from local agencies in the community, and then an application process will follow. Self-referrals will not be accepted.

Comments from some of the residents:

-"It’s a house where you learn and grow, and are loved by all. It’s a house where responsibility and accountability are treasured and we (the residents) are always put first." D.B.

-"I came to the Karis houses when I came out of Crossroad. The staff is caring and supporting in I wanted to achieve. I went in a number of programs in order to change my street life, because that was all I knew. I could not have changed my ways without them. The houses are safe and everyone needs that to build a new life for themselves. They give direction so you can rebuild your ways. I felt so much comfort and love from the staff. They were a bit tough at first, but it was all for a good reason. It kept me clean and realized I need that little bit of toughness. I’m glad we have a place for women to live, love and grow as we learn a new live life. Thanks to All!" L.P.

-"Karis Support Society has helped me to live in a safe environment. I can learn life skills and I work on my issues, plus I am able to talk to staff about anything. There is no judgment here only love, compassion and understanding. They paid for my dentures so I quit getting more infections and they have given me beautiful special occasions and great food. They’ll do anything to help you out." J.D.

Esther House

Mailing Address:
1849 Ethel Street, Kelowna BC V1Y-2Z2
Telephone: 250-762-0809, Fax: 250-762-0810

ESTHER PLACE RECOVERY CENTER

Esther Place Recovery Center is a faith-based, year-long residential center for women aged 19 years and beyond. The program consists of daily group study as it relates to recovery from drug and alcohol addictions. Individual studies, art therapy, dance therapy, Pilates, garden therapy, individual counselling, and relapse prevention therapy are all part of the program. Esther Place promotes a healthy lifestyle for the whole person – spirit, soul and body. We are able to accommodate a maximum of six women and there is a revolving intake. Women who are on medication or on parole are welcome. Many lives have been changed at Esther Place!! Here are some comments from four of the women enrolled in the program: “ …prior to coming to ESTHER PLACE, I did not believe in my heart that I would ever get better. I was deeply depressed. Since I have been here I am learning about God’s grace and His forgiveness….I wake up in the morning glad that I am alive, which is a miracle in itself……’ T.S. “…my old beliefs are being undone by revelation that only God could give….” Y.M. “…ESTHER PLACE literally saved my life. I have relationship with God that I never knew could be so fulfilling and rewarding. I have a new belief system that gives me self-worth, integrity and hope for the future…” F.W. Esther Place has a professional staff which is dedicated to seeing the women live above the circumstances of life, and dedicated to seeing the women walk in their God given destinies.

Fuller & Davies House

Mailing Address:
1849 Ethel Street, Kelowna BC V1Y-2Z2
Telephone: 250-762-7175, Fax: 250-869-4715

Fuller house is a partnership between Adult Integrated Mental Health Support Society (A.I.M.H.S.S.) and the Karis Support Society. Fuller house is a home for women with mental health and/or addiction who are looking to make life changes. We expect our women to be working towards constructive changes in their lives and we will be there to help them accomplish this goal. The women participate in programs that are offered in-house and by the community agencies, which help them to deal with such issues as Women and Anger, Mind over Mood, Self-esteem, as well as helping them develop Life skills and Communication skills. Fuller houses four residents and there is a 2-year placement. As we treasure all our residents we help them to move on independently or help them find a place to live. We at Karis Support Society do give continued support for seven years, and this offers a feeling of security for the women.

Comments from some of the residents;

-"Fuller House has provided me a safe structured environment consisting of weekly routines that keep me productive and motivated. There are four girls in total that share household chores and responsibilities. This teaches us how to utilize healthy boundaries that we can take with us as we move on from the Karis Support Society." G.K

-"The Karis Support Society has helped me to realize that I am worth it. Fuller has given me the structure I need in my day-to-day life to abstain from drugs. Fuller House has also helped me regain some responsibility so I can become independent and self-reliant. Without Fuller House I’m not sure where I would be today and for that I am grateful. I also have a lot of gratitude for the staff and other resident. I’ve developed a lot of friendships and Thanks to Fuller House I can stay sober for another 24." P.G.

Lydia House

Mailing Address:
1849 Ethel Street, Kelowna BC V1Y-2Z2
Telephone: 250-860-9507, Fax: 250-860-9517

LYDIA PLACE RECOVERY CENTER

Lydia Place Recovery Center is the second stage recovery house available to those women who have graduated from the one year Esther Placer Recovery Center program. This house accommodates a maximum of four women, which incorporates a combination of in-house and community-based programming. The women may stay at Lydia Place for a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years. The ultimate goal upon completion of the Lydia Place program is that the women will re-enter the mainstream of society, although some women might require further housing after the two year period.

Karis Villlage
(formerly known as Sutherland House)

Mailing Address:
960 Graham Road, Kelowna BC V1X-1J4
Telephone: 778-478-2239, Fax: 778-436-9580

Karis Villlage is for women who are pregnant or have children and need safe housing, good medical care, and support for themselves, and hope for the future. Karis Society serves to bring “love into action” and has fully supported, semi-independent and independent residences for women who might be experiencing high-risk pregnancies and or need the support to move forward into a more positive life style. Karis Support Society is dedicated to providing a safe environment where recovery from addictions and attention to personal needs will provide the woman with an opportunity for a healthier pregnancies and a chance to parent her child in a supported environment.

Tomat House

Mailing Address:
1849 Ethel Street, Kelowna BC V1Y-2Z2
Telephone: 250-860-9507, Fax: 250-860-9517

Wallace House

Mailing Address:
1849 Ethel Street, Kelowna BC V1Y-2Z2
Telephone: 250-448-6788, Fax: 778-436-9580

Wallace House is a single parent home comprising of two 3-bedroom units and two 1-bed room units. Each side of the house share laundry facilities (thru separate entrance), garage and a large fenced back yard. Wallace house is close to shopping, schools, parks, and the YMCA. It is a programmed based home that provides safe, affordable, supportive living for single moms or dads with children, who have struggled with addiction and are in recovery and wanting to make life changes. The length of stay would be 2 years during which time parenting skills, counselling and many other programs, which will aid them in their parenting and recovery are available. The resident would eventually become more independent and able to move into low-income housing where support from the Karis Support Society would continue for up to 7 years.