Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know About Hope Place

Programming Questions

  • Our philosophy of care is informed by trauma-sensitive principles, ensuring that care is delivered in a way that acknowledges and respects the impact of past experiences. Our dedicated team works collaboratively with participants, drawing on their expertise to foster empowerment and healing. By prioritizing competence, we ensure that every intervention is grounded in evidence-based practices that support growth.

  • We are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity, where all individuals are treated with respect and supported. Our practice is grounded in cultural humility and anti-oppressive principles, ensuring that we address each person's unique needs while honouring their background and identity.

  • We integrate both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and non-adherent Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills into our therapeutic approach. By combining these evidence-based methods, we help foster hope, build resilience, and empower participants to achieve their goals, while providing the necessary skills to navigate life's challenges. 

  • Our approach emphasizes healing both the body and mind through balanced nutrition. Our meals all follow Canada's Food Guide. Fresh fruit is always available for snacks, along with whole grain bread and cereals. 

    We respect religious and medical dietary needs. Any allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances can be accommodated as long as they are confirmed by a physician.

  • Our programs are designed to support your recovery through therapeutic, educational, and skill-building activities. We offer evidence-informed curriculum and group sessions that empower you with tools for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Our approach fosters community, connection, and personal growth, helping you build the skills needed for a fulfilling life in recovery. 

  • At Hope Place Centres, we believe that recovery is a collaborative journey, and we encourage you to actively engage in your healing process. We expect you to approach your care with honesty, openness, and a commitment to personal growth. 

    This includes attending scheduled activities, respecting the community environment, and maintaining a positive attitude towards both your own progress and that of others. 

    Open communication with staff and peers is also essential, as it fosters a supportive and respectful atmosphere. By taking responsibility for your recovery, you contribute to creating a space where healing, growth, and transformation can thrive.

Privacy and Security

  • You have the right to your personal belongings and the expectation that others will respect your personal space, unless it impacts the safety of the environment. You are responsible for your personal belongings and respecting the personal space of others. 

    You also have the right to confidentiality regarding your personal and health information. You are responsible for maintaining confidentiality regarding others.

  • You will have access to a locker. We recommend bringing a lock and storing any valuable items in it for safekeeping.

Arrival Questions

  • You will arrive at Hope Place Centres at a predetermined scheduled time. Before admission into the program, you will need to complete a preliminary screening. This screening process includes providing a urine sample, a breathalyzer, and a COVID test when you arrive.

  • The person dropping you off will stay in their vehicle until you complete your admission screening. They will have to wait in the parking area approximately 45 minutes while you’re cleared for admission. 

  • You must be detoxed from alcohol and drugs before arrival, but attending a detox center may not be necessary. If attending a detox center is required, you'll need to provide a letter confirming your intake and discharge dates, as well as any medications prescribed or taken during detox that are not listed on your Medical Clearance Form.

  • If substances are detected, you will be referred to detox and provided a new intake date. If tests are negative and there are no withdrawal concerns, you will be admitted into the Hope Place community. 

  • Your first day is designed to help you relax and get to know the Hope Place community. Throughout your first evening, you will meet the community, connect with a peer, receive a tour, and review guidelines. You will also meet with the affiliated doctor or nurse to address any health concerns. 

  • No computers are provided. You can bring your own cell phone and charger for use during designated phone times. You are welcome to bring envelopes and stamps if you want to write letters home.

Personal Belongings

  • You will have limited access to your phone. You will check in your cell phone upon admission and can sign it out for one hour, 3 times a week. (ie. approximately 3 hours a week.)

  • Yes.  When you arrive, your items will have to be sanitized as part of our bed bug protocol. During this time, we’ll give you a pair of scrubs to wear. Once your items are sanitized, you can change into your own clothes for the duration of your stay. 

  • You’re allowed to bring one small bag of belongings. We recommend that you bring comfortable clothing sufficient for 7-10 days. This should include sleepwear (t-shirts, pajamas, housecoat, sweatpants), a bath-towel, a swimsuit, swim towel, indoor shoes and outdoor shoes.  

    Swimming, walking, and hiking are mandatory activities so dress accordingly. Please bring a jacket or coat that is dryer-safe..

    Do not bring any clothing that depicts alcohol, drugs, gambling paraphernalia, casinos or is sexually explicit.

    Please pack your clothing in a soft bag. Do not bring a suitcase.

  • Please bring some spending money for coffees and other outings. 

  • Yes. Please bring your own alcohol-free toiletries including biodegradable shampoo and condition (e.g. Dove products) and feminine hygiene products. Please avoid bringing anything that is heavily scented — this includes no perfume, cologne or strongly scented lotions.

    Do not bring any nail polish or remover.

  • Yes! We encourage you to bring items that will help make your stay meaningful.  If you wear reading glasses, please bring them.  We also would love for you to bring a photo from childhood, some favourite photos for your bulletin board. If there’s a small, safe object that brings you comfort, please bring it.

  • Yes. You are allowed to bring enough cigarettes for the entire stay. Cigarette packages must be sealed. Loose bagged cigarettes are not allowed. You are allowed to bring a non-refillable lighter. (e.g., Bic-style) 

  • No. You will need to be dropped off at Hope Place Centres.

  • No. You are not allowed to bring any alcohol, drugs, or mood-altering chemicals. This includes over-the-counter medications and supplements (e.g., Advil, Tylenol, antihistamines, Visine, Vitamins, Protein Powder).

  • No. To make the most of your treatment and progress, we will supply specific entertainment. 

  • No. To get the most out of the process, please do not bring any computers/electronic devices, TVs, radios, stereos, clock radios, iPods, iPads, mp3 players, etc. You are allowed to bring your phone, but you will only have access to it during specific times.  

  • No computers are provided. You can bring your own cell phone and charger for use during designated phone times. You are welcome to bring envelopes and stamps if you want to write letters home.

  • No. We have designed specific activities as part of our program, so please do not bring any personal musical instruments. 

  • No. Bedding will be provided. 

  • To get the most out of our process, please do not bring any self-help books.