The Bridge Youth & Family Services has officially broken ground on Phase II of the Youth Recovery House, a first-of-its-kind, live-in treatment program designed to support youth experiencing substance use challenges in the Interior region.

 

Community leaders, donors, and supporters gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony, held on the unceded and ancestral territory of the Syilx Okanagan People, to celebrate a project more than a decade in the making. The event opened with a blessing from Elder Rose Lube, setting a tone of respect, reconciliation, and hope.

 

“This project represents the heart of our mission—hope and healing for youth and families,” said John Yarschenko, outgoing Executive Director of The Bridge. “It has taken vision, tenacity, and an incredible community to bring this dream to life. Today we celebrate not just the start of construction, but the belief that every young person deserves a chance at recovery close to home.”

 

Speakers included Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas and Councillor Loyal Wooldridge, who highlighted the City’s ongoing support for youth mental health and substance use services. Raegan Hall, representing the Hall Family Foundation, shared the foundation’s deep commitment to youth wellness and its extraordinary generosity in helping turn this vision into reality. The event also recognized Pam Turgeon and Shadia Doty, whose Parade with a Purpose fundraising initiative captured the community’s imagination and raised essential dollars for the build.

 

Phase II of the Youth Recovery House will expand capacity and enhance wraparound supports, offering more beds and services for young people seeking recovery in a safe, compassionate environment. Construction is now underway, with completion targeted for next year.

 

“This expansion is about meeting youth where they are, providing a place of hope and healing when it’s needed most,” said Luke Brimmage, Executive Director of The Bridge.

 

The Bridge invites the community to stay engaged and continue supporting programs that provide life-changing care for youth and their families.