Health & Wellness

Candidates
This Programis specialized for individuals who are committed to successfully reintegrating into society with the goal of independent living and working on themselves to improve employability. Candidates must be looking to be coached and bring a can-do attitude. The Programgeared toward those already in the process of sobriety and who have maintained at least five days of sobriety.

The Program
Programming includes The Mustard Seed Street School to help residents attain their Grade 12 diploma, employment coaching, mandatory volunteer hours, Interior Health Authority’s Smart Recovery Program, and housing advocacy. There will also be opportunities for spiritual growth with opportunities such as the Alpha Program. Residents are also required to attend weekly one-on-one meetings with coaches, engage in the 12-step Program, and volunteer. 

Meet Jeff

Jeff Arlitt is a caring and passionate advocate for people struggling with addiction. As the Recovery Manager, he relates and connects to the men that pass through this Program on a deeper level because he has also struggled with addiction in the past.

“Working in the Men’s Recovery Program is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. I love helping as many people as I can, relating my experiences, and having conversations with them about their strengths and dreams.” 

Jeff will be working with residents on a one-on-one basis, producing a detailed and personalized Program to make sure they have everything they need to be successful when they leave.  

“Nothing makes me happier than seeing our guys graduate the Program after completing all the courses and Programs. It’s wonderful to see the changes in the men and have them make it through a year of sobriety. Graduations are big days for our team!” 

FAQs

How do I apply? 
Men can self-register directly or be referred by any social agency in the Thompson-Okanagan region.

How long is the Program?   
Residents can stay in the Program for up to one year provided that the Program requirements are met.

What does it cost? 
The Provincial government covers the cost of the Program. Residents can also pay for themselves if they wish.

Am I allowed visitors?   
Visitations are done outside of the facility for everyone’s confidentiality and comfort.

Is there a curfew?   
10 p.m. on weeknights (Sunday – Thursday), 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

What is the approach?   
We believe that incorporating all the aspects of health and wellness is critical to successful recovery. Each resident is allowed to tailor the Program to their individual preferences, but all individuals must participate in activities that improve their personal, emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health.

Is the facility accessible?

The facility is accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

How do I get around?   

Rides to certain appointments may be provided by staff, depending on availability. Public transit is also conveniently located in front of the building.

What if I decide that it is not for me? 
Residents may leave whenever they like. There is no minimum residency requirement. 

Criteria for our Program:

Minimum of five days sober
Over 19 years of age & male
Experiencing drug or alcohol addiction
Funding in place, but not necessary – we will work with you!

Printable Application Form

Print form, fill it out and fax or email

Programs available

Alcoholics Anonymous 
Narcotics Anonymous  
Work BC
• Employment training/skills 
Interior Health Smart Recovery Program 
Urban Systems
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 
Trauma Counselling 
Street School
• Done with Kamloops-Thompson School District 73

Life skills
• Season’s Health 
Relapse prevention 
Volunteer options 
Advocacy for other local Programs
• Psychiatrists
• Counsellors
• ASK Wellness
• Legal assistance
• Housing 
• Mental Health

Testimonials

Mike H. 

“Growing up in Kamloops, I moved to the Lower Mainland to pursue my career as a chef. I got caught up in the party lifestyle of the restaurant industry and I made some bad choices, as I became an acholic and a drug addict. I moved back to Kamloops in search of a new life – that’s when I got introduced to Jeff Arlitt and The Mustard Seed. They provided me an opportunity to get cleaned up and I took advantage of it. The Men’s Recovery Program offers many programs and courses – whatever you need help with, they can offer it to you. It’s a safe place to live and I feel comfortable here.” 

Brian M. 

“Once I hit rock bottom, I was done with drugs and wanted to give them up for good. The Men’s Recovery Program provided me with the resources I needed to get me going in the right direction.” 

Andy G. 

“This Program changed my life for the better. I knew about the Program just from living in the area and hearing about it. The Men’s Recovery Program got me off the streets, off drugs, allowed me to obtain my high school degree and work part-time, all while having the flexibility to go through all the Programs it offers.

Success Stories

Andy Gamble

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO FURTHER YOUR EDUCATION

More than two decades removed from his time at the Aldergrove Community Secondary School, Andy Gamble has graduated with his Dogwood Diploma in March while living at The Mustard Seed Kamloops’ Men’s Recovery Program.

“It feels great to accomplish this,” said Gamble, a native of the Lower Mainland. “It’s something I’ve wanted to work towards for a long time, so I’m ready to move onto whatever is next.”

After his mother died in Grade 8, Gamble developed a drug addiction, which led to him dropping out of high school two years later. Since then, he slowly chipped away at his diploma, when he took math and English online through the New Westminster School District.

Gamble was accepted into Men’s Recovery Program last July. In November, he enrolled in the Continuing Education Street School Program – one of many programs offered to clients with desires to advance either work or school skills.

In a much smaller classroom than his high school days, Gamble put his nose down and went to work.

“Andy always showed up on time and got all his assignments completed by their due dates. He was a good example for the other students and worked hard,” said Amy Hilton, a teacher with Twin Rivers Education Centre.

Needing three classes to graduate, Gamble put the work in outside of the one hour per week classroom setting that Mrs. Hilton was around for in order to fast-track his diploma.

Now with his high school education behind him, he will apply for the welding program at Thompson Rivers University, as his one-year mark in the Recovery Program approaches. Welding was a natural fit for him, as he has been doing maintenance work for The Mustard Seed as of lately, along with his work experience and career education classes through Street School.

“I really recommend taking this Program. It wasn’t intimidating and it was very manageable,” said Gamble. “Hopefully that the other guys seeing me graduate can inspire them and give them hope to graduate as well.”

What Gamble is happiest with is the fact that he finally completed his high school education and can move onto his next academic adventure.

Brian McPhail

PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY PLAYED KEY ROLE IN BRIAN'S SUCCESS

Brian and his dog Pantera have been through a lot over the past decade and a half, a few highs and several lows. Now, they get to celebrate an incredible milestone, as Brian has graduated The Mustard Seed’s Men’s Recovery Program. A new beginning awaits them, all because of an exception made.

Now well into his 30s, Brian lost his mom at 15. Shortly after, he turned to drugs. As he spiralled out of control, he took in a female pit bull/border collie/Labrador retriever mix. Whenever Brian was down on his luck, Pantera (named after one of his favourite bands) was there to provide comfort and give him hope of better days.

“I needed my dog with me if I was going to get out of that lifestyle. She is my therapy dog and helps centre me. There was no way I was going to let her go or have her put down,” said Brian, who has lived with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) his whole life.

After a few too many trips to rock bottom, Brian realized he needed to turn his life around. He checked in with a few recovery programs in the area, but he kept getting the same answer: no pets.

One person was willing to talk and listen to Brian, Jeff Arlitt, the Recovery Manager at The Mustard Seed.

Finally in a Program he felt comfortable in, Brian began to excel.

He immediately took advantage of all the programs and courses available at his fingertips. Along with attending as many Narcotics anonymous meetings as possible, he obtained 10 different classes and certification cards, which will allow him to pursue a career in construction or mining once he leaves the Program.

“None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the Men’s Recovery Program and their ability to be flexible with me and my dog. It was a life-changing decision,” said Brian.

Brian plans to stay in the Men’s Recovery Program a little longer, as he continues to work on his addictions recovery, complete his high school education, obtain few more certifications and looks for a pet-friendly place to live.

Derek Finlayson

A DEDICATED AND GRATEFUL WORKER

After making a couple calls and deciding to commit to The Mustard Seed’s Men’s Recovery Program, Derek was able to get off the mat and get his life back on track.

“I struggled with addictions a few years ago,” he explains. “There came a point that I was in the hospital, and felt I needed to stop and change my life.”

He heard about the Men’s Recovery Program in Kamloops and its track record of helping people out with whatever issues they may be facing. Derek made a couple calls and exchanged emails with Jeff Arlitt, Recovery Manager and was quickly accepted.

While with the Men’s Recovery Program, he used the housing, meals, sobriety and work Programs to get better each day, eventually getting him back out into the working world.

“The Men’s Recovery Program offers so many resources to help you put your life back on track. For me, I took advantage of anything I could,” Derek says.

As part of the Program, Derek began volunteering at The Mustard Seed’s Thrift Store. Though he is legally blind, Derek adapted and always found ways to get the job done. Staff noticed his dedication and were blown away when he requested additional hours, having taken it upon himself to locate and apply for a wage subsidy.

“I was here five days a week. I worked 30 hours paid, and volunteered another 10 hours a week on top of that,” Derek said.

In January 2021, Derek was promoted to Project Coordinator, where he developed and oversees the Just Add Mustard Deli lunch package program, as he continues to find new ways to give back to the Program that supported him.

What does the job mean to Derek? “Stability, responsibility, accountability, humility,” he says, noting that learning to work for someone else has been invaluable.

Because of your donations towards the Men’s Recovery Program, Derek was able to get a roof over his head, a job to go to each day, and a supportive community around him. He feels incredibly blessed and grateful to donors for all the support he has received.